Birthmarks

Vascular lesions are relatively common abnormalities of the skin and underlying tissues, more commonly known as birthmarks. There are three major categories of vascular lesions:

• Hemangiomas
• Vascular Malformations
• Pyogenic granulomas

While these birthmarks can look similar at times, they each vary in terms of origin and necessary treatment.

Hemangiomas are the most common type of vascular lesion in children. They are benign, or noncancerous, tumours of the cells that line blood vessels. They usually appear at or shortly after birth as faint areas of pinkish-red discoloration of the skin and then quickly undergo a period of rapid growth.

During this time, the lesions enlarge in size and thickness, darken in color and can have problems with ulceration (breakdown of the overlying skin), bleeding and/or infection. The appearance of a hemangioma will vary based on the depth of involvement of the lesion. Superficial hemangiomas appear a bright red color and frequently grow outward on top of the skin surface whereas deeper lesions look more like a bruise on the skin with a soft tissue mass beneath it.

Hemangiomas involving the eyelid can cause permanent loss of eyesight if they grow to block an infant’s vision. Similarly, lesions that obstruct the ear canal can interfere with hearing and speech development. Because of this, lesions in these critical areas will be treated more aggressively. Finally, patients with multiple hemangiomas or extensive lesions around the neck and face may have associated internal lesions of the airway or vital organs that put them at risk for life threatening complications, and should be referred to an experienced practitioner for further diagnosis and care.

Finally, laser therapy can be used to treat ulcerated lesions, as well as any residual blood vessels or discoloration that may remain after involution. Extensive airway lesions may also require CO2 laser therapy for management, which is carried out by an otolaryngologist (ENT surgeon) under anesthesia.

Hemangiomas are fairly common infantile vascular birthmarks whose noticeable appearance and growth cycle can cause significant distress for the family of affected children. Our team of Plastic Surgeons will customize a treatment plan for your child’s distinct lesion, working with other experienced practitioners to achieve the best long-term aesthetic outcome and a happy, healthy child.

The surgical treatment of hemangiomas must carefully balance the need for early treatment with the scarring that will be created by the procedure. Because most lesions undergo at least a fair amount of involution on their own, it is important to delay most surgery until this occurs to allow tissue to stabilize before reconstruction. This will maximize healing and minimize the length of scars. An exception to waiting may occur if surgery provides the quickest option to relieve obstruction or allows better staging of reconstruction the lesion. These situations are best determined by an experienced paediatric plastic surgeon.

Vascular malformations represent a group of congenital errors in the formation of vessels. They are classified based on the type of vessel(s) that comprise the lesion and the speed of blood flow occurring within them. There are four types of Vascular Malformations:

• Capillary Malformations
• Venous Malformations
• Lymphatic Malformations
• Arteriovenous (or arterial) Malformations

Each type has its own distinct characteristics and prognosis, which affects the treatment plan required.

Pyogenic granulomas are benign, acquired vascular lesions of the skin that can form in response to local tissue injury. They appear as rapidly-growing, red, and often ulcerating bump or polyp-like masses which bleed easily when disturbed. They are commonly found in children or pregnant women especially on the mouth or fingertips.

Although these lesions can go away on their own, they usually require treatment. Surgical strategies include removal by incision with a margin of normal skin. As well as, primary repair or shaving with cauterization of the base; this can result in more scarring.

From initial consultation through surgery and follow-up care, we are committed to finding the best possible solution for your child. Call us today at +91 9980366994 to schedule an appointment with our plastic surgery team. We are here to support you every step of the way.

WHAT ARE PORTWINE BIRTHMARK STAINS?

A port wine stain is a flat, red or purple mark on the skin that is present from birth. It is caused by the abnormal development of blood vessels in the skin. Over time, some port wine birthmarks may become thicker and darker and develop raised bumps and ridges.

About three in every 1,000 children are born with a port wine stain and some studies suggest that girls are about twice as likely to have a port wine stain as boys, but it is not known why. About 65 per cent of port wine stains are on the head and neck. The colour of these birthmarks can vary from light red to a dark purple. Over the years the port wine stain can darken as blood flow through the skin becomes more sluggish.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Universal IPL – Intense Pulsed Light technology involves short pulses of intense light being beamed into your skin from a handpiece controlled by a fully-trained technician. It can be used to treat thread veins; rosacea, or persistent redness; birthmarks including port wine stains; pigmentation issues on light skin tones; broken or damaged facial capillaries and cherry angiomas.

HOW CAN THE LUMENIS M22 TREAT PORTWINE BIRTHMARK STAINS?

The IPL technology with long pulse Nd: YAG in the Lumenis M22™ machines sends light energy into the skin cells that contain deformed blood vessels and heats them up. It is non-invasive, safe and effective. The heat closes the vein’s walls, eventually causing them to disappear. IPL is very precise and can treat the specific blood vessels only, without affecting or damaging the surrounding skin.

The long-pulsed Nd:YAG with IPL laser is deeply penetrating into skin and can be effective in treatment of vascular targets, such as nodular lesions in port wine stains and reticular leg veins. By protecting the epidermis, cooling allows for safer use of higher radiant exposures, permits treatment of patients with darker skin types, decreases treatment pain, and enhances therapeutic outcome.

Our expert doctor will apply a few pulses of light energy on each blood vessel source and the treatment is likely to take 10 to 20 minutes depending on the size of the birthmark being treated. Improvements can usually be seen from the first treatment and our clients report that there is minimal discomfort. You will be able to go straight back to your day after our treatment without delay making it ideal for people with busy lives.

WHAT IS THE DOWN TIME FOR THIS LASER?

The downtime for this treatment is minimum to NIL, although it can include some mild redness for few hours

DOES IT HURT?

You will experience some heat and mild tingling while the peel is on the skin. Once it has been removed the skin is cooled and will return to normal.

HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS?

At Anew Cosmetic Clinic we can offer you a no-obligation consultation and patch test. Our expert doctor Dr K Prem Ananad, Celebrity Cosmetic &Facial Plastic Surgeon will take your medical history, to ensure the process is safe for you. They will explain the process in detail and give you an assessment of how many sessions you may need and the results you can expect. You will also get to experience a patch test so that you know what the treatment will feel like. Our expert doctor will give you full aftercare advice, particularly about staying out of the sun and wearing sun block.

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