Birthmark removal

[bobbie]

Hi, following on from the laser tattoo removal thread, I got thinking if there is something similar available nowadays for birthmarks? I have one on my thigh -see pic... I'm v self conscious of it. I've taken to running and I'd love to wear shorts instead of 3/4 leggings but won't when it's like this ! Camouflage is out due to sweating etc. I'd asked a doc years ago and he said due to 'roots' I'd be left with a scar if cut out, but I'm wondering are lasers advanced now to remove ?

 

[jojo3742]

Hi, I had a similar birthmark but a bit larger on the inside of the top of my arm which was cut out about 15 years ago which did leave a large scar which has now obviously faded... I used to be an aerobics instructor and hated people looking and asking about the birth mark, have never regretted having it removed, the scar has never bothered me, the scar is hard to see in the pic ... Hope it helps x

 

[AmeliaR]

Often the scar will be worse and more visible than the mark itself and that's why the NHS don't like removing then, now with all the cut backs I guess you would have to get it done privet. I don't think it's bad at all!! I've seen much much worse I wouldn't worry about it

 

[bobbie]

Ooh thanks for that jojo, inspiring me to go for it. You can hardly see yours and there is always bio oil etc

 

[Chickafish]

I have one on my chin. It's about the size of my thumb, and looks like a dark chocolate stain. Most people mistaken it for a tattoo or a scar of some type. An attempt was made to remove it when I was a baby (doctors feared it was tumorous) but it grew back bigger and darker and I'm left with a slight slant on my chin from where the skin was gathered and stitched. I honestly think there is absolutely nothing wrong with yours. And you're very lucky it's not on an area that gets a lot of sun exposure like your chin. The only time you should have any concerns with it and consider removal is if it changes in anyway and becomes sensitive/painful. Just get it checked out every so often and protect it with zinc oxide cream when you're out in the sun.

 

[Mommabear]

I dont think NHS would do it anymore because of all the cutbacks, and id expect it to be pricey even if you went private. Id think people would automatically assume its a birth mark being were it is. I have one shaped as a bird on the back of my right calve count ur chickens though as a girl i knew had one on her neck and looked like a massive love bite :irked: xx

 

[Beautyandme]

Hi, I know this isnt going to be off any help. But you look like you have fab legs and I wouldnt let your birth mark get in the way of wearing what you want to wear.

I have a birth mark on the side of my calf, and no one's ever said anything about it.

You enjoy your legs before stretchmarks and cellulite hit you

 

[bobbie]

Thanks for all the kind words - still can't see beyond it. Wondering now about dermablend or camouflaging - anyone recommend one ?

 

[SaraC]

I've also got one on my thigh, a bit bigger than yours though lol! It doesn't bother me one bit I usually forget I have it, didn't even know you could get them removed! If you're still concerned by it I'd go down the camouflage makeup way rather than scarring your legs mine looks like I've left a giant teabag on my thigh haha!

 

[skingeek78]

Thanks for all the kind words - still can't see beyond it. Wondering now about dermablend or camouflaging - anyone recommend one ?

If you contact BASC (The British Association of Skin Camouflage) www.skin-camouflage.net/
They can put you in touch with a camouflage specialist who can help show you technique and products best for you, you can sometimes ask you GP for referral and advice to a camouflage nurse if it is scarring or causing you distress. I do this but I am not based in the UK. Xxx

 

[Vanityloves]

I had a birthmark on my neck and had it removed by the NHS. My last surgery was little over a year ago and I am left with around a 3.5" scar, it's barely visible and people rarely notice. From my personal experience the surgery has completely changed my life, I now have more confidence and can actually wear my hair up! Something I hadn't done for over 10years! If it means that much to you and NHS are willing to do it I would recommend going for it. I've never regretted the surgery or the fact I'm left with a scar, for me it was worth it.! Hope my wee story helps x

 

[Vanityloves]

My scar

 

[Vanityloves]

I know a few years ago NHS use to provide camouflage makeup, ask your gp about covermark, that's what I got for in between surgeries x