Birth Marks (nevi)

Understanding Birthmarks: Expert Assessment & Removal in Glasgow at Harley Street Medics

Birthmarks are common skin markings that can be present at birth or appear shortly thereafter. They come in a wide array of shapes, sizes, colours, and textures. While most birthmarks are harmless and a unique part of an individual, some people may have concerns about their appearance or, rarely, their potential health implications. At Harley Street Medics in Glasgow, our experienced dermatologists and plastic surgeons offer expert assessment and advanced birthmark removal treatments.

This page will help you understand what a birth mark is, what causes a birth mark, what does a birth mark look like, and explore the professional options available if you are considering how to remove birth mark.

Understanding Birthmarks: Expert Assessment & Removal in Glasgow at Harley Street Medics

So, what is a birth mark exactly? A birthmark is a benign (non-cancerous) irregularity on the skin that is present at birth or develops within the first few weeks of life. They are a common occurrence. You might also hear people ask, “whats a birth mark?” – it’s simply a descriptive term for these congenital skin features.

There are two main categories of birthmarks:

Vascular Birthmarks: These are caused by an abnormal collection or formation of blood vessels in or under the skin. They often appear red, pink, purple, or bluish.
Pigmented Birthmarks: These occur when there is an overproduction of melanin (the pigment that gives skin its colour) in a specific area. They are typically shades of brown, tan, or black, and can even be bluish-grey

What Does a Birthmark Look Like? A Spectrum of Appearances

What does a birth mark look like? The appearance of a birthmark is incredibly diverse. Here are some common types:

Vascular Birthmarks:
- Salmon Patches (Stork Bites, Angel Kisses):
  These are flat, faint pink or reddish patches often found on the nape of the neck, eyelids, or forehead of newborns. They usually fade over time, especially those on the face.
- Port-Wine Stains (Nevus Flammeus):
  These are flat birthmarks that range in colour from pink or red to dark purple. They can appear anywhere on the body, vary greatly in size, and are typically permanent, sometimes darkening or thickening with age if untreated.
- Infantile Haemangiomas (Strawberry Marks):
  These often start as a small, flat red mark but can grow rapidly into a raised, bright red, spongy mass during the first few months of life. Most will then gradually shrink and fade over several years, though some may require treatment.
Pigmented Birthmarks:
- Congenital Moles (Congenital Melanocytic Nevi – CMN):
  These are moles that are present at birth. They can range in size from very small to very large and are typically brown or black. Larger congenital moles may have a slightly increased risk of developing into skin cancer later in life and often require monitoring.
- Café-au-Lait Spots:
  These are flat, oval-shaped birthmarks that are light to dark brown in colour, resembling coffee with milk. While usually harmless, having multiple large spots can sometimes be a sign of an underlying genetic condition.
Mongolian Spots (Dermal Melanocytosis):
These are flat, bluish-grey patches that can look like bruises. They are most common on the lower back and buttocks of babies with darker skin tones and typically fade during early childhood.

What Causes a Birthmark? And How Do You Get One?

A common question is “what causes a birth mark?” or “how do you get a birth mark?” For most birthmarks, the exact cause is unknown, and they are not generally preventable. Importantly, they are not caused by anything the mother did or did not do during pregnancy.

Vascular birthmarks occur because blood vessels (capillaries, veins, or arteries) do not form correctly during development. They may be too numerous, too wide, or abnormal in structure.
Pigmented birthmarks are caused by an overgrowth or clustering of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin (skin pigment).

While most birthmarks are sporadic (occur by chance), some rare genetic syndromes can include specific types of birthmarks as a feature.

What Does a Birthmark Mean? Separating Fact from Fiction

Many cultures have myths and stories attempting to explain “what does a birth mark mean.” Medically, most birthmarks have no specific health meaning and are simply a variation in skin development. They are not usually indicative of a person’s health or future.

However, it’s important to note that:

Certain types or a large number of specific birthmarks (e.g., multiple café-au-lait spots, some extensive port-wine stains, or very large congenital moles) can occasionally be associated with underlying medical conditions.
Any birthmark that changes in size, shape, or colour, or that bleeds or itches, should be evaluated by a doctor.

For most people, a birthmark is a unique characteristic without further medical implication.

How to Remove Birthmarks: Professional Treatment Options

Not all birthmarks require removal. Many fade on their own, and many are simply accepted as part of an individual’s appearance. However, if a birthmark is causing cosmetic concern, emotional distress, or if there are medical reasons (such as risk of complications or association with a syndrome), various professional treatments are available to remove birth mark or reduce its appearance.

At Harley Street Medics in Glasgow, our specialists will assess the type of birthmark and discuss the most suitable treatment options, which may include:

Laser Therapy: This is a common and highly effective treatment for many vascular birthmarks, such as port-wine stains and some haemangiomas, as well as for some pigmented birthmarks like café-au-lait spots and unwanted freckle-like marks. Specific lasers target the blood vessels or pigment, causing them to break down and fade over a series of treatments.
Surgical Excision: This involves cutting out the birthmark and is often used for raised birthmarks like congenital moles or certain haemangiomas, particularly if they are large, in an awkward location, or if there is a concern about cancerous changes (for moles).
Topical Medications: Prescription creams (e.g., beta-blockers for certain haemangiomas, or lightening agents for some superficial pigmented marks) can be effective in some cases, often under the guidance of a dermatologist.
Cryotherapy (Freezing): This may be used for some smaller, superficial birthmarks, but is less common for many types compared to laser or surgery.

The best approach for birthmark care depends on the specific type, size, depth, and location of the birthmark, as well as the patient’s age and skin type.

Explore our advanced Birthmark Removal treatments in Glasgow.

Your Patient Journey: Understanding Your Options for Birthmark Treatment

Your journey at Harley Street Medics begins with a thorough consultation to assess your birthmark, discuss your concerns and goals, and determine the most appropriate treatment plan for you.

Learn more about what to expect during your visit to Harley Street Medics.

Hear From Our Patients

Why Choose Harley Street Medics for Birthmark Assessment & Removal in Glasgow?

Expert Diagnosis & Tailored Treatment: Our Dermatologist, Dr. Vincent Kabeya, offers expert diagnosis of all types of birthmarks and can manage non-surgical treatments including laser therapy. Our highly skilled Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Khalil Al-Nakib, specialises in surgical birthmark treatment, ensuring optimal cosmetic outcomes, especially for complex or larger birthmarks.
Advanced Technology: We utilize state-of-the-art laser systems and surgical techniques for effective and safe birthmark treatment.
Comprehensive Care: We provide a patient-centred approach, from initial consultation and diagnosis to treatment and aftercare.
Focus on Safety & Results: Our priority is to deliver safe treatments that achieve the best possible improvement in the appearance of your birthmark.

Frequently Asked Questions About Birthmarks

Let’s address some more common queries:

What is a birth mark?

A birth mark is a coloured mark on or under the skin that is present at birth or develops shortly after. They come in many different types, colours, shapes, and sizes.

What causes a birth mark? Are they hereditary?

The exact cause of a birth mark is often unknown. Vascular birthmarks are due to abnormal blood vessel formation, while pigmented birthmarks are from clusters of pigment cells. Most birthmarks are not hereditary, though some families may show a tendency towards certain types. They are not caused by anything a mother did during pregnancy.

What does a birth mark look like?

Birthmarks vary greatly. They can be flat or raised, pink, red, purple (vascular types like port-wine stains or haemangiomas) or brown, tan, black, or bluish-grey (pigmented types like moles, café-au-lait spots, or Mongolian spots).

Do all birthmarks need to be removed?

No, most birthmarks are harmless and do not require medical treatment. The decision to remove birth mark is often for cosmetic reasons, or if the birthmark is causing symptoms, is in a problematic location, or (rarely) has a risk of complications.

How can a birth mark be removed?

Common professional methods for birthmark removal include laser therapy (especially for port-wine stains and some pigmented marks), surgical excision (for moles or raised marks), and sometimes topical medications. The best method depends on the type of birthmark.

What does a birth mark mean? Does it signify anything?

Medically, most birthmarks carry no special meaning. Old wives’ tales or cultural beliefs about birthmarks are not scientifically supported. However, very rarely, certain types or multiple birthmarks can be associated with underlying medical conditions, which is why professional assessment can be important if you have concerns.

Is birthmark removal painful?

Discomfort varies with the procedure. Laser therapy might feel like a rubber band snapping against the skin; topical anaesthetics are often used. Surgical excision is done under local (or sometimes general) anaesthesia, so no pain is felt during the procedure, though some discomfort may occur during healing. Our team prioritises your comfort.

Find Us in Glasgow

Address: 154 Clyde Street, Glasgow, G1 4EX
Phone: 0141 488 8985
Email: hello@harleystreetmedics.clinic

Your Next Step: Book Your Consultation in Glasgow

While most birthmarks are a harmless part of who you are, if your birthmark causes you concern for any reason, professional advice and effective treatments are available. The specialists at Harley Street Medics in Glasgow are here to provide expert assessment and discuss your options.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about birthmark treatment.