Having just read through some of the posts again, I thought I would just clarify something;

We keep mentioning ‘birthmark REMOVAL’. When I was a child, the only treatment available was REMOVAL by a plastic surgeon ~ this would involve cutting and scarring. When we talk about modern lasers, using the word ‘removal’ is a bit misleading ~ laser treatment FADES birthmarks. I’m not sure of the exact scientific process, but lasers work under the skin to prevent pigment (colour) being created in the skin (or something like that, lol!). In my case, my birthmark has become a little lighter after every treatment (about 7 or so treatments), and is now VERY faint ~ I hope one more treatment may finally fade it to my natural skin colour. Laser is not ‘instant removal’, but leaves no scars.

Britiney: Did you have your treatment in July? How did it go?

I was so sad that I lost the link to this page when my laptop broke down, but I’m so happy to have found it again!

First of all, I thought I’d update you on my own birthmark treatment. If you’ve read my last posts, you’ll know I had some treatments ten years ago which faded my ‘cafe-au-lait’ birthmark considerably… but it was still slightly noticeable. Since my last messages, I’ve had two treatments with Dr Walker and it has now ALMOST GONE!!! ~ It now looks more like a light shadow… but VERY faint. Only a year ago, I was aware of people glancing at it when thay were talking to me, but now they never do! I’m really delighted! I will try another treatment in a few months time, but if it doesn’t fade any more, I’m perfectly happy with it (I never imagined I’d be happy until it was 100% gone).

I just wanted to let you all know that you don’t have to put up with your birthmarks if you don’t like them. I’m not a professional, so I can’t guarantee treatments will work for you, but you MUST look into it if you’re bothered by your birthmark. If you’re in England, I strongly reccommend Dr Walker (search this page for his name to find my previous posts with his details), or if you’re elsewhere in the world, Google ‘birthmark laser treatment + your area’.

Al: I’m sorry I’ve not been here to reply to your last couple of messages. Just because the surgeon you saw said ‘it may come back’ does not mean it will. Ten years ago Dr Walker told me mine may darken again (especially if I don’t use sunblock), but in ten years it never did. Personally, I’m happy to go back for treatment every few years if that’s what it takes ~ it’s not such a big deal (no anaesthetic, less than one minute treatment, reasonable cost). I’m very cross with you for telling everyone that you “dont think that we can remove our birthmarks… we just have to live with it”. I did you a favour requesting details of a surgeon in Lebanon from Dr Walker, but you declined treatment from her. That’s fine, but you have no right to then tell people they have to live with it. Treatment HAS WORKED BRILLIANTLY FOR ME, and can work brilliantly for many people on this board (if not all).

I will once again try to check back regularly and am happy to answer any questions. I noticed one poster above was worried about scarring; Providing it’s done professionally, laser treatment leaves NO scarring, however, old-fashioned cosmetic removal surgery does leave scarring. However, (as far as I know) laser should be able to fade most (if not all) birthmarks, and should be your first option.

I’m very passionate about this. My tiny birthmark ruined my childhood, and I’m so happy to not see it now when I look in the mirror. Treatment is available, easy and effective… and doesn’t cost the Earth. I really hope that all of you who are unhappy pursue treatment, and if I can give you any advice, I’d be delighted!

Jane x