I have been living with my birthmarks for the past 26 years of my life. I have been affected by their presence and the impact naturally increased as I became more and more self-conscious of my appearance. I used to avoid wearing shorts because of the large birthmark patch on my inner left thigh.
Although it is located on my inner thigh, it can still be seen when wearing shorts/mini skirts/dresses and for that, I often lament at how ugly it is.
What are birthmarks?
![birthmark collage]()
- There are more gruesome-looking ones on the internet and you may google them if you like. But don't say I didn't warn you, pictures are not suitable for the faint-hearted.
As the name suggests, they are blemishes that appear at birth or appears shortly after birth, usually in the first month and can occur anywhere on the skin. I am thankful that it did not appear on my face.
There are two types of birthmarks - vascular (also called red birthmarks) are caused by increased blood vessels and includemacular stains (salmon patches), hemangiomas, and Port-wine stains) and pigmented (moles, café-au-lait spots, and Mongolian spots).
My birthmarks are under the category of café-au-lait spots, which delivers good and bad news. I will fill you in later on this.
Café au lait spot - usually oval in shape, with a light brown or milky coffee color (hence the name). They are either present at birth or occur soon afterwards. As the individual gets older they do not fade. Some people may have one or two, but more are possible.
People with more than four may have naurofibromatosis (a genetically-inherited disorder in which the nerve tissue grows neurofibromas (tumors) that may be harmless or may cause serious damage by pressing on the nerves and other tissues).
I am also very lucky to have harmless birthmarks but for aesthetic and cosmetic purposes, I have decided to undergo laser treatments to reduce/remove them.
There are other options to reduce/remove birthmarks and these include, oral medication, birthmark removal cream (haven't found one that work so far), laser treatments and surgery.
The cause of birthmarks is unknown though.
This is how my birth marks look like.
On my left inner thigh:
It is more obvious when I'm walking or sitting down cross-legged.
On my left arm, near the elbow area :
And a small faint one on my right thigh as well but my main concern is the huge patch on my thigh.
So as you can see, birthmarks may or may not be harmful to health, and as for my case, I am very grateful and lucky that my birthmarks are harmless and are located in areas that are less obvious/problematic as compared to those on the face. Also, my birthmarks are flat which makes it relatively easier to remove.
I have started my laser treatment with Astique Clinic which uses the latest technology for laser treatments for birthmarks known as Medlite C6 Laser from HOYA ConBio®, the latest in Q-switched laser technology which is approved by the Food & Drug Adminstration (FDA). It can also be used to treat other pigmentation problems.
So if you are seeking for a solution for your pigmentation/birthmark problems, do keep a lookout on my next blog post for the laser treatment with Astique Clinic! :)
Astique. The Aesthetic Clinic
350 Orchard Road
#08-00 Shaw House
Singapore 238868
Opening Hours
Mon, Wed and Thu: 8:30am to 5:30pm
Tue and Fri: 11:30am to 8:30pm
Sat: 8:30am to 3:30pm
Sun and PH: Closed
Tel: 6732 3801 Hp: 9857 7892 Fax: 6235 0966
For bookings & general enquiries:
enquiry@astiqueclinic.com.sg
Website: Astique Clinic