I have had a very large (inch and a half long half inch wide) and dark (brown) birthmark on my leg since birth and have always wanted to have it removed or lightened so it is not as noticeable. About 7 years ago I tried laser surgery. The doctor used a Ruby laser 4 times over a period of almost 3 years. Every time I had the same result. It would lighten and be almost completely gone --- then after a few months it would start to darken again eventually returning to it's original state.

I'm wondering if there have an improvements in the field or if there are other options?

I am not familiar with the Ruby laser or how effective it is, but I have had a birthmark permanently removed years ago. Mine was not as big, and resembled more of a mole.. never did get identified how it classified. Either way it was on my inner thigh, and it protruded out about 1/4 inch. It was about the size and shape of a #2 pencil eraser.

The doctor simple numbed me up and burned it off, sealing the skin closed... never even hurt afterwards. Just a tiny scar left behind.

My guess is that you would prefer a light colored scar than a dark birthmark?

I don't know if this would work on something wider and flatter... just thought maybe you could look into it with your doctor...

Good Luck!

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Originally Posted by sting123

I have had a very large (inch and a half long half inch wide) and dark (brown) birthmark on my leg since birth and have always wanted to have it removed or lightened so it is not as noticeable. About 7 years ago I tried laser surgery. The doctor used a Ruby laser 4 times over a period of almost 3 years. Everytime I had the same result. It would lighten and be almost completely gone --- then after a few months it would start to darken again eventually returning to it's orginal state.

I'm wondering if there have an improvements in the field or if there are other options?

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I have a large brownish birthmark on the lower right side of my bottom. Not many people really;y see's it but I hate it it looks like a large area of with all different colored and textured freckles. Kind of looks liked one huge freckle with different shades of ugly brown.
I always have wanted to get it removed but I'm kind of embarrassed because of its location. I am very unsure of the cost for the removal,maybe you could tell me what you heard the going rate is for a removal these days. I hope that you get yours removed one last time.

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Originally Posted by sting123

I have had a very large (inch and a half long half inch wide) and dark (brown) birthmark on my leg since birth and have always wanted to have it removed or lightened so it is not as noticeable. About 7 years ago I tried laser surgery. The doctor used a Ruby laser 4 times over a period of almost 3 years. Everytime I had the same result. It would lighten and be almost completely gone --- then after a few months it would start to darken again eventually returning to it's orginal state.

I'm wondering if there have an improvements in the field or if there are other options?

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My daughter has a birthmark on her face, about the size of a dime. We had it removed when she was 5yrs. And the same thing occurred, it came back. She recently asked me to check on it again. She is now 16yrs. From what I have been told, it can be removed with laser, but will not totally go away. The only way to get rid of it is to have it cut out. And yes there will be a scar. The plastic surgens have suggested we wait until they perfect the laser. I suggest the same thing to you. Don't do anything rash, who knows what they will be able to do in the near future.
PE