Facial birthmarks

“Birthmarks” or “moles” are common lay terms for nevi, which are benign neoplasms composed of pigmented cells. The color of nevi can range from light to dark brown, and their size may vary from 0.5 cm to several centimeters. In some cases, a birthmark may cover a significant area of the body.

According to statistical data, approximately 90% of all moles form before the age of 25-30. Congenital nevi account for no more than 5% of cases. The causes of mole formation include heredity, exposure to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight), skin trauma, and hormonal changes.

Classification of nevi by structure:

• Lentigo — flat pigmented spots
• Epidermal-dermal nevi — flat or slightly raised above the skin surface
• Compound nevi — dark-colored and elevated above the skin
• Intradermal nevi — often with a hairy or verrucous (warty) surface
• Halo nevi (Sutton’s nevi) — surrounded by a halo of depigmented skin
• Dysplastic nevi — with irregular borders and varied pigmentation

Symptoms indicating the need for diagnosis and treatment

If a mole does not cause discomfort and remains unchanged over time, removal is not necessary. However, facial moles can be a source of aesthetic discomfort and may therefore require removal.

You should consult a dermatologist if you have:

• Fair skin that burns easily in the sun
• Numerous moles (more than 50)
• Large congenital nevi
• A family history of melanoma
• History of sunburns during childhood
• Frequent trauma to birthmarks due to contact

Diagnostic and treatment methods

Diagnosis

To examine birthmarks, dermatologists at leading international clinics perform dermatoscopy using a special instrument called a dermatoscope, which provides a 10x magnified image. Doctors pay close attention to the appearance, shape, size, color, and internal structure of the mole.

Treatment

Before removing a nevus, it is essential to confirm that it is not malignant. Only after a thorough examination and dermatoscopy can a specialist determine whether a birthmark is safe to remove.

How are facial moles removed?

• Cryodestruction (using liquid nitrogen). Drawback: nitrogen may penetrate deep skin layers.
• Electrocoagulation (burning with electric current). Drawbacks: pain and risk of scarring.
• Radio wave method (removal via high-frequency radio waves). Drawbacks: long recovery period, not suitable for eyelids or mucous membranes.
• Laser — the most advanced method, considered the “gold standard” for mole removal using a laser beam.

Advantages of laser treatment

• The neoplasm is completely removed
• Ultra-precise method — does not affect surrounding tissues
• No scarring after removal
• Painless (can be performed with local anesthesia)
• Bloodless procedure (simultaneous coagulation of blood vessels)
• Removal is completed in a single session
• Fast (takes from a few seconds to a few minutes)

Innovations in global clinics

Top clinics across Europe use expert-level diagnostic systems, such as FotoFinder, for innovative examination of skin neoplasms. The procedure allows for the analysis of all moles on the body in just 60 minutes. The evaluation is performed by artificial intelligence.