Birthmark

Birthmarks are patches of coloured marks on the skin most frequently present from birth, with some developing shortly after birth (within the first few weeks of life). There are many different types of birthmark, which range in colour and size. Most birthmarks are either caused by clusters of superficial malformations of small blood vessels (known as ‘vascular’ birthmarks) or from patches of increased melanin pigment within the skin (known as ‘pigmented’ birthmarks). Some are flat and level with the skin, whilst others may appear raised. Some types of birthmark will resolve on their own with time, whereas others may remain present for the lifetime of the individual.

Most birthmarks do not constitute any physical health problems, however some individuals may wish to have their birthmarks removed for cosmetic reasons. In rare cases, where the birthmarks are caused by malformation of blood vessels and interfere with a child’s vision or activities such as breathing or eating, more prompt and definitive treatment may be needed. In adults, unsightly birthmarks can be treated with a number of elective procedures, which aim to reduce their appearance.

Mr Ioannis Goutos is an experienced and skilled London-based plastic surgeon, who has particular expertise in caring for those with troublesome scarring and burns. He is well equipped to make thorough assessments and carry out a number of procedures with excellent results and gold standard aftercare. Mr Goutos takes pride in providing individual treatment plans for each patient, which consider the physical, psychological and social factors affecting their treatment goals.

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About this condition

There are a number of different birthmarks which are more likely to persist into adulthood. These include:

Strawberry marks or ‘haemangiomas’ – these are a type of vascular birth mark and are usually red in colour and appear raised from the skin. They may increase or decrease in size with time. Strawberry marks are the most common type of birthmark to cause more physical problems with vision, breathing and eating if they are large and occur on the face, in which cases these are usually treated in early childhood.
Port wine stains – typically occur on the face and neck and look like patches of darker skin, often red or purple in colour. They are usually flat and level with the surrounding skin.
Café-au-lait spots – these are caused by patches of skin with an increase in the production of the pigment melanin. They appear as flat spots or patches that can be light or dark brown in colour and occur anywhere on the body.
Congenital moles – these are also caused by an increase presence of melanin in patches of the skin. They often appear darker brown or black in colour and may be raised or contain additional hairs. They can change in size during puberty and may need careful monitoring if they are particularly large as there is a small risk of them developing into skin cancer.

Some individuals may feel particularly self-conscious about prominent birthmarks and wish to seek treatment to reduce their appearance. Treatment options for birth marks include:

Laser treatments, which aim to help patches of darker skin appear lighter, or remove areas of vascular malformations, to make the skin appear more even overall
Surgical removal of the birthmark

Good general skin care and regular sun protection are also important to prevent birthmarks from becoming darker or more prominent.

If you are thinking about having any procedures or surgery to improve the appearance of a birthmark, it is recommended to fully discuss all the treatment options with a qualified clinician. An experienced professional will help you to consider risks and benefits of each treatment in relation to you and your skin type, as well as tailor your treatment and aftercare appropriately for optimal results.

Testimonials

Mr Goutos is delighted to share some of his patient and peer feedback on their experiences of his services.

Louise Steel

2023-08-16

Mr Goutos performed keloidectomy surgery on both my earlobes, and I am so grateful to have been referred to him. From the first consultation, through surgery, and now my 3-month follow-up, I have nothing but good words to say.

Luke Ward

2023-07-10

This man is an extremely intelligent, professional gentleman. He will set realistic expectations from the beginning and will not ‘beat around the bush’ so-to speak. From the initial consultation to post-surgery, it has been a rollercoaster ride. However the high level of expertise & professionalism Mr Goutos maintained has been impeccable. All I can say to any other individual considering treatment with Mr Goutos, is that you are in incredibly safe hands. And on top of this, he has a great sense of humour. I wish nothing but the best for this man, and the best results for his future patients.

Mauricio Lucas

2023-07-06

Outstanding Doctor - Exceptional Expertise I recently had the pleasure of consulting and also going through surgery. Dr. Goutos removed a large class of keloids from my back and chest, and without a doubt, I can confidently say that he is the best doctor I have ever had the privilege of seeing. From the moment I entered his practice, I was immediately struck by his professionalism, knowledge, and exceptional bedside manner. Dr. Goutos possesses an extraordinary level of expertise in his field, and his technical skills are truly remarkable. His ability to diagnose and treat medical conditions is unparalleled, and I have personally witnessed his remarkable success in improving the health and well-being of countless patients. What sets Dr. Goutos apart is his genuine care and concern for his patients. He takes the time to listen attentively, ensuring that he understands every aspect of the medical issue at hand. He communicates clearly and effectively, explaining complex medical concepts in a way that is easy to comprehend, which greatly helps in alleviating any concerns or fears. One aspect that impressed me greatly was Dr. Goutos' commitment to staying updated with the latest advancements in his field. He incorporates cutting-edge techniques and treatments into his practice, ensuring that his patients receive the highest standard of care available. This dedication to continuous learning and improvement is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his profession. Additionally, the support staff at Dr.Goutos' practice deserves recognition for their exceptional service. They are friendly, compassionate, and highly efficient, ensuring that appointments run smoothly and patients feel comfortable throughout the entire process. Overall, I cannot emphasize enough how fortunate I feel to have found Dr.Goutos' exceptional skills, genuine care, and unwavering commitment to his patients make him a truly outstanding specialist. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking top-notch medical care.

Kashmala Khan

2023-01-26

Mr. Goutos and his team did an amazing job reversing a scar I had on my forehead. This was a very old scar and had bothered for many years. The laser treatment and fat transfer procedure has changed my life and given me so much confidence. I would definitely recommend him, he is a fantastic and very skilled surgeon. Thank you so much!

Javier

2023-01-14

Mr Goutos and his team removed some lipomas from my arms. The initial consultation right through to the aftercare was professional, sensitive and genuine. Mr Goutos put me at ease right from the start, discussing my history and background and then discussing the various options for the incisions and sutures. The incisions were quick, efficient and professional. I felt completely at ease knowing I was in expert hands. The incisions were extremely neat and have closed and scared really well. I had a number of questions after the operation and one of the sutures became infected. Mr Goutos was quick to make an appointment for me, see me and deal with the infection and offered for me to see him again if the infection didn’t calm down. He was genuinely empathetic to my needs and took time to check each scare, explain things and assure me along the way. He didn’t at any point, make me feel I was asking silly questions or too many. I highly recommend Mr Goutos for his exceptional incisions and suturing as well as his professional conduct, caring approach and after care. The whole experience was smooth and easy and I am very grateful for what he has done for me.

Ieva Lihovida-Yarlett

2022-12-07

We came to see Dr Goutos a few month ago to remove invasive spider nevus on my 9 year old sons nose . After a lovely consultation with Dr Goutos , he suggested to do several laser treatment sessions. After a few sessions we already noticed a massive improvement. On the final laser treatment session the spider nevus was completely gone. Thank you to the Dr Goutos for tackling the problem so rapidly and with great results!

Amy Munson

2022-10-27

We took our 4yr old daughter to Mr Goutos following an accident which resulted in a small burn scar on her cheek. Mr Goutos gave us various options and we went for laser treatment. After 4 appointments the scar has gone! The care that Mr Goutos gave us was exceptional and so good with children. He made us feel very comfortable and confident in his ability. I would recommend him to anyone if they were looking for a doctor in that particular field. Can't thank him enough.