Birthmark Removal in Berkeley CA
Birthmarks are stains on your skin that appear at birth or shortly afterwards. Sometimes they are small and remain unnoticed, but sometimes they can be conspicuous and large. In the latter case you may feel uncomftable with your look and have a low self-esteem.
There are few kinds of bithmarks: Pigmented birthmarks also called congenital nevi or moles which may have some precancerous potential; Mongolian spots which are blue-green spots usually found in children and disappear as they grow older; and Coffee-cream spots which caused by to many pigment and usually pose only cosmetic problems. Macular stains, also called salmon patches, usually appear on babies and disappear later in life, except those found on the neck. Abnormal blood vessels create stains which are called Port wine stains. Those do not disappear during life and are especially concerning when appearing around the eyes. Hemangiomas are vascular tumors of many tiny blood vessels, which grow early in life around the head and neck. Many of them disappear after a few months but others may take years to disappear.
There are few methods by which a birthmark is removed. That depends largely on their size, type and location.
Laser therapy is one of the methods used, especially for superficial skin lesions. Laser energy targeted at a specific location causes the skin to fade and become lighter. In a case of port wine stain the laser makes it smaller and prevents from growing further. Laser treatments can be performed at any age, but sometimes several treatments are required.
Surgery is another method used for birthmarks, which cannot be removed by using laser. One example is hemangioma which is too large.
Laser treatment may take from several minutes to an hour, depending on the size of birthmarks. There is very little pain associated with the laser procedure. You may feel a mild burning sensation. Small children, or people sensitive to pain, may receive anesthetics. After the procedure has been completed, the skin is dark purple, and should improve after 7-10 days. Complete healing takes up to 6 weeks, during which you should avoid rubbing the place and exposing it to direct sun.
Every procedure has its risks. This one include pigmentation changes, resulting in areas of dark skin with bright patches. Such can be treated by additional laser treatments. Scar formation may also occur, where it can be treated by skin grafting. Other complications, such as bleeding or infection, are relatively rare.
More Berkeley info...
Berkeley Do
Berkeley Repertory Theater ("Berkeley Rep"), 2025 Addison Street (near Shattuck; 2 blocks north of Berkeley BART station), +1 510 647-2949, [9]. Hours vary, normally Tu-Su 8PM-11PM, Sa-Su 2PM-4PM (matinee). With its consistently high-quality productions of contemporary and historical plays, the Berkeley Rep is one of the primary centers of theater on the West Coast. The theater is also very pleasant, in a modern way. $35-$55 (varies by night; half-price students and seniors, $20 under 30).
Greek Theatre, [10]. Located in the UC Berkeley Campus on Gayley Road. Check the Cal Performances website for upcoming shows or concerts.
Berkeley Sauna, 1947 Milvia St (near University Avenue). +1 510 845-8595. M-Th Noon-10PM, F Noon-11PM, Sa 10:30AM-11PM, Su 10:30AM-10PM. Enjoy a soak in a hot tub, a steamy sauna, or a massage at this no frills, yet relaxing Downtown spa. $10 gets you a private sauna for as long as you can stand it, $15 for a 1/2 hour hot tub, or $60 for an hour of massage.
Golfing at Tilden. Enjoy the 3-level driving range and rolling 18-hole public course. (See also Do section for more on Tilden Park.)
Berkeley Parks
Berkeley Marina and Pier, [5]. At the west end of University Avenue, near Interstate 80. From the pier, you get great views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Bay. Not recommended at night, as there's no light, not much to see, and if you run into a police officer, they'll think you're either lost or involved in suspicious activity. With steady winds coming off the bay and a view to kill for, this is a kite flying Mecca. There is also a kite shop in a truck that parks here most afternoons that sells very upscale kites (and not so upscale kites) and parts.
People's Park. While not visually spectacular, this is a landmark of the 1960's Free Speech Movement. People's Park today is a homeless encampment and illicit drug emporium. Avoid the whole area at night.
Tilden Park, [6]. Offers several inexpensive activities for families with children. Home to a 5-inch scale, narrow-gauge working steam train. $8 gets five rides through the woods atop the Berkeley hills, including a tunnel and trestle bridge. Right next door is the Golden Gate Live Steamers Club, maintained and operated by 275 members. This is an entire miniature railroad for hand-built steam engines.
Plastic Surgery News...
- In response to public reports suggesting a causal link between a BOTOX(R) Cosmetic treatment in 2003 and a fatality, Allergan, Inc. (NYSE:AGN) provided further assurance to patients and the public about BOTOX(R) Cosmetic and BOTOX(R) (Botulinum Toxin Type A). On January 23, Public Citizen, an advocacy group founded by Ralph Nader, filed a petition with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requesting labeling changes for botulinum toxins marketed in the United States. (Source: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery News From Medical News Today)
- The proverbial cigarette after a Valentine's Day snuggle can prematurely end a love affair, as new evidence emerges that a common defect in a gene significantly increases a smoker's risk of an early heart attack.