Is this cafe au lait? Can I have it surgically removed? (photo)

October 25, 2017
Asked By:Melanie2222 in Boston, MA

I have a weird spot on my back that appeared there when I was 8 (I'm 36 now). Can anyone tell me what it's type is? It looks like part cafe au lait, but with dark spots. It's about an inch and a half across. I've had bad luck with laser on a different type, actual birthmark on my leg, so I'd like to know if excision is a reasonable treatment, or is it too big to excise? I would prefer a scar to the spot, and it's on my back, so I don't have to worry about hiding during recovery.

2 photos

Answers (4)

From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
VOTED MOST HELPFUL
November 9, 2017

Answer: Birthmark removal

2 people found this helpful
Hooman Khorasani, MDDermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
VOTED MOST HELPFUL
November 9, 2017

Answer: Birthmark removal

2 people found this helpful
Hooman Khorasani, MDDermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
MOST RECENT
August 17, 2023

Answer: The Yag laser can help reduce appearance of this birthmark

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
MOST RECENT
August 17, 2023

Answer: The Yag laser can help reduce appearance of this birthmark

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
August 15, 2024

Answer: Removal of Speckled Nevi

Harold J. Kaplan, MDBoard Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
August 15, 2024

Answer: Removal of Speckled Nevi

Harold J. Kaplan, MDBoard Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

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Answer: Naevus Spilus or speckled lentinigious naevus. - Treatment options

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