Will skin bleaching creams work on cafe au lait birthmarks? (photo)

Question

I have three cafe au lait birthmarks on the back of my arm and back. Is there a cheaper method of removing cafe au lait spots without surgery or lasers?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Sheetal Sapra, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs. Cafe au Lait are pigmented lesions of no concern, these do not require treatment unless they're cosmetically bothersome. Unfortunately, lightening creams or any other topicals won't show any improvement. Discuss with your specialist the possibility of treating this with Yag laser as it may lighten or it might remove some of the pigmentation. Remember there's always a risk for scarring such as: hyper or hypo pigmentation, redness, possibility of blistering and swelling. These symptoms can be expected and can take 1-2 weeks to clear. Please remember to discuss with your specialist the type of laser in combination with your type of skin to avoid complications or possibility of scarring.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Sheetal Sapra, MD, FRCPC

Will skin bleaching creams work on cafe au lait birthmarks? (photo)

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