What can I do about my coffee-stain birthmark?

Question

I was born with this birthmark on the lower end of my left leg, it is brown in color and rather large. I looked online and is referred to as a "coffee stain" birthmark. I saw that some referenced this was hard to remove since it is so close to skin color, and may come back from sun exposer? I am VERY self concious, never wear shorts because of this. It darkens in sun. What can I do about this? How much? Can I get it removed? Please list contact info for someone who can help in the wa area!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Vbeam laser is an excellent modality for patients who have rosacea, blushing of the skin, facial and body telangiectasia, spider veins, redness, post surgical redness, and skin flushing. It is a safe procedure that can be used at varying depths to help treat micro blood vessels in the skin. We also use it in our office for facial skin inflammation, keloids, and hypertrophic scarring. It is an important part of scar therapy. Vbeam can be combined with chemical peels and other lasers, but experience with the treatment is essential. The Vbeam laser does not affect deeper tissue. Schedule a consultation with an expert in Vbeam and you will find it to be an excellent modality for many skin types. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

The brown birthmarks are very hard to treat but if anything would work or give improvement, you should try a pico or q switched laser.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Not all brown birthmarks can be treated with laser, sounds like you have a Cafe Au Lait Macule, or CALM. I would use a Q switch laser. Picoway may have the energy in the picosecond duration. Picosure does not ( I have tried), C6 , Revlite etc.. nanosecond QSL in the 532 wavelength can help, but you may require 3-6 sessions. Recurrence maybe seen. All the bestDr Davin LimLaser DermatologistBrisbane, Australia.

What can I do about my coffee-stain birthmark?

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What can I do about my coffee-stain birthmark?

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