How to lighten cafe au lait birthmark? (Photo)

Question

Im 18 and I have a little birthmark between my cheek and my mouth. The inside of the mark has those little dotted birthmarks (idk what they're called). Since its close to my mouth everyone always thinks i have dirt or food and it makes me self conscious. Is there a way to lighten it? Naturally specifically. I can't afford those fancy laser removals. Thanks! By the way, the picture sucks but it's the best i could find.

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

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.Skin biopsy might be warranted to rule out skin malignancy or atypical changes.After that, you may benefit from treatment with a Q switched 532:1064 Nd:YAG laser such as the RevLite Laser.

To be sure what is right for you, see two or more licensed
and board-certified providers in your area for a complete evaluation to make
sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have these
treatments.

I hope this helps.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Joss.  Birthmarks cannot be removed with natural remedies.  We use q-switched lasers and the only other method than lasers is to have it removed surgically.  To give you an idea, for your situation, we would normally charge $275 per visit and estimate 2-4 visits to remove it.  Good luck.To see other Los Angeles birthmark removal before and after pictures, click the link below.

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Q Switch lasers. I would opt for this treatment. The facts are--50-70% of CALMS respond to QSL- you need upto 4-5 treatments-if you have darker skin type we do a test spot-50% may recur, but can be retreated. RegardsDr Davin LimLaser DermatologistBRISBANE, Australia.

How to lighten cafe au lait birthmark? (Photo)

Answers (4)