Can I reduce a cafe au lait birthmark at home? Or, how much would it be to remove it? (Photo)

Question

I am 22 years old and have always had this huge birthmark on the side of my right leg. I can’t wear certain shorts and I’ve never worn a bathing suit. It has made me so insecure and self conscious. How would I be able to remove it at home or how much would it cost to professionally remove it?

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

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

there is no cure for this and lasers often make this worse or they come back after treatment.  I suggest you see an expert nothing at home can help you.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Cafe au laits can be difficult to permanently remove without surgery. There are no successful at home treatments for these spots. Lasers and light therapy can improve the area but the color frequently returns. Surgical excision can remove the cafe au lait spot completely in exchange for a scar in the area. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD 
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
IG: @drjohnsonlee

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

I do believe the diagnosis is that of a congenital naves and not a CALM. A biopsy will be indicative of the diagnosis. If this is the former, surgical treatments are the ONLY method, and lasers will not give a good result. All the best, Dr Davin S. Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

Can I reduce a cafe au lait birthmark at home? Or, how much would it be to remove it? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Congenital naevus vs CALM

Answer: Congenital naevus vs CALM

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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Can I reduce a cafe au lait birthmark at home? Or, how much would it be to remove it? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Congenital naevus vs CALM

Answer: Congenital naevus vs CALM

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.