Should I continue Pico laser treatment for my café au lait birthmark or try another laser? (Photo)

Question

I did one test session of Pico laser for my café au lait birthmark. But the treated area is darker now, should I continue the laser treatment? Or try another laser type like Q Switched? Thank you

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

Susan Fox, DO, RPVI · Answer

Hello, this depends on when you received your treatment.  It is normal for the area that was treated to darken temporarily before it gets lighter.   It's also very important to keep the area protected from the sun after treatment.  If you weren't in the sun and it has been several weeks since treatment it may be that the treatment settings used were not correct for you.

Should I continue Pico laser treatment for my café au lait birthmark or try another laser? (Photo)

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Should I continue Pico laser treatment for my café au lait birthmark or try another laser? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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