Cafe Au Lait Birthmark Removal Laser Options- IPL, VBeam or Q-switch?

Question

I'm pale East Asian with a cafe au lait birthmark (the color is deep brown almost black) on my shoulder. I've consulted 3 dematologist and they all gave me different laser options! Could anyone please tell me which one is best for this type of birthmark removal?

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Kurapika.  There is only one type of laser that will work for a cafe au lait birthmarks - a q-switched laser.  Whomever is telling you that an IPL or a VBeam will work for this type of lesion is either lying to you or does not know how to treat brown birthmarks.  If you do your own further research you will find that q-switched lasers like the Medlite C6 are well accepted as the method of treatment for brown birthmarks.

	We are also in Los Angeles and offer free consultations.  A link to photos of our results for birthmark treatments can be found below.

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

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

The answer is definitely Q switch. This is due to the pulse duration of lasers (complex physics), IPL can not remove a CALM, neither can v beam. Even with Q switch lasers- here are the facts1. Not all CALMS respond to QSL, 2. You may require upto 5 sessions3. A test spot is recommended. 4. Upto 30-50% recurrence can be seen with CALMSRegardsDr Davin Lim Laser and cosmetic dermatologistBrisbane, AUSTRALIA

Cafe Au Lait Birthmark Removal Laser Options- IPL, VBeam or Q-switch?

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Cafe Au Lait Birthmark Removal Laser Options- IPL, VBeam or Q-switch?

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Everything you need to know about Laser Resurfacing

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