Laser Therapy for Coffee-Milk Birthmarks: A Safe and Effective Way to Improve Skin Tone

Coffee-milk birthmarks are a congenital pigmentation disorder that is caused by an excess of melanin and giant melanosomes in melanocytes, leading to changes in skin color. These birthmarks can be easily identified as flat, non-scaly, light or dark brown spots with clear boundaries, ranging in size from a few millimeters to 20 cm and can be found anywhere on the body.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Dung, a specialist in Dermatology – Skin Aesthetics at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City explains that coffee-milk birthmarks can be treated with laser therapy. Various types of lasers, such as Q-switched laser 755 nm Alexandrite and Q-switched Nd-YAG 1064 nm, are used to break down melanin and eliminate pigmentation. The laser treatment is safe, effective, and leaves no scars on the skin.

Laser procedures for coffee-milk birthmarks are relatively simple and can be done with minimal discomfort. Anesthesia and cold compresses can be applied before treatment, and depending on the size, shape, and color of the birthmark, the laser settings are adjusted accordingly. After treatment, patients do not require any recovery time but should avoid sun exposure and use sunscreen to protect the treated skin.

While coffee-milk birthmarks are typically harmless and do not require treatment, larger or more prominent birthmarks may be treated with laser therapy for cosmetic reasons. It is essential to monitor any changes in the birthmark, such as darkening, pain, bleeding or infection and seek medical attention if necessary. Laser therapy is a safe and effective way to fade pigmentation and improve skin tone.

In conclusion coffee milk birthmark is a common congenital pigmentation disorder that can cause changes in skin color; however it’s usually harmless but larger or more prominent ones may need treatment for cosmetic reasons using safe & effective laser therapy which fades pigmentation & improves skin tone while leaving no scars on the skin.