The laser breaks down melanin in coffee with milk into small pieces, which are then eliminated by the body, gradually lightening the color. Coffee-milk birthmarks are a congenital pigmentation disorder 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 large coffee-milk birthmarks in visible areas 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.