What causes café au lait spots?
Café au lait spots, also known as hyperpigmented nevi, are benign skin lesions that are characterized by their light to medium brown color and flat, circular shape. They are most commonly found in children and young adults and are caused by an excess of melanin in the skin. Café au lait spots are often present at birth and are referred to as birthmarks.
There are several types of birthmarks, including vascular birthmarks, which are caused by abnormal blood vessels in the skin, and pigmented birthmarks, which are caused by an excess of melanin. Café au lait spots are a type of pigmented birthmark.
While café au lait spots are generally not harmful, some individuals may choose to have them removed for cosmetic purposes.
One treatment option for removing café au lait spots is laser therapy. Laser therapy uses concentrated beams of light to target and destroy the cells that are responsible for the excess pigmentation.
Pico lasers, which use extremely short pulses of laser energy, are particularly effective for this purpose. The wavelength of the laser is an important factor in determining the success of the treatment. For optimal results, a wavelength of 532 nm or 1064 nm is typically used. At these wavelengths, the laser energy is absorbed by the melanin in the skin, causing the cells that produce it to break down and be absorbed by the body.
Laser therapy is generally safe and effective with excellent clearance of the birth mark over a series of sessions. The treatment may cause temporary side effects such as redness, swelling, and temporary blistering. It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of laser therapy with a qualified healthcare provider before undergoing treatment.
Overall, laser therapy is a viable option for those looking to remove café au lait spots. By using a pico laser with an optimal wavelength, individuals can achieve significant improvement in the appearance of their skin.
Give us a call at 6532 2400 to schedule an appointment with our aesthetic doctor for a customised treatment.