Balanced Skin Tone
There are several types of birthmarks that newborns can have, ranging in color, size, and shape. One common type of birthmark is Café au Lait spots. These birthmarks affect about 10% of the general population and appear as flat, light-brown spots. Café au Lait spots are typically harmless, but having six or more may indicate Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1), a genetic condition associated with benign nerve tumors and an increased risk of certain cancers.
If you have one or more Café au Lait spots, you can have them treated at Anolik Dermatology in New York City, where you will receive treatment from a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Robert Anolik. In some cases, but not all, they may be completely removed. Continue reading to learn more about Café au Lait spots, and see if you want to schedule a consultation with Dr. Anolik.
Café au Lait spots, also known as CAL spots, are pigmented birthmarks that often appear on the skin of newborn babies. They are typically light to dark brown in color, getting their name from their color matching the creamy, light-brown hue of coffee mixed with milk. The spots can change in size and number over time, growing proportionately with your body as you age.
Anyone can get CAL spots, but they are more prevalent among people with darker skin tones.
At Dr. Anolik’s practice in New York City, laser treatments are the primary option to treat Café au Lait spots. Dr. Anolik tailors each treatment to your unique Café au Lait spot condition so that you can get optimal results.
Q-Switched and Pico lasers are commonly used to treat CAL spots and are considered the gold standard for their removal. The melanin in the birthmark absorbs the laser, shattering the pigment into microscopic particles. After breaking apart, the body naturally filters and removes the particles, revealing healthier skin.
There are two main types of CAL spots: the Coast of California and the Coast of Maine, identified by their shape and pattern. Coast of California spots are the most common type of CAL spot. They have clear, smooth borders on all sides and are named for their resemblance to the smooth California coastline. Coast of Maine spots are less common and have a rough, jagged border, similar to the coast of Maine.
CAL spots are:
Following Dr. Anolik’s recovery instructions is critical to ensuring a safe, effective, and efficient recovery period. Some steps you should take include:
To begin your Café au Lait spot treatment journey, you will need to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Robert Anolik at his New York City office. Here are some things you can expect to happen during your consultation:
At Dr. Anolik’s practice in New York City, we aim to make every patient’s journey comfortable, informative, and supportive. Here are some things you can expect:
The cost of a Café au Lait spot treatment in New York City depends on several factors, including the type of laser, the size and number of CAL spots, and the number of sessions needed to achieve your goals. When you come to our New York City office for your consultation, you and Dr. Anolik will discuss the cost.
Dr. Robert Anolik is a New York City-based Board-certified dermatologist who specializes in cosmetic dermatology and laser skin surgery. He also proudly serves as a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at NYU School of Medicine, where he teaches techniques and strategies and identifies appropriate treatments for various cosmetic skin concerns.
Dr. Anolik is known as one of New York’s leading cosmetic dermatologists. He has been named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor and included on New York Magazine’s “Best Doctors” list. His expert knowledge in identifying Café au Lait spots and determining which laser to use distinguishes him as an expert in his field, helping his patients feel safe and comfortable under his guidance. Dr. Anolik’s work has earned national acclaim, including ELLE’s Genius Award and recognition from Town & Country as the “Michelangelo of Botox and Filler.”
‘Thoughtful work, beautifully understated results.’
Scheduling a consultation is the first step toward treating your Café au Lait spots. You may contact us through our online portal or by calling our office.
