Methods of fabricating light emitting diodes and light emitting devices are provided that include a substrate, an n-type epitaxial region on the substrate and a p-type epitaxial region on the n-type epitaxial region. At least a portion of the p-type epitaxial region comprises a mesa with respect to the substrate. An ohmic contact is provided on an exposed portion of the p-type epitaxial layer. The ohmic contact is self aligned to a sidewall of the mesa and to the p-type epitaxial layer such that a sidewall of the ohmic contact is substantially aligned with a sidewall of the mesa and to the p-type epitaxial layer.