Birthmarks treatment Singapore
Birthmarks
Birthmarks are areas of skin discolouration or irregular pigmentation that are present at birth or develop in the first weeks of life. They vary enormously in their appearance, size, location, and clinical significance. The majority are benign and require no medical treatment – but some warrant careful assessment and monitoring, and others are best managed proactively to prevent complications or to address functional and cosmetic concerns.
At Skincodes, we assess birthmarks carefully and provide clear guidance on what is appropriate for each individual case.
Types of Birthmarks
Birthmarks are broadly divided into two categories: vascular birthmarks, which result from abnormalities in blood vessels, and pigmented birthmarks, which result from an excess of melanin-producing cells in the skin.
- Port wine stains (capillary vascular malformations) are flat, pink to deep red or purple marks caused by a localised malformation of superficial capillaries. They are present at birth and do not resolve spontaneously. Over time, port wine stains tend to deepen in colour and can develop a thickened or cobblestoned texture. Treatment is generally recommended and is most effective when begun early.
- Strawberry haemangiomas (infantile haemangiomas) are raised, bright red lesions that appear within the first few weeks of life. They grow rapidly during the first year before entering a phase of spontaneous involution – most will partially or fully regress by five to seven years of age. Haemangiomas near the eye, mouth, or airways, or those that ulcerate, bleed, or cause functional compromise, require prompt specialist assessment and management.
- Mongolian spots (dermal melanocytosis) are flat, blue-grey patches that appear most commonly on the lower back and buttocks in infants with medium to darker skin tones. They are entirely benign and typically fade by early childhood without any intervention.
- Café-au-lait macules are flat, evenly pigmented, light-brown patches. Isolated café-au-lait macules are generally benign. However, the presence of multiple café-au-lait macules – particularly six or more in a child – warrants further evaluation, as they may be associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 and other systemic conditions.
- Congenital melanocytic naevi (CMN) are moles present at birth. Small and medium CMN are common and carry a low risk of malignant transformation; large and giant CMN may require specialist surveillance and management planning.
Assessment: Monitoring vs Treatment
Not all birthmarks require treatment, and the decision to treat should always be based on clinical need and appropriateness for the individual. Dr Ang will assess your or your child’s birthmark thoroughly – including dermoscopic examination where relevant – and provide clear, honest guidance on whether monitoring, treatment, or referral is most appropriate.
Treatment Options at Skincodes
Laser therapy is the primary treatment modality for vascular birthmarks and selected pigmented lesions:
Yellow light laser (585nm) is useful for port wine stain treatment, selectively targeting haemoglobin in the abnormal blood vessels. Treatment is most effective when begun early.
Pico laser may be used to address café-au-lait macules and other pigmented birthmarks causing cosmetic concern.
Surgical removal may be the most appropriate approach for certain birthmarks – particularly larger or raised lesions, congenital naevi with atypical features, or cases where laser treatment is less suitable.
Why Choose Specialist Surgical Care
Dermatological surgery performed by a specialist offers distinct advantages:
- Accurate pre-surgical diagnosis with dermoscopy. Lesions are assessed carefully as appearances can be
misleading without specialist evaluation - Appropriate margin assessment for cancer excisions based on lesion type and guidelines
- Histological analysis of all removed tissue to confirm diagnosis and clear margins
- Minimally invasive techniques selected to optimise cosmetic outcomes
- Structured follow-up and surveillance for ongoing skin health