Birthmark Removal Singapore
A birthmark is an area of discoloured or differently pigmented skin, present at birth or appearing in the first few weeks. Most are harmless and need nothing done.
A few need watching. A small number do better treated early, particularly port wine stains and haemangiomas near the eye, mouth or airway.
Dr Ang Sue-May assesses the birthmark and gives clear guidance on which of those three it is.
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.
Vascular: port wine stains
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.
Vascular: strawberry haemangiomas
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.
Pigmented: Mongolian spots
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.
Pigmented: cafe-au-lait macules
Cafe-au-lait macules are flat, evenly pigmented, light-brown patches. Isolated cafe-au-lait macules are generally benign. However, the presence of multiple cafe-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.
Pigmented: congenital melanocytic naevi
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)
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
Pico laser may be used to address cafe-au-lait macules and other pigmented birthmarks causing cosmetic concern.
More about pico laser at Pico Laser
Surgical removal
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.
Related at Skincodes
Common Questions About Birthmarks
Will my baby's birthmark go away on its own?
It depends on the type. Strawberry haemangiomas usually shrink and mostly fade by five to seven years old. Mongolian spots normally fade in early childhood. Port wine stains do not fade, and tend to darken and thicken over time.
When should a birthmark be treated rather than watched?
When it affects function, such as a haemangioma near the eye, mouth or airway. When it ulcerates or bleeds. When there are features that need wider evaluation. And when it causes enough cosmetic concern for the person who has it.
How early can a birthmark be treated?
For port wine stains, earlier is better, because the vessels are shallower and the mark is smaller. This is one of the few areas where waiting makes the treatment harder.
Can a birthmark turn into skin cancer?
The great majority cannot. Large and giant congenital melanocytic naevi carry some risk and are monitored for that reason. Vascular birthmarks do not.
Does laser treatment work on all birthmarks?
No. Laser works well on vascular birthmarks and on some pigmented ones. Raised lesions and congenital naevi with unusual features are often better removed surgically.
My child has several light brown patches. Should I be concerned?
A single cafe-au-lait patch is common and harmless. Six or more in a child is worth having assessed, since it can point to an underlying condition.
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