Birthmark Removal in Singapore – Types, Causes & Laser Treatment

Birthmarks are areas of skin discolouration or growths that are present at birth or develop shortly afterwards. They can appear anywhere on the face or body and vary in colour, size, shape and appearance. Most birthmarks are benign (non-cancerous). However, some may persist, become more noticeable with age or require medical monitoring.

Birthmarks are generally classified into two main categories: vascular birthmarks (red or pink) and pigmented birthmarks (brown, black or blue-grey).

Understanding the type of birthmark is important, as laser birthmark removal and other treatment options depend on the underlying skin structures involved.

1. Vascular Birthmarks – Red, Pink & Purple Birthmarks

• Salmon Patches (Nevus Simplex)

  Salmon patches are common, flat, pink or reddish birthmarks that typically appear on the forehead, eyelids, between the eyebrows or back of the neck. They result from superficial blood vessel changes and often become more noticeable when a baby cries or becomes warm. Most facial salmon patches gradually fade during early childhood, while those on the back of the neck may persist.

• Infantile Hemangiomas (Strawberry Birthmarks)

  Infantile hemangiomas are benign vascular growths that usually develop during the first few weeks of life. They may appear as bright red, raised lesions or deeper bluish swellings, commonly affecting the head, neck or other areas of the body. Hemangiomas often grow during early infancy before gradually shrinking over several years. Although many resolve without treatment, some require medical attention, particularly when they affect vision, breathing, feeding or other important functions.

• Port-Wine Stains (Capillary Malformations)

  Port-wine stains, also known as nevus flammeus or capillary malformations, are vascular birthmarks caused by abnormally formed superficial blood vessels. They usually appear as flat pink, red or purple patches, commonly on the face or neck. Unlike salmon patches, port-wine stains generally do not fade spontaneously. Over time, some may become darker, thicker or develop an uneven surface. Selected vascular laser treatments may help reduce their colour, although multiple sessions are often required and complete clearance is not always possible.

2. Pigmented Birthmarks – Brown, Black & Blue-Grey Birthmarks

Pigmented birthmarks develop due to increased melanin pigmentation or collections of pigment-producing cells within the skin.

They may appear brown, black, blue or grey, depending on the type of birthmark and the depth of pigmentation.

Types of Pigmented Birthmarks

• Moles (Congenital Melanocytic Nevi)

  Congenital melanocytic nevi, commonly called birthmark moles, are pigmented growths present at birth or shortly afterwards. They range from light brown to dark brown or black and may appear flat, raised or occasionally covered with hair. Congenital moles vary considerably in size. While most are benign, larger or changing lesions may require medical monitoring because certain types carry an increased risk of melanoma. Laser treatment is not routinely recommended for removing melanocytic nevi, as it may leave residual nevus cells and make future assessment more difficult.

• Café-au-Lait Spots (Café-au-Lait Macules)

  Café-au-lait spots are flat, light brown patches named after the French expression meaning coffee with milk. They typically have a uniform tan or brown colour and may appear round, oval or irregular in shape. These pigmented birthmarks can occur anywhere on the body and are generally harmless. However, multiple café-au-lait spots, particularly in children, may occasionally be associated with underlying genetic conditions and warrant medical assessment. Selected pigment-targeting lasers may lighten some café-au-lait spots, although treatment responses vary and pigmentation can recur.

• Mongolian Blue Spots (Congenital Dermal Melanocytosis)

  Congenital dermal melanocytosis, previously known as Mongolian blue spots, appears as flat, blue-grey or slate-coloured patches. These birthmarks commonly occur on the lower back and buttocks and are particularly frequent in babies of Asian, African and other darker skin backgrounds. Their blue-grey appearance results from melanocytes located deeper within the dermis. Most congenital dermal melanocytosis patches gradually fade during childhood and do not require treatment.