Seborrheic Keratosis Treatment & Removal in Singapore
As we get older, brown spots, age spots and benign skin growths may gradually become more noticeable on the face and body. While these growths do not always require removal, some people choose seborrheic keratosis or age spot removal treatments when they become raised, irritated or cosmetically bothersome.
What Is Seborrheic Keratosis?
Moles, seborrheic keratoses, skin tags and warts are common types of skin growths. Seborrheic keratoses are generally benign and become increasingly common with age.
They can appear as brown, black or grey spots or growths and may be flat or slightly raised in the beginning. Over time, some seborrheic keratoses can become thicker, rougher or more raised, sometimes developing a waxy or “stuck-on” appearance.
Seborrheic keratoses can sometimes be mistaken for age spots or sun spots (solar lentigines) because they can have a similar brown or pigmented appearance. However, they are different skin conditions. Age spots are flat areas of increased pigmentation commonly associated with cumulative sun exposure, while seborrheic keratoses are actual skin growths.
Age spots develop due to a localised increase in melanin and are associated with skin ageing and long-term UV exposure. They are most commonly found on areas that receive more sun exposure, including the face, shoulders, upper back, forearms and backs of the hands.
Because different types of dark spots and skin growths can look similar, it is important to identify what the lesion is before deciding on the appropriate treatment.
Seborrheic Keratosis Removal
Although seborrheic keratosis is usually harmless, some growths may become itchy or irritated, particularly when they rub against clothing or are located in areas of frequent friction. Others may choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.
There are different treatment options available for seborrheic keratosis removal, depending on whether the growth is flat or raised, as well as its size, thickness and location.
For raised seborrheic keratoses, one treatment option our doctors may use is an ablative laser to precisely remove the raised pigmented tissue.
Treatment Options to Remove Seborrheic KeratosisDr Chiam CT
Erbium YAG Laser for Seborrheic Keratosis Removal
One of the ablative lasers our doctors may use is the Erbium YAG laser. Erbium YAG allows the doctor to remove superficial layers of the raised skin growth in a controlled manner, with relatively limited heat spreading into the surrounding tissue.
This is particularly important when treating Asian skin, where excessive heat and inflammation can increase the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Compared with CO₂ laser, Erbium YAG produces less surrounding thermal damage, which can mean less post-treatment redness and a different recovery profile in appropriately selected cases.
The type of treatment used will depend on the size, thickness, depth and location of the seborrheic keratosis, as well as your skin type. A consultation allows our doctors to assess the growth and determine the most appropriate removal method.
Treatment Options to Remove Seborrheic Keratosis - Dr Chiam CT