Age Spot (Seborrhoeic Keratoses) Removal Singapore
Summary
Age spots, also known as seborrhoeic keratoses, are common, benign skin growths that become increasingly common with age. They may be flat or raised, smooth, waxy, rough or warty, and range from skin-coloured to brown or almost black.
- Appearance: Flat or raised growths, often with a waxy, rough or characteristic “stuck-on” appearance.
- Common Locations: Face, scalp, neck, chest, back and limbs.
- Causes: The exact cause is unknown, but age and genetics play important roles. Sun exposure may contribute to some lesions.
- Who Can Get Them: Most common in middle-aged and older adults, particularly those with a family tendency to develop multiple growths.
- Prevention: There is no proven way to prevent seborrhoeic keratoses, although good sun protection is recommended for overall skin health.
- Cryotherapy: Uses liquid nitrogen to freeze smaller or thinner growths, which subsequently scab and fall off.
- Electrocautery: Uses controlled electrical energy to remove raised growths after the skin has been numbed.
- CO2 Laser: Precisely removes selected growths and can be particularly useful for multiple or facial lesions.
- Recovery: A small scab commonly forms and usually heals within approximately 1–2 weeks.
- Scarring: Most superficial lesions heal with minimal scarring, although temporary redness or pigmentation changes can occur.
- Recurrence: Successfully removed lesions are unlikely to recur at the same site, but new age spots may continue to develop over time.
What are Age Spots (Seborrhoeic Keratoses)?
Age spots, also known as seborrhoeic keratoses, are common benign skin growths that become increasingly common with age. They are different from sun spots (solar lentigines), which are flat areas of pigmentation caused mainly by cumulative sun exposure.
Age spots typically:
- Appear as flat or raised growths with well-defined edges
- Have a smooth, waxy, rough or warty surface
- Range in colour from skin-coloured or tan to brown or almost black
- Vary in size from a few millimetres to several centimetres
- May have a characteristic “stuck-on” appearance
They can develop almost anywhere on the body but are particularly common on the face, scalp, neck, chest, back and limbs.
Age spots are benign and non-cancerous. However, some seborrhoeic keratoses can resemble moles or skin cancers, particularly when they are very dark or irregular. A growth that is new, changing, repeatedly bleeding or otherwise unusual should be assessed by a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis before removal.
What Causes Age Spots (Seborrhoeic Keratoses)?
The exact cause of age spots is not fully understood, but several factors are thought to contribute:
- Age: They become increasingly common with age, particularly from middle age onwards.
- Genetics: Some people have a strong inherited tendency to develop multiple age spots.
- Sun Exposure: Sun exposure may contribute to some seborrhoeic keratoses, particularly on exposed areas, but they also commonly develop on areas that receive little sun.
- Skin Cell Growth: They develop from an increased growth of cells called keratinocytes in the outer layer of the skin.
Unlike sun spots, age spots cannot always be prevented with sun protection, although regular sun protection remains important for preventing sun damage and other pigmentation problems.
Who can Get Age Spots (Seborrhoeic Keratoses)?
Age spots (seborrhoeic keratoses) become increasingly common with age, particularly from middle age onwards. They can occur in all skin types.
You may be more likely to develop them if you:
Are middle-aged or older
Have a family history of seborrhoeic keratoses
Have a genetic tendency to develop multiple growths
Have significant sun exposure, which may contribute to some lesions
Some people develop only a few age spots, while others may develop many over time.
How to Prevent Age Spots (Seborrhoeic Keratoses)?
Age spots (seborrhoeic keratoses) cannot always be prevented, as ageing and genetics play an important role.
Good sun protection may help:
- Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen daily
- Wear protective clothing and hats
- Avoid excessive sun exposure
New age spots may still develop over time despite good sun protection.
Should I Remove Age Spots (Seborrhoeic Keratoses)?
Age spots (seborrhoeic keratoses) are harmless and do not usually require treatment. However, they can be removed if they are cosmetically bothersome or become irritated.
A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and recommend the most suitable removal method based on the size, thickness and location of the growths.
What are the Treatment Options for Age Spots (Seborrhoeic Keratoses) Removal in Singapore
Treatment depends on the number, size, thickness and location of the age spots. Common options include:
1. Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove the age spot.
- Suitable for smaller or thinner growths
- The treated area may blister or scab before healing
- Temporary pigmentation changes may occur
2. Electrocautery
Electrocautery uses controlled electrical energy to remove raised age spots.
- Numbing cream or local anaesthetic injection can be used for comfort
- A small scab typically forms and heals within 7–10 days
- Temporary redness or pigmentation may occur
- Usually heals with minimal scarring
3. CO2 Laser
CO2 laser can precisely remove age spots layer by layer and is particularly useful for multiple, thicker or facial lesions.
- Numbing cream or local anaesthetic can be used
- A small scab usually forms and heals over 1–2 weeks
- Multiple spots can be treated in one session
- Temporary redness or pigmentation may occur
A dermatologist should first assess the growths to confirm the diagnosis before removal, particularly if any spot is new, changing or unusual.
Post Removal Care
Proper aftercare helps the skin heal well after age spot removal.
- Keep the treated area clean and dry for the first 24 hours
- Avoid picking or scratching any scabs
- Avoid swimming, hot baths and prolonged soaking until healed
- Apply any recommended ointment or dressing as instructed
- Once healed, use SPF 50+ sunscreen to reduce post-treatment pigmentation
Mild redness, swelling or scabbing is normal and usually settles as the skin heals.
Summary
Age spots (seborrhoeic keratoses) are common, harmless skin growths that become more frequent with age. They may be flat or raised and range from skin-coloured to dark brown or black.
Although treatment is not medically necessary, age spots can be removed for cosmetic reasons or if they become irritated. Treatment options include cryotherapy, electrocautery and CO2 laser, depending on the size, thickness and location of the growths.
A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and recommend the most suitable removal method for effective treatment with minimal downtime and scarring.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
What Are Age Spots?
Age spots (seborrhoeic keratoses) are common, benign skin growths that become increasingly common with age. They may be flat or raised, with a smooth, waxy, rough or “stuck-on” appearance.
What Causes Age Spots?
The exact cause is not fully understood. Ageing and genetics are important factors, while sun exposure may contribute to some lesions.
How Can I Prevent Age Spots?
Age spots cannot always be prevented, particularly when there is a genetic tendency. Regular sun protection is still recommended for overall skin health.
How Do I Get Rid of Age Spots?
Age spots can be removed using treatments such as cryotherapy, electrocautery or CO2 laser, depending on their size, thickness and location.
Can Age Spots Come Back After Removal?
A completely removed growth is unlikely to recur at exactly the same site, although recurrence is possible if part of the growth remains. People who are prone to age spots may also develop new growths elsewhere over time.
How Much Does Age Spot Removal Cost in Singapore?
The cost depends on the number, size and location of the growths and the treatment required. An assessment is needed to provide an accurate estimate.
Is Age Spot Removal Painful?
Treatment is generally well tolerated. Numbing cream or a local anaesthetic injection can be used where appropriate to make the procedure comfortable.
How Long Does Age Spot Removal Take to Heal?
Healing depends on the treatment performed. A small scab may develop and typically heals within approximately 7–14 days, although some areas may take longer.
How Many Age Spot Removal Sessions Will I Need?
Many superficial age spots can be removed in a single treatment session. Thicker, larger or numerous growths may require additional treatment.
Will Age Spot Removal Leave a Scar?
Any procedure that removes a skin growth carries some risk of scarring or pigmentation changes. However, with appropriate treatment and aftercare, most superficial age spots heal with minimal scarring.
Book Your Age Spot Removal Consultation
If you are considering age spot removal in Singapore, our clinic offers safe and effective treatment tailored to your skin.
Call us at 6262 0880 to schedule your consultation and receive personalised care from our dermatologist.