Brief: Shanghai leading children’s hospital successfully removes a facial birthmark, highlighting Shanghai’s growing role as a destination for advanced medical care for families from Southeast Asia.

SHANGHAI, China – September 21, 2025 – An 11-year-old girl from Indonesia has regained her confidence after a successful facial surgery at a top Shanghai hospital, a case that underscores the city’s emergence as a hub for international pediatric care and deepening health cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The girl, identified as Ya, had a large, dark brown birthmark on her left cheek that had been present since birth and was growing larger. While not a health risk, the mark had a significant impact on her appearance and psychological well-being.

After initially visiting the Shanghai Children’s Medical Center (SCMC) for an unrelated issue, Ya’s family learned about the renowned expertise of Dr. Deng Dan, head of the dermatology department, and her team in treating birthmarks and skin lesions. They sought a consultation, hoping for a solution they couldn’t find at home.

Dr. Deng’s team conducted a comprehensive evaluation and designed a personalized surgical plan. The procedure, which focused on both medical and cosmetic outcomes, was a success. The lesion was completely removed, and using minimally invasive techniques and cosmetic suturing, surgeons ensured scarring would be minimal.

“For children with skin conditions, we must consider not just the medical factors, but also the child’s psychological and social adaptation,” said Dr. Dan. “Our goal is to use advanced techniques to minimize any trace of the surgery and help the child restore their self-confidence.”

Ya’s father expressed immense gratitude following the surgery. “We are so thankful to the International Medical Services department and Dr. Deng’s team. From the first consultation to the surgery, every step made us feel professional and cared for. The technology at SCMC is excellent, and the service is incredibly thoughtful.” He noted that after consulting with several hospitals in Indonesia, they chose Shanghai for its comprehensive medical strength and international standard of care.

Ya’s case is part of a larger trend. In the past two years, the international ward at SCMC, a national center for children’s medicine, has treated dozens of young patients from Southeast Asian countries for conditions ranging from cardiovascular diseases and cancer to dermatological issues.

This growing cross-border flow of patients was recently solidified by a new partnership. On September 7, the hospital signed a letter of intent with Singapore’s Giti Group, the UID Foundation, and the Bali International Medical Services Plan to jointly develop a “Medical Economic Special Zone” in Bali. The collaboration aims to strengthen cooperation in medical innovation, talent training, and healthcare systems.

This initiative serves as a concrete example of the Belt and Road Initiative in the health sector, injecting new momentum into regional medical development and the growth of the international health industry. For families like Ya’s, it means greater access to world-class care and the promise of a brighter, more confident future.

Editor: Chen Qing @ ShanghaiDoctor.cn

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