Cosmetic Dermatology
Removal of Benign Growths
Seborrheic keratoses, skin tags, sebaceous hyperplasia, and benign moles are harmless — but they can catch on clothing and jewelry, become irritated, or simply bother you when you look in the mirror. Removing them is quick, performed in the office, and requires little or no downtime.
Every growth is evaluated by Dr. Avarbock or Dr. Chamorro before treatment. This ensures that each lesion is appropriately assessed and that the removal method is chosen with both safety and the best possible cosmetic result in mind.
What we treat
These are the benign growths we remove most often. If you are unsure what something is, that is exactly what the evaluation is for.
Seborrheic Keratoses
Common, benign "barnacle-like" growths that appear waxy or stuck-on, ranging from tan to dark brown. They increase with age and are often inherited. Treated with cryotherapy or gentle shave removal.
Skin Tags
Soft, skin-colored growths that form where skin rubs against skin — the neck, underarms, eyelids, and groin. Removed in seconds with fine scissors, electrodesiccation, or cryotherapy.
Sebaceous Hyperplasia
Small, yellow, doughnut-shaped bumps caused by enlarged oil glands, most often on the forehead and cheeks. Treated with light electrodesiccation or cautery for a smoother surface.
Benign Moles
Raised or protruding moles that catch on clothing or razors, or that you would simply prefer removed. Any mole is evaluated first, and tissue is sent to pathology whenever clinically indicated.
What to expect
Evaluation
Every growth is examined by a board-certified dermatologist, with dermoscopy when needed, to confirm it is benign before anything is removed.
Numbing
Most removals are performed with a small injection of local anesthetic, or with no anesthesia at all for small skin tags and cryotherapy.
Removal
Depending on the lesion, we use cryotherapy, shave removal, fine-scissor snip, or light electrodesiccation. Most visits take 15 to 30 minutes.
Healing
Treated areas form a small crust that heals over one to two weeks. Keep the area clean, apply petrolatum, and protect it from the sun.
Result
Skin settles to a smooth surface. Temporary pink or light discoloration can persist for several weeks and typically fades.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Growth Removal
Is the growth checked before it is removed?
Always. A board-certified dermatologist examines every lesion, and we send tissue to pathology whenever there is any question about the diagnosis. Cosmetic removal is only performed once a growth is confidently benign.
Does it hurt?
Skin tags and cryotherapy involve a brief sting or cold sensation. For shave removals and electrodesiccation, the area is numbed with a small injection of local anesthetic and you should feel only pressure.
Will it leave a scar?
Most removals heal with little or no visible mark, though a small flat scar or a temporary light or pink spot is possible. We choose the technique with the best cosmetic outcome for each lesion and location.
How long is the healing?
A small crust or scab typically forms and resolves over one to two weeks. Keep the area clean, apply petrolatum, and protect it from the sun while it heals.
Can several growths be treated in one visit?
Yes. Many patients have multiple seborrheic keratoses or skin tags addressed in a single appointment.
Will they come back?
The treated growth does not typically return, but new seborrheic keratoses, skin tags, or sebaceous hyperplasia can develop over time, as they reflect genetics and normal aging.
If your question isn't answered here, call the office at (305) 306-9470 and we will walk you through it.