Treatments For Skin Growths in Charleston, SC | Réforme
Dermatology & Aesthetics
What Are Skin Growths?
Skin growth can appear in various types, shapes, and colors nearly anywhere on the human body. While they’re typically benign or noncancerous, they can be a nuisance. They can quickly become irritated and painful if they have formed in an area where clothing sits or rubs. There is always the possibility that the skin growth could be or become cancerous.
If you are concerned about a skin growth, contact Réforme Dermatology in Mount Pleasant, Johns Island, Daniel Island, James Island, and the greater Charleston area. A board-certified medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatologist will evaluate your skin growth and recommend the best course of treatment to restore your appearance and provide you with peace of mind regarding potential skin cancer.
What Are the Different Types of Skin Growths?
There are numerous types of benign skin growths we see in our Charleston office, but the most common include:
Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic keratosis is the most common type of skin growth, typically found in older adults. They present as flesh-colored, brown, or black growth with a round or oval shape and are often confused with moles. These types of skin growth have a warty appearance and often appear as if they can be peeled off.
Sebaceous Hyperplasia
Sebaceous hyperplasia is a benign enlargement of sebaceous glands surrounding a hair follicle. They typically occur when sebum (oil) and dead skin cells become trapped inside enlarged oil glands. People with fair skin are more prone to sebaceous hyperplasia, primarily found on the face, forehead, and nose.
Nevus (Mole)
Nearly everyone has a mole somewhere on their body. Moles commonly appear in childhood and adolescence and can darken or lighten with age. Moles typically present as round, flat, or raised lesions that may be brown or flesh-toned. Moles should be closely monitored as they could be a cause for concern if adults start to develop new moles or see changes occur in existing moles, as this could be a sign of melanoma.
Cysts
Cysts are lumps that grow beneath the skin and are often filled with a yellow or white fluid. Cysts may become painful and inflamed and warrant treatment.
Milia
While generally asymptomatic, milia are small white cysts that grow on the face and can be cosmetically undesirable.
Lipomas
Lipomas are noncancerous (benign) fatty tumors that develop underneath the skin. They are soft and usually painless lumps that can vary in size. They typically grow slowly and can develop anywhere on the body, but they are commonly found on the back, shoulders, neck, arms, and thighs.
How To Tell If A Skin Growth Is Benign Or Malignant?
Many skin growths are benign and require no intervention. However, it is still essential to visit a dermatologist if any growths develop symptoms, such as bleeding, itching, tenderness, pain, or are not healing. These symptoms could indicate the early stages of skin cancer or underlying health conditions.
When visiting a board-certified dermatologist for a skin growth evaluation, they will first diagnose the lesion to determine the best course of treatment. If they determine skin cancer is a potential concern, they will order a skin biopsy to examine the lesion more thoroughly.
What Causes Skin Growths To Develop?
The cause of skin growths isn’t always clear. In some cases, growths are known to be caused by the following:
- Sun exposure
- Genetics
- Viruses
- Systemic disease
What Are the Treatments For Benign Skin Growths?
Most benign skin growths are not harmful to your health, but patients seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. Others choose to have their skin growth removed to be proactive about the possibility of developing skin cancer. The removal of cysts and lipomas may be recommended if you start to develop symptoms.
Removal techniques may include:
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery is used when growths are very small and near the surface of the skin. Your dermatologist will use a device that sprays liquid nitrogen onto the lesion to freeze and destroy the cells.
Shave excision
A local anesthetic is administered into the targeted area before your dermatologist uses a small blade to carefully shave off the growth.
Simple Excision
A simple excision involves your dermatologist using a scalpel to remove the growth from the skin. Some healthy tissue may also be removed if skin cancer is suspected.
Curettage
Curettage removes tissue and cauterizes the area using a sharp, spoon-like instrument called a curette.
Schedule a Consultation
Explore the fully customizable and transformative dermatological treatments with double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Gabriella Vasile, who combines her extensive knowledge of skin health with her passion for finding innovative reparative and preventative treatments. Dr. Vasile’s collaborative, personalized approach to skin health and vitality meets the specific needs of her patients by utilizing state-of-the-art technology, science-based skincare products, and peer and patient-reviewed techniques and treatments.
With a keen aesthetic eye and precision, Dr. Vasile creates balanced and natural results for a variety of aging and skin-related concerns while prioritizing patient comfort and safety. Schedule your consultation today and experience a self-esteem boost with beautiful, healthy, vibrant skin.
What Can You Expect From A Charleston, SC Skin Growth Removal Appointment?
Patients are welcomed into a comfortable procedural room where their skin growth removal treatment will occur. To begin, a dermatologist will first locate the skin growth, and thoroughly cleanse the area.
Once fully prepared, a local anesthetic will be administered into the treatment area. Once the area is completely numb, depending on the type of skin growth, treatment will be administered to carefully excise the lesion from the skin.
When the growth has been completely removed, sutures will be placed if necessary. Otherwise, the area will be bandaged, and patients will be ready for their recovery.
At Réforme Dermatology, we take great care in removing and healing the treatment area to achieve the least amount of scarring possible.
Is There A Recovery Period After A Skin Growth Removal Procedure?
If the skin growth is minimal, there is generally no recovery time after a growth removal procedure. Redness, irritation, and tenderness are expected side effects after the growth removal process, but these will typically resolve themselves a few hours after the surgery.
For larger growths, such as lipomas or cysts, the recovery time may vary depending on the size of the growth and the location. Most patients can resume their normal activities except strenuous exercise. The treatment area should be kept clean and protected, especially if sutures are involved, to help prevent unintentional injury or infection. The time it takes for an incision to heal varies from patient to patient, but it typically takes 2 to 3 weeks for the wound to completely heal.
Why Choose Dr. Gabriella Vasile For Your Skin Growth Removal Treatment?
Dr. Gabriella Vasile is a Double Board-Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Micrographic Surgeon with extensive training and experience in treating a myriad of skin ailments. Raised in a family of physicians, she developed a passion for helping people medically and cosmetically while building lasting relationships with her patients. Her brand-new practice focuses on providing patients with a unique dermatological experience using preventative, restorative, and integrative medical practices and techniques.
If you’re bothered by the appearance of a skin growth or concerned that skin cancer may be possible, we invite you to schedule an appointment with Double Board-Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon Dr. Gabriella Vasile. To get started, contact Réforme today by calling (843) 974-1230 or completing our online form.
FAQs: Skin Growths at Réforme Dermatology & Aesthetics
When Should I See a Doctor About a New Skin Growth?
There are usually some telltale signs if a skin growth is considered cancerous. If you notice changes such as irregular borders, changes in color, pain, bleeding, slow healing, or a noticeable increase in size, it’s important to make an appointment with your dermatologist to have a biopsy done.
Can Skin Growths Be Hereditary?
Yes, moles and seborrheic keratoses can be genetic, are considered benign, and are sometimes mistaken for skin cancer. Actinic keratoses and melanoma are considered cancerous, and if you start to notice any growth irregularities or color changes, it’s important to have them checked by a dermatologist. Seborrheic keratoses tend to have a flatter base and usually appear more symmetrical, whereas actinic keratoses can appear scaly and produce patches that form clusters.
What Are Cancerous or Precancerous Skin Growths?
There are a few different types of skin growths that are considered cancerous or precancerous.
Actinic keratoses are considered precancerous and are caused by extended exposure to UV light. They can appear as small rough patches of skin with pink, brown, or flesh-colored borders. Dermatologists can treat them using topicals, freezing, light therapy, or surgical removal.
Basal cell carcinoma growth starts in the deepest epidermal layer. They can be caused by UV radiation and may also be genetic. They may appear as a raised bump that is more flesh colored or pink but may darken. A biopsy is necessary for diagnosis, and treatment can be done through surgical removal, radiation, or topical treatment.
Squamous cell carcinomas are a type of skin cancer found in the upper layer of the epidermis. They can be caused by UV radiation, damaged skin from burns or scars, or genetic predisposition. Squamous cell carcinomas may look patchy or scaly with a red base.
Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that can come from overexposure to UV light, certain medications, or genetic factors. These types of skin growths are often easier to spot because they can have several color variations that darken over time, are asymmetrical, and tend to spread out. If you notice a skin growth that has these characteristics, it’s important to see your doctor for a biopsy right away.
How Are Skin Growths Diagnosed?
If you notice a new skin growth, it’s essential to make an appointment with a dermatologist. They are highly specialized in this area and can examine any lesions using a dermatoscope and perform a biopsy on the area if needed.
Can I Remove a Skin Growth Myself?
There are topical removers for skin growths like skin tags, but for something larger, like a mole, it is not recommended to remove them at home. Doing so may make the condition worse or cause an infection, bleeding, or scarring. Further, if the skin growth happens to be cancerous, it will need to be removed by a dermatologist to prevent spreading.
Can Removal of Skin Growths Cause Scarring?
Most skin growth removal procedures produce minimal scarring, depending on their size, shape, location on the body, and the type of removal method used. Larger skin growths may have a higher risk of scarring due to having a thicker surface.
Can I Protect Myself From Developing Future Skin Growths?
Yes, it’s possible to protect your skin from future skin growths by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, wearing protective clothing and headgear whenever you’re outdoors, avoiding tanning beds, and living a healthy lifestyle. If you have a history of skin growths, it’s also recommended to see a dermatologist routinely for skin checks.
Is Skin Growth Removal Covered By Insurance?
If a skin growth is removed for medical reasons, especially if cells are precancerous or if cancer is suspected, this type of procedure is often covered by insurance. If the removal is purely for cosmetic reasons, skin growths are typically not covered.
Can Skin Growths Return After Removal?
Some skin growths, like warts, can come back even after removal, which is why proper removal by a qualified medical professional is important. Avoiding UV light as much as possible and doing regular skin checks can help with future prevention, especially if skin growths run in your family.
How Often Should I Get My Skin Checked?
For the average person, a full-body skin check once a year by a dermatologist is often enough, but those with a family history of skin cancer, fairer skin, or those with existing sun damage may need to be examined more often.