Fortunately, most skin lesions are benign and do not develop into skin cancer. However, they can still become a nuisance and negatively impact your appearance. If you’re bothered by unwanted lumps or bumps on your face or body, Dr. Ritchie Younger can remove these growths to enhance the beauty of your skin. As one of Vancouver’s leading facial plastic surgeons, he has the skills and experience to achieve exceptional results with little to no downtime or scarring.
What are Benign Skin Growths?
Benign skin growths are non-cancerous lesions or discolorations that can occur almost anywhere on the body. This includes moles, cysts or skin tags. Skin growths may be present from birth or develop as we get older, especially due to factors like injury, illness or sun damage. There are many different types of skin growths, but some of the more common ones that we treat at Younger Facial Surgery Centre include:
Types of Benign Skin Growths
Cysts
Cysts are pockets of tissue that are closed and with fluid or semi-solid material that often appear as lumps beneath the skin’s surface. Common types include sebaceous cysts and epidermoid cysts caused by blocked glands or trapped skin cells. Symptoms can include tenderness, redness and swelling. Examples are acne cysts and Baker’s cysts. While typically benign, cysts can become infected, leading to increased pain and potential abscess formation, necessitating removal.
Lipomas
Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps that can be felt under the skin and are typically slow-growing and painless. They are often caused by genetic factors, and their symptoms include a soft, doughy feel and the ability to move under the skin when pressed. Examples include familial multiple lipomatosis. Although lipomas are generally harmless, they may need to be removed if they grow large enough to cause discomfort, press on nerves or become cosmetically concerning.
Moles
Moles are clusters of cells that can be brown, black or skin-colored and may appear anywhere on the body, sometimes raised or otherwise flat. They are generally harmless but can occasionally become cancerous, especially with changes in size, shape or color. Causes include genetic factors and sun exposure. It is crucial to monitor moles for any atypical changes that could indicate melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer that necessitates removal.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are small, soft, benign growths hanging off the skin with a thin stalk. They often develop in skin folds like the neck, armpits and groin. Causes include friction, genetics and hormonal changes. While painless, skin tags can become irritated by clothing or jewelry and cause cosmetic concerns, prompting removal.
Seborrheic Keratoses
Seborrheic keratoses are non-cancerous skin growths that appear as waxy, brown, black or tan patches. They are more common with aging and have symptoms such as a slightly elevated, wart-like surface and a stuck-on appearance. Though harmless, seborrheic keratoses can resemble skin cancer and might cause discomfort or cosmetic issues, leading to their removal for diagnostic clarity or personal preference.
Keloids
Keloids are formed from scars and an overproduction of collagen during the healing process. They are raised, thickened, sometimes darker scar tissue that extends beyond the original wound and feels bumpy. Causes include skin injuries, surgery incisions or acne. Symptoms include firm, rubbery lesions and possible itching or pain. Keloids can become large and uncomfortable, potentially restricting movement if located near a joint, and may be removed to alleviate symptoms or for cosmetic reasons.
Post-Treatment Care for Skin After Benign Growth Removal
After your treatment, downtime is minimal. The following can help reduce scarring and assist in optimal recovery.
Pain Management
Managing pain effectively is crucial after benign skin growth removal. OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help alleviate any discomfort. Additionally, applying ice packs or cool compresses to the treated area can reduce swelling and pain, promoting a more comfortable post-treatment experience.
Wound Care
Proper wound care is essential to ensure safe healing and reduce scars. Keep the treated area clean and dry, following Dr. Younger’s instructions diligently. This may include applying antibiotic ointment to prevent infection and covering the wound with a sterile bandage to protect it from contaminants.
Scar Minimization
Minimizing scarring is an important aspect of post-treatment care. To promote smooth healing in conspicuous locations, you may utilize silicone gel sheets or scar creams, as Dr. Younger recommends. Avoid picking scabs, as this can lead to more noticeable scars. Additionally, protect the treated area from sun exposure by using a high-SPF sunscreen to prevent pigmentation changes.
Infection Prevention
Monitor the treated area regularly for signs of infection, such as increased or persistent redness, swelling, pain or discharge. Note: If any of these symptoms occur, contact our offices promptly to address the issue and prevent further complications.
Follow-Up Appointments
Attending follow-up appointments is vital for best results. These appointments allow Dr. Younger to assess your recovery progress, make any necessary adjustments to your care plan and provide additional guidance for optimal healing.
Implementing these post-treatment care practices will help ensure a smooth recovery process and minimize potential complications after removing benign skin growths.
Benign Skin Growth Treatment
If you have an unwanted skin growth you’d like to remove, the right treatment option may vary depending on its size and location. Different techniques are also used depending on the type of lesion. Below are some of the procedures we perform to eliminate benign skin growths.
Surgical Excision
Surgical excision can effectively remove several types of benign skin growths, including skin tags, moles, lipomas and more. This technique involves surgically cutting out the lesion and some of the surrounding tissue to prevent recurrence. The wound is then closed using small sutures. When performed correctly, excision can result in minimal scarring.
Shave Excision
Shave excision can be used for superficial moles, warts and other benign lesions. It involves repetitive, horizontal slicing to shave off the growth without cutting into the skin. This technique results in less scarring than surgical excision, but recurrence is more common.
Cyst Removal
Cyst removal is a minor procedure that utilizes a small incision to drain the growth and remove the sac within. Then, small sutures will be used to close the hole. This procedure usually leaves behind a small, smooth scar that is barely noticeable.
Steroid Injections
Steroid injections can treat certain skin lesions and reduce pain, inflammation or swelling. Dr. Younger may use this technique if excision is not a good option due to the risk of scarring.
Scar Revision
Dr. Younger performs scar revision to lessen the appearance of large, unsightly or unwanted scars. Depending on the type of scar, he may recommend surgical excision to eliminate excess scar tissue or the use of steroid injections to flatten keloid and hypertrophic scars. Dermal fillers like Restylane® can also be used to fill in depressed scars.
Should I Be Concerned About Abnormal Skin Growths?
Skin growths are a common occurrence and usually harmless. However, if you’re worried about a suspicious lesion or have noticed changes in size, shape or colour, it’s essential to have it examined by a dermatologist to establish an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Younger may recommend this step prior to removal as malignant growths might require a different treatment approach, such as the inclusion of radiation, chemotherapy or targeted drugs. Fortunately, when caught early, skin cancers are highly curable and less likely to spread to other tissues.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do benign skin growths need to be removed?
Removal is often recommended if the growth causes discomfort, pain, or cosmetic concerns. Additionally, certain growths, like moles, need to be monitored for potential malignancy, and removal can prevent complications or confirm diagnosis.
What is the recovery process after the removal of benign skin growths?
Recovery typically involves keeping the area clean and dry, using pain relievers, and monitoring for signs of infection. Follow-up appointments ensure proper healing and address any complications.
Can I stop benign skin growths from forming or recurring?
Some benign skin growths, like cysts and keloids, may recur after removal. Regular monitoring can help manage any recurrence. Maintain a regular skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing and exfoliating to keep your skin healthy and reduce the risk of developing new growths. Ask Dr. Younger for approved skincare recommendations.
Protect your skin from sun exposure by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wearing protective clothing or hats and seeking shade or staying indoors when the sun is strongest. Schedule regular check-ups to monitor your skin for new or changing growth. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications.
Reduce skin irritation by avoiding tight clothing and minimizing friction in areas prone to skin tags and other growths. Keep these areas clean and dry. Eating a healthy diet rich in plenty of vegetables and staying hydrated goes a long way to keep your skin renewing itself and staying healthy.
Not all benign skin growths require treatment, but those that are located in visible areas or causing discomfort can be removed to improve your appearance. To ensure the best cosmetic results, Dr. Younger will evaluate your skin and utilize techniques that minimize scarring. If any growths look suspicious, he may recommend further testing to determine malignancy.
Book a Consultation
If you’ve noticed unwanted lumps or bumps on your skin that negatively affect your appearance, we can help. In most cases, benign skin lesions can be easily removed with minimal downtime or scarring. To learn more about your treatment options or book a consultation with Vancouver’s leading facial plastic surgery expert, contact or call the Younger Facial Surgery Centre today at 604-265-9730.