Removal of skin growths
Papillomas, skin tags, milia and other benign growths: laser and coagulation.
Small hanging skin tags and papillomas on the neck and in the armpits, tiny white cysts around the eyes (milia), and some benign spots and bumps are the growths that most often cause cosmetic concern. Before removing them, it is essential to know exactly what each one is.
Methods I use
- Laser: a precise method with little effect on the surrounding tissue
- Coagulation: removal of the growth with high temperature
- Cryotherapy: freezing with liquid nitrogen, no cutting needed
- Surgical excision: for suspicious lesions or those that need histology, together with a surgeon
A biopsy is taken from a suspicious lesion and sent for histology. Sun-related precancerous changes such as actinic keratosis are also treated early.
Why not remove them at home
Tying off with thread, cutting or "burning" ointments can cause bleeding, infection and scarring. Most importantly, an early skin cancer cannot be told apart from an ordinary papilloma at home. That is why I always look at every growth with a dermatoscope first.
After the procedure
- Redness or a thin crust may remain for a few days; do not pick it off
- Protect the area from the sun until it heals
- I give written aftercare instructions after the procedure