Removal of Skin Lumps and Bumps, Skin Tags

Annoying skin tags, unsightly lumps, or benign bumps on the skin can be both a cosmetic nuisance and sometimes a source of discomfort if they catch on clothing or jewelry. At Dermanom Aesthetic, we offer safe and effective removal of various minor skin lesions such as skin tags, seborrheic keratoses (those raised, brown “warty” spots), small cysts, and other benign lumps. All procedures are performed by our medical team under sterile conditions, ensuring not only a better cosmetic outcome but also that the removed tissue can be sent for pathology if needed (to confirm it’s benign). We understand that even small imperfections can affect your confidence or quality of life, so we approach every removal with precision and care.

Common lesions we remove include:

• Skin Tags: Soft, small flaps of skin usually on the neck, underarms, or eyelids. These are harmless but can be irritating or cosmetically bothersome.
• Sebaceous Cysts: Firm lumps under the skin often caused by blocked glands (common on the face, neck, or trunk). They can grow and sometimes get inflamed.
• Lipomas: Soft, fatty tissue lumps under the skin. These are benign tumors of fat that can appear on the body.
• Seborrheic Keratoses: Waxy, raised brown or black spots that can appear with age, often on the torso or face.
• Warts: Although viral in origin, common warts or plantar warts can be treated/removed if they don’t respond to topical treatments.

During your consultation, Dr. Tokman will examine the lesion to determine the likely diagnosis and the best removal method. If there’s any doubt about the nature of a lump (for instance, if it might be a mole or something that needs further evaluation), we may suggest a biopsy or refer for specialist input. Patient safety and appropriate treatment come first.

Treatment Methods

We have several techniques for removing skin lesions, and we’ll choose the one most suitable for your case, balancing complete removal with minimal scarring:

• Snip or Shave Excision: For skin tags and protruding bumps, we often do a quick snip excision using sterile surgical scissors or a blade to shave it flush with the skin. This is done under local anesthesia (a tiny injection of numbing agent) so you don’t feel pain. Bleeding is stopped with an electrocautery or a chemical cauterant, and usually no stitches are needed.
• Surgical Excision: For larger cysts, lipomas, or lesions that extend deeper, a minor surgical procedure is done. We inject local anesthetic, make a small incision, and remove the lump entirely. Deeper layers may be sutured and then the skin is closed with fine stitches. This ensures the entire lesion is out and can be sent to the lab if required. A thin scar will result, which typically fades over time and we place incisions in natural skin lines whenever possible.
• Cryotherapy: Some small keratoses or warts can be treated by freezing with liquid nitrogen. This causes the lesion to scab and fall off after a week or two. This is a quick method and doesn’t require anesthesia, though you feel a cold stinging sensation briefly. It may leave a light mark or temporary redness.
• Electrocautery: Using a fine electric cautery device, we can burn off certain lesions (like skin tags or tiny angiomas). This simultaneously removes the bump and seals the blood vessels. A small scab forms and heals over about 1-2 weeks.

Rest assured, these minor procedures are usually very straightforward. We maintain a clean, sterile environment to prevent infection, and provide aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.

Pre- and Post-Procedure Care

Before Removal: There’s not much you need to do to prepare for removing a small skin lesion. We do recommend you avoid tanning or excessive sun on the area beforehand, as sunburnt skin is more fragile. If the lesion is on the face, come without makeup. If you take blood thinners (like warfarin) or have any bleeding disorders, inform us – not that it prevents removal, but we want to plan for bleeding management. Also, if the area to be treated has any active infection (like a cyst that’s very red and painful), we might treat that first or reschedule until it calms down.

Aftercare: After removal, how you care for it depends on the method used. For simple snip excisions or shaves, we usually place a small dressing. You’ll keep it clean and dry that day. Starting the next day, you can remove or change the dressing and clean the area with mild soap and water, then apply a fresh bandaid. We might give you an antibiotic ointment to use for a few days. Expect a small scab to form; do not pick at it – let it fall off naturally. If sutures were placed, we will schedule you to return in about 7-14 days for suture removal (face usually ~7 days, body 10-14 days). While stitches are in and for a few days after removal, avoid heavy stretching of that area and keep it clean. You can typically shower the next day (waterproof dressings can be applied if needed).

Minor swelling or redness around the site is normal. Tylenol (paracetamol) is usually enough for any mild soreness. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen for the first day if possible, to minimize bruising, unless you need it. Watch for any signs of infection (which are rare): increasing redness, warmth, pus, or severe pain. If that happens, let us know immediately. Otherwise, healing is quick – most small removals heal within 1-2 weeks. Once healed, if the area is pink, protect it from sun exposure to ensure the best scar outcome (use SPF on that area or cover with clothing/tape). Over time, any scar will fade. We can also advise on scar creams or silicone gel to help it along.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will it hurt?
These removal procedures are virtually painless during the process because we use local anesthesia. You’ll feel a quick pinprick and brief sting when the numbing injection is given. After that, the area is numb and you shouldn’t feel the actual removal. For methods like freezing (cryotherapy), no injection is needed – the freezing spray itself might smart for a few seconds and then it’s done. After the procedure, as the anesthetic wears off (if one was used), there might be a little soreness akin to a scraped knee feeling, but it’s usually very mild. An over-the-counter pain reliever is more than sufficient if you even need it.

Will it scar?
Any time you cut or significantly injure the skin, a scar can form as part of natural healing. However, for very small lesions (like tiny skin tags), often the mark left is practically imperceptible after a while – it might look like a small freckle or just blend into your skin. For slightly larger excisions, there will be a fine line scar. We do our best to minimize scarring: using fine sutures, placing incisions along natural skin creases, and giving you proper aftercare advice. Everyone’s skin heals differently – some may get a faint pink line that fades to white, others might have a slightly darker or lighter line. We can also recommend scar reduction methods if a scar is noticeable (like silicone gel, vitamin E oil, or laser treatments down the line if needed). In most cases, especially for benign lesions, the cosmetic outcome is far better without the lesion even if a small scar remains, and those scars tend to improve over 6-12 months.

What if the lump is something serious?
If on examination we suspect that a lump or bump might not be a simple benign lesion, we will tell you. Our first priority is your health. We might advise doing a biopsy (taking a small sample) rather than removing it completely, to get a pathology report. Or we might excise it with extra margins as a precaution and send it to pathology. If it turned out to be a skin cancer or something atypical, we would refer you to the appropriate specialist or ensure you get the definitive care needed. It’s important to note that many benign lesions can mimic dangerous ones to the untrained eye, and vice versa, so trust that we’ll err on the side of caution. The majority of skin tags, cysts, etc., are straightforward – but you’re in a medical clinic, not just a beauty spa, so we take all necessary steps for your safety. You’ll get a follow-up on any pathology results as soon as they’re available.

Can all my bumps be removed in one session?
Often, yes – if you have multiple small skin tags or bumps, we can remove several in one visit, time permitting and as long as you’re comfortable. We’ll discuss a plan based on how many lesions and their size. For example, a couple of skin tags can be snipped quickly. If you have a lot (say dozens), we might stage it over a couple of sessions to ensure each removal gets the attention it needs and to manage healing. If you have two or three cysts in different areas, we can usually address them all in one go, but again, it depends on complexity. We’ll create a treatment plan with you to prioritize the lesions you want gone and make the process as efficient as possible.

Are there any lesions you don’t remove?
We handle most common benign skin lesions. However, certain things like very large lipomas (especially those in tricky locations) might be referred to a surgical specialist. We also do not do deep facial mole removals with complex closures here if it’s in a cosmetically sensitive area – those might be better handled by a plastic surgeon for optimal cosmetic result. Additionally, if something appears to be a malignant melanoma (a dangerous form of skin cancer), we would refer you to a dermatologist or surgeon to ensure proper wide excision and management. Essentially, anything outside the scope of a minor procedure in an office setting, or anything that could compromise cosmetic outcome severely, we’ll guide you to the right solution. Your safety and satisfaction are our guideposts.

What is the cost of removal? Is it covered by Medicare?
The cost depends on the type and number of lesions being removed and the method used. During your consultation, we’ll provide a quote. Minor lesion removals done for cosmetic reasons (meaning they are benign and not medically necessary to remove) are generally not covered by Medicare or private health insurance as they are considered cosmetic procedures. If a lesion is suspicious and needs removal for medical reasons, there may be a Medicare rebate for the pathology and possibly the procedure – we can advise on a case-by-case basis. We keep our prices reasonable and can remove multiple lesions in one session to save on costs where possible. We’ll be transparent about all fees before scheduling the procedure.