Concerned About a Skin Growth or Mole?
Expert diagnosis and safe removal of cysts, skin tags, lipomas and other growths
Skin growths are common and often harmless, but they can sometimes cause discomfort, irritation, or cosmetic concerns. At Georgia Skin Specialists in Atlanta, our experienced dermatologists carefully evaluate each growth to determine whether it’s benign or requires treatment. We offer gentle, effective removal options — including laser therapy, cryotherapy, and excision — to restore your skin’s health and appearance with minimal downtime.
Common Skin Growths Are Easily Treated in Atlanta
Most people develop some type of skin growth during their lifetime, and the majority are non-cancerous. Whether you’re dealing with a cyst, skin tag, seborrheic keratosis or lipoma, our Atlanta dermatologists can safely remove it through a simple in-office procedure. These growths can vary in color, texture, and size, sometimes causing irritation or discomfort, and other times simply being unwanted. Our skilled team will accurately diagnose your skin growth and recommend the most effective, comfortable treatment option for you.
Skin Growth Treatments
There are many different at-home remedies that can work to remove skin growths. However, these carry risks as well. They can lead to scars, bleeding and even a skin infection over time. It’s better to have a skin growth diagnosed by one of our dermatologists in Atlanta, and then determine the best removal option. Most of the skin growth removal techniques utilized by Georgia Skin Specialists are non-invasive in nature. Treatments include laser therapy, cryofreezing, electrodessication, shave removal and excision.
Dermatologist-Performed Skin Growth Removal in Atlanta
Cyst Removal
A cyst is a “bubble” that forms under the skin, which is usually filled with keratin. They can develop anywhere on the body, but are most common on the shoulders, neck, scalp and back. There are several different types of cysts, including epidermal inclusion cysts, sebaceous cysts and acne cysts. These growths can be irritating or unsightly.
A cyst can be removed through a simple in-office procedure. The dermatologist cuts a tiny incision around the cyst and removes it in its entirety, including the fluid-filled sac. If the sac is not removed, it can refill and a new cyst will appear. The majority of cysts can be removed in this way and don’t even require stitches.
Skin Tag Removal
Skin tags are non-cancerous pieces of skin that stick out on a stem. They usually appear in the armpits, groin, neck, or upper torso. The cause of skin tags is unknown. After a skin tag has been diagnosed, a dermatologist can remove it through surgical excision, freezing or electrodessication.
Seborrheic Keratoses Removal
Seborrheic keratoses have a wart-like appearance and usually are tan or brown in color, making them stand out from a person’s regular skin color. Sometimes seborrheic keratoses have to be examined to determine whether they are cancerous, but this is usually not the case. They tend to start appearing once people become middle aged. Although they’re harmless, they can be irritated by clothing or jewelry. Seborrheic keratoses can be removed through shave removal, cryotherapy, or electrodessication.
Lipoma Removal
Lipomas are fatty growths that are similar to cysts. They appear underneath the skin, but on top of the layer of muscle. These fatty growths can continue growing over time, and they can become painful if they start pressing against a nerve or a blood vessel. Our dermatologists in Atlanta recommend removing lipomas as early as possible to prevent them from causing problems. Lipomas are generally at least 2 to 3 centimeters in circumference, so surgical removal is the best option for treating them. Because of the size, removing a lipoma will often leave minor scarring.
Causes of Skin Growths
The causes of many types of skin growths have still not been scientifically determined. However, certain factors can make a person more likely to develop certain types of skin growths. Here are some of the main causes we know about:
- Heredity
- Sun exposure
- Aging
- Hormone fluctuations
- Certain viruses or systemic diseases
Contact Our Board-Certified Dermatologists
You don’t have to live with skin growths or moles that are unsightly or uncomfortable. Contact Georgia Skin Specialists in Atlanta today to schedule an appointment or book online by clicking below. We diagnose and treat many different types of skin growths.
