Skin Growths

Most people will develop some type of skin growth during their lifetimes. These are often benign in nature (non-cancerous). Many skin growths, including cysts, skin tags, seborrheic keratoses, and lipomas, can be removed through a simple procedure with one of our dermatologists in Atlanta. Skin growths can protrude from the skin or they can be flat, and they can appear in a variety of different colors.

Some skin growths can be irritating to the skin or uncomfortable. In some cases, they are just unsightly and people would prefer not to have them. Our team of skilled dermatologists is here to help diagnose patients’ skin growths and then remove them through the most effective means possible.

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.

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:

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.

Contact Our Board-Certified Dermatologists

You don’t have to live with skin growths that are unsightly or uncomfortable. Contact Georgia Skin Specialists today to schedule an appointment or book online by clicking below. We diagnose and treat many different types of skin growths.