Growths & Lesions

Warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and can occur on the hands, feet, face, and genitals. We offer multiple treatment approaches including liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, topical acids, electrosurgery, and laser ablation, selected based on the wart type, location, and patient age. Multiple sessions may be required for complete clearance.

Our dermatologists perform thorough mole evaluations using dermoscopy to distinguish benign nevi from atypical or cancerous lesions. Suspicious moles are biopsied for pathological analysis. Cosmetically bothersome or atypical moles can be removed via shave excision or surgical excision with minimal scarring.

Seborrheic keratoses are common, non-cancerous growths that appear as waxy, stuck-on patches — often confused with moles or warts. While harmless, they can be removed for cosmetic reasons or if they become irritated. We use cryotherapy, electrosurgery, or laser ablation depending on the lesion size and location.

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are rough, scaly patches caused by years of sun exposure and are considered pre-cancerous — left untreated, a percentage may progress to squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment options include cryotherapy, topical chemotherapy (5-FU, imiquimod), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and laser resurfacing.

Epidermal cysts, pilar cysts, and lipomas are common benign skin growths that can become inflamed, painful, or infected. We offer in-office drainage for acutely inflamed cysts and complete surgical excision to remove the cyst wall and prevent recurrence — the only definitive cure.

Cherry hemangiomas are small, bright-red vascular growths that commonly appear on the trunk after age 30. Completely benign, they can be removed easily with electrosurgery or laser treatment for cosmetic purposes, typically in a single visit with no downtime.

Milia are tiny white keratin-filled cysts that appear on the face, particularly around the eyes and cheeks. They can be manually extracted by our providers using a sterile needle or comedone extractor, or treated with topical retinoids to prevent new formation. Results are immediate with no downtime.

Congenital nevi (moles present at birth) carry a slightly elevated risk of melanoma depending on their size and characteristics. Our dermatologists monitor these closely with photography and dermoscopy and recommend excision when clinically indicated. We also evaluate and manage vascular birthmarks including port-wine stains and café-au-lait macules.

Keloids are raised, thickened scars that grow beyond the original wound site and can be itchy, tender, or cosmetically bothersome. Our treatment protocols include intralesional corticosteroid injections, silicone sheets, laser therapy, and surgical revision — often in combination — to flatten and soften the scar while minimizing recurrence risk.

Vascular lesions including spider veins, port-wine stains, hemangiomas, and telangiectasias are treated using targeted laser and light-based technologies that selectively destroy abnormal blood vessels without damaging surrounding skin. Our physicians customize the approach based on vessel depth, size, and skin tone for optimal clearance.