Lesions

Protruding skin lesions can get in the way of shaving and bleed. Other skin lesions are annoying, get irritated or even infected when they rub against clothing or jewelry.

We treat many types of skin lesions such as skin tags, moles, minor growths, actinic keratoses, benign seborrheic keratoses, mollescum contagiosum (bumps), dermatofibromas, cherry hemangiomas (red moles), pyogenic granulomas (shiny-red raspberry-texture lumps), purpura, spider veins, flat warts (juvenile), plantar warts, and other superficial skin lesions.

Skin lesions can be persistent and may require multiple treatments to be eliminated. Even though the lesion may be diminished or “disappear” for long periods of 3-6 months, it might return in the future. Some lesions may recur (reappear) in the original location or different locations. Lesions that responded well to the initial treatment sessions and disappeared for an extended period will most likely respond to future treatments.

Many kinds of lesions can be cosmetically treated using either electrocautery (electrodesiccation) or IPL and Nd:YAG laser treatments.

Consultation

We understand that skin lesions can be troubling for you in so many ways. We believe in providing you the best treatment options for your specific lesion type. Our doctor meets with you to assess your skin lesion, talk with you about the outcome you want to achieve, and customize a treatment plan for you.

How we treat lesions . . .

Electrocautery (Electrodessication) – Superficial Lesions

Electrocautery (electrodessication) is a quick medical treatment for many superficial and protruding lesions with good cosmetic results such as skin tags, moles, actinic keratoses, benign seborrheic keratoses, and other minor growths. No sutures are necessary. Electrocauterization is the process of destroying tissue or cutting through soft tissue using heat conduction to remove the unwanted skin lesion and stop any bleeding. An electric probe is used for pinpoint precision removal of skin lesions with almost no downtime.

Cautery feels like burning. For some clients, it can be painful or a zapping sensation. Local anesthetic is always used to make the treatment more comfortable. The burning sensation usually goes away within 24 hours.

Treatments usually take 15 to 20 minutes. A scab may form where the lesion was removed. Some lesions heal quickly while others may take 2 to 4 weeks to heal. Each area to be treated may require several treatments spaced approximately 2 to 12 weeks apart.

IPL Laser – Blemishes

IPL laser (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments help to reduce the appearance of some of the most common skin conditions such as age and sunspots, acne scarring, broken capillaries (tiny blood vessels), excessive flushing, freckles, larger pores, skin texture problems, spider veins, and fine wrinkles. The IPL laser emits light that heats up the collagen under the skin to stimulate enhanced collagen production.

IPL requires very little recovery time and has few side effects with relatively long-lasting improvements in skin quality and texture. Clients may need multiple treatments, usually spaced 1 month apart to achieve higher success. A treatment takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The IPL laser emits a light that is absorbed by the skin and may cause some mild discomfort that feels like a heating sensation or like a rubber band snapping against your skin. You have the option to request topical anesthetic.

Nd:Yag Laser – Vascular Lesions

If you have persistent facial redness, vascular lesions, pyogenic granulomas (shiny-red raspberry-texture lump), cherry angiomas (red moles), visible spider veins, or plantar warts; Nd:YAG laser may provide you the ideal treatment option.

Nd:YAG, also known as neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet, contains a crystal used to refract light in the laser machine. It provides an infrared non-ablative laser-induced thermotherapy emitting light at 1064 nm which is intentionally slower than other laser types to give the skin time to cool between pulses and reduce skin damage. The laser penetrates the skin’s top layer to target the deeper dermis layer.

For some clients, the treatment may be a bit painful especially if the lesion is large or there are many of them. Topical anesthetic is available. Treatments usually take 15 to 20 minutes. There might be some discomfort which usually goes away within 24 hours. Vascular lesions take 2 to 4 weeks to heal. On occasion a second treatment may be required.

Medications

Your skin lesion may require a short-course treatment of prescription medications (for example, Levulan Kerastick for actinic keratoses). A doctor will discuss medication options with you; the therapeutic effect, benefits, risks, and side effects with you.

Actinic Keratosis on hand — Actinic Keratosis

Consultation

How we treat lesions . . .

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