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SKIN TAGS, MILIA & SEBORRHEIC KERATOSIS REMOVAL

Benign skin growths like skin tags, milia, and seborrheic keratoses are common, harmless lesions that many people choose to remove for cosmetic reasons and improved comfort. At Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology in Danville, our expert dermatology team can safely remove these unwanted growths using precise techniques that minimize scarring and provide excellent cosmetic results.

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What Are These Common Skin Growths?

Many adults develop various benign skin growths throughout their lives that, while harmless, can become bothersome or affect appearance and confidence. These common growths include skin tags, milia, and seborrheic keratoses, each with distinct characteristics but all treatable through safe, effective removal methods. If you have small growths that catch on clothing, affect your appearance, or simply bother you, professional removal can help restore smooth, clear skin.

Skin Tags are small pieces of soft, hanging skin that develop most commonly in skin folds or areas where skin rubs against clothing. These benign growths typically affect middle-aged adults and, while not dangerous, many patients choose removal for aesthetic reasons.

Milia are tiny white bumps or cysts caused by dead skin cells that don’t shed properly and become trapped under new skin, forming small, hardened bumps. Though more common in infants, anyone can develop them.

Seborrheic Keratoses (SK) are benign skin growths that accumulate with age, appearing as tan, brown, or black raised lesions with a dry, scaly texture. They develop gradually and most commonly appear on the face, neck, chest, and back.

All three conditions are harmless but may cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns that warrant professional removal.

How Does Skin Growth Removal Work?

We use several effective methods to remove benign skin growths, with the specific technique depending on the size, location, and type of growth. Common removal methods include cryotherapy (freezing), electrocautery (burning), shave excision, and surgical removal for larger lesions. Our dermatology practitioners select the most appropriate technique based on your specific needs to ensure optimal healing and minimal scarring. Most removal procedures are performed on an outpatient basis and usually require little to no downtime, depending on the size and location of the growth. We use sterile techniques and proper wound care to minimize infection risk and promote excellent healing. Our Danville patients appreciate the quick, comfortable procedures and smooth cosmetic results.

What Areas Can We Treat?

We can safely remove benign skin growths from various body areas:

Common skin tag locations:

  • Neck and jawline
  • Underarms and groin area
  • Eyelids and facial areas
  • Areas where clothing rubs frequently

Areas where milia commonly appear:

  • Face (especially around eyes)
  • Chest and upper body
  • Any area with trapped dead skin cells

Typical seborrheic keratosis locations:

  • Face and scalp
  • Neck and chest
  • Back and shoulders
  • Arms and other sun-exposed areas

Some seborrheic keratoses may become irritated if they’re in spots that constantly rub against clothing, making removal beneficial for comfort as well as appearance.

Background texture

Who Is a Good Candidate for Skin Growth Removal?

Ideal candidates for skin growth removal include individuals who:

  • Have confirmed benign skin growths
  • Want to improve their appearance or comfort
  • Experience irritation from growths catching on clothing
  • Seek cosmetic enhancement of affected areas
  • Have realistic expectations about healing and results
  • Can follow post-procedure care instructions

If you’re in the Danville area and dealing with bothersome skin growths, our expert dermatologists can evaluate your specific growths and recommend the most appropriate removal method during a comprehensive consultation.

Professional evaluation ensures accurate diagnosis and safe, effective treatment.

Why Professional Removal Matters

It’s best not to pick at or attempt to remove these growths yourself, as this puts you at risk for scarring and infection. Professional removal allows for confirmed diagnosis and use of sterile techniques to safely remove growths. At Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology, our expert dermatology team can distinguish between benign growths and potentially concerning lesions that may require different treatment approaches.

Annual Skin Checks and Monitoring

Even though seborrheic keratoses aren’t dangerous, it’s best that your dermatologist examines them during your annual skin check to ensure that more aggressive types of growths haven’t formed nearby. While these growths aren’t dangerous or contagious, some people have a genetic predisposition to developing them.

Personalized Consultation and Treatment Plan

During your consultation, we will examine any specific growths you’re concerned about and can perform your annual skin check simultaneously. For benign growths, we’re happy to work with you on cosmetic removal treatment, whether through over-the-counter recommendations or in-office removal procedures at our facility. The cost of treatment depends on the size, location, and number of growths being removed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Growth Removal

Are these skin growths dangerous?

No, skin tags, milia, and seborrheic keratoses are all benign (non-cancerous) growths that pose no health risk.

Will insurance cover removal?

Removal of benign skin growths is often not covered by insurance since it’s typically considered cosmetic. We’ll discuss costs during your consultation.

How long does recovery take?

Most removal procedures require little to no downtime, depending on the size and location of the growth. Healing typically occurs within 1-2 weeks.

Will the growths come back after removal?

Once properly removed, the specific growth is unlikely to return, though new growths may develop in other areas over time.

Can I prevent these growths from developing?

While genetics plays a role, protecting your skin from sun damage and maintaining good skincare may help reduce the development of some types of growths.

What Our Patients Have to Say

Doctors Ellis and Potozkin

Why Choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology

Patients from San Francisco, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo, and Blackhawk choose Potozkin + Ellis Dermatology for our unparalleled expertise and results.

We combine the science of dermatology with the artistry of aesthetics to deliver natural-looking enhancements that build confidence. With board-certified dermatologists performing all injections and a comprehensive range of laser technologies delivered by skilled providers, we provide both safety and excellence in a sophisticated yet approachable environment.

Unlike other practices, we complement our advanced treatments with physician-selected medical-grade skincare products and begin every aesthetic journey with our signature DermDesigned consultation. Whether you're seeking cosmetic enhancement or medical dermatology care, our commitment to natural-looking results and excellence ensures you'll receive the highest standard of care in the East Bay.

Visit Us In Danville

Experience world-class dermatology care right here in the East Bay.

Our Location

600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102 Danville, CA 94526

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Contact Us

925.838.4900