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Dr. Burnett, a dermatologist in Wellesley, is a sought-after expert in the field of medical, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatology and practices with her team to serve the greater Boston area.
Many individuals develop common, non-cancerous skin growths known as seborrheic keratoses. While harmless, these growths can be a cosmetic concern or cause physical irritation.
Premier Dermatology offers expert diagnosis and professional seborrheic keratosis treatment for patients in Wellesley, Boston, Weston, Newton, and Needham and surrounding areas. Our dermatology team provides safe and effective solutions for these and other medical dermatology concerns in Wellesley.
What Are Seborrheic Keratosis Treatments?
Seborrheic keratosis is a non-cancerous (benign) skin growth that typically develops in people as they age. They are generally light tan, a shade of brown, or even black, and they tend to appear more frequently on the back, chest, and head than on other parts of the body. They are not contagious and are completely harmless, but in some cases, clothing or bathing may irritate these growths.
Seborrheic Keratosis vs. Other Skin Lesions
It can be difficult for an untrained eye to distinguish a harmless seborrheic keratosis from a mole or another, more serious skin lesion. A seborrheic keratosis can sometimes mimic the appearance of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. For this reason, have any new or changing skin growths evaluated by a board-certified dermatologist. Our team provides thorough skin cancer screening to provide an accurate diagnosis and peace of mind.
When to See a Dermatologist for a Skin Growth
Some skin growths become inflamed or itchy. If the growth is irritated enough, an infection can set in, which is a real concern. Your insurance will cover the removal of truly irritated seborrheic keratoses. Some people simply dislike the appearance of these lesions. Your Board Certified Dermatologist at Premier Dermatology can also electively remove unwanted skin growths that are aesthetically unappealing, You should see a doctor immediately if you:
- develop numerous keratoses over a short period,
- if you suspect an infection, or
- if you notice any other changes in your skin.
Premier Dermatology offers numerous skin growth removal options. Depending on the severity, size, and location of the growth, it may be frozen off, scraped away, burned (cauterized), or vaporized (ablated).
Contact us today to learn more about your treatment options.
Benefits of Seborrheic Keratosis Removal
Choosing to remove benign skin growths is a personal decision focused on comfort and confidence. Our skin growth removal provides several key benefits:
- Relief from physical irritation, itching, or snagging on clothes
- Improved skin smoothness and texture in the treated area
- Enhanced appearance and confidence, especially for growths in visible areas
- Peace of mind after receiving a definitive, benign diagnosis from a specialist
Diagnosis and Candidacy
A seborrheic keratosis is typically diagnosed with a simple visual examination by a dermatologist in Wellesley, MA. Good candidates for removal are individuals who experience physical discomfort such as itching, bleeding or infection of these growths often caused by rubbing on clothing or other skin areas. There are also good cosmetic treatments for those who are bothered by the appearance of these growths.
Treatment Options We Offer in Our Wellesley Office
We offer several effective, in-office procedures for removing seborrheic keratoses. After an evaluation, our team will recommend the best approach for you.
- Cryotherapy (Freezing): This common method involves applying liquid nitrogen to the growth, which freezes and destroys the tissue. The seborrheic keratosis will then fall off within a few weeks.
- Curettage (Scraping): The growth is gently scraped off the skin’s surface using a special instrument called a curette.
- Electrocautery (Burning): This technique uses a precise electrical current to burn away the growth and seal the skin.
Procedures like cosmetic removal of skin growths and mole removal are performed with patient comfort as a top priority.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from seborrheic keratosis removal is typically straightforward. Following the procedure, a small scab will form over the treated area. This scab protects the new skin underneath as it heals and should not be picked. It will naturally fall off within one to three weeks. We will provide complete aftercare instructions to support proper healing.
Cost of Seborrheic Keratosis Removal
The cost of seborrheic keratosis removal in Wellesley varies based on several factors. Removal of irritated and inflamed seborrheic keratoses is typically covered by insurance. The cost of cosmetic removal depends on the number of growths being treated, and the specific removal method used. Removal of non-irritated lesions is considered cosmetic, and is not covered by medical insurance.
Why Choose Premier Dermatology
Choosing a qualified provider for dermatology services in Wellesley, MA, is vital for both your health and your aesthetic results. The skilled dermatologists at Premier Dermatology have extensive experience in accurately diagnosing all types of skin lesions. We are dedicated to providing safe, effective treatments tailored to your specific needs, helping you achieve clear skin with outcomes you can trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes seborrheic keratoses?
The exact cause of seborrheic keratoses is unknown; however, they tend to become more common with age. Genetics also plays a role, as these growths often run in families. Sun exposure may also be a contributing factor in their development on sun-exposed skin.
Is seborrheic keratosis removal permanent?
Not always. A seborrheic keratosis that is removed may grow back in the same spot and sometimes more than one treatment is necessary for very thick or large lesions. Additionally, the treatment does not prevent new seborrheic keratoses from forming in other areas of the body in the future.
Is it necessary to remove seborrheic keratosis?
No, from a medical standpoint, it is not necessary to remove seborrheic keratoses as they are benign. People choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or because the growths have become irritated, itchy, or bleed easily from friction.
Does seborrheic keratosis removal leave a scar?
Scarring is uncommon with the modern, precise techniques used for removal. When performed by an experienced dermatologist, methods like cryotherapy and curettage carry a minimal risk of scarring. The most common outcome is a small, flat mark that may be slightly lighter or darker than the surrounding skin, which often fades over time.
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Your Premier destination for all your skin care needs. Dr. Burnett, a dermatologist in Wellesley, is a sought-after expert in the field of medical, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatology and has practiced in the greater Boston area for more than 15 years. At Premier Dermatology we offer the latest, most innovative, and proven treatments in cosmetic dermatology and skincare. We are committed to supporting all your skincare goals to achieve heatlhy, beautiful, and natural results. Dr. Burnett lives in Weston, MA with her husband and two teenage daughters. Dr. Burnett also enjoys traveling with her family.
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Get Help from Boston’s Best Dermatologist
If you have a concerning skin growth or wish to remove a seborrheic keratosis and are in or around Wellesley, the consistently ranked Top Doctors Boston team at Premier Dermatology is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a dermatology visit for a complete evaluation and to discuss your treatment options.