Non-surgical treatment of skin growths

Following a clear diagnosis of the growths (using dermoscopy and/or skin biopsy), a decision can be made as to treatment options.  The accepted method used for skin growths is surgical removal, which aside from involving a surgical procedure, can leave scars. Today, non-surgical methods are available, particularly for benign growths.  Many types of lesions are benign growths, and as they are not malignant, they have a good prognosis. 

Treatment with ablative laser technology removes the cells of these growths and results in a more aesthetic appearance than that following surgery. Treatment is personalized according to the type and number of growths and their location on the body.

Xanthelasma

Xanthelasma is a benign skin condition, yellowish in color, typically located on or around the eyelids, caused by local cholesterol accumulation.  As people age, they are more likely to get larger xanthelasmas, and more of them.  Unfortunately they tend to re-occur following removal.  Surgical removal, performed under local anesthesia, leaves small scars.  This is not recommended for large xanthelasmas (as surgery can cause eyelid skin to sag outwards, a condition known as ectropion). Large growths of this type are removed under local anesthesia using CO2 type or Erbium type laser devices. The outcome in most cases is good, but removal of deep growths (that have penetrated the eyelid muscle) or growths that have been in place for a long time can leave flat, pale scars.

Syringoma

Syringomas are common small, benign skin-colored growths whose size and number tend to increase over time.  Syringomas can be removed using ablative CO2 lasers, which deliver the best aesthetic results.

Actinic keratosis and Bowen's disease

Although categorized as benign, these growths are considered pre-cancerous and should always be removed.  Photodynamic therapy (PDT) alone and PDT in conjunction with laser have been proven effective for these conditions, and provide excellent aesthetic results.

Ablative CO2 laser treatment

The use of this type of laser not only enables precise removal of skin growths (using the ActiveFX device), but also gives the best aesthetic results. vAfter the growth is removed, your physician will use the DeepFX device to penetrate deep into the skin, stimulating new collagen production that will improve your skin's appearance following the procedure. 

Medical peeling

This treatment uses chemical solutions to remove both benign and malignant skin growths, lighten pigmentation spots, and to smooth and improve skin texture.  Results are achieved by removing the outer layers of skin.  While the face is the most popular area treated, chemical peeling can be performed on additional areas, such as the cleavage and arms. This method is most suitable for people having a light skin tone.  Recovery time depends on the level of peeling performed (superficial, intermediate, or deep).

Photodynamic therapy (PDT)

Photodynamic therapy involves activation of a chemical applied to the skin by an external source of blue or red light.  PDT, first approved by the FDA in 1999 for treatment of pre-cancerous actinic keratosis, is currently used to treat a wide range of conditions, including acne, sun-damaged skin, and even skin cancer.  Following topical application of ALA (aminolevulinic acid) to the affected areas, the skin becomes more sensitive to light rays. The skin is then exposed to a series of laser beams and light sources creating a photochemical response that destroys unwanted blood vessels, eliminates spots, removes growths and dramatically improves the quality of the skin.