Benign lesions, such as moles, skin tags and warts are easily removed and treated in a dermatologist’s office. These lesions are usually more of a nuisance to a client than anything, and can affect all age groups.
Moles tend to develop over time and increase in number with age. Sometimes moles grow in areas that become irritated, like the areas effected by a necklaces or seat belt. Moles are removed through physical procedures, such as shaving, excisions, or lasers after local anesthesia to the area. Mole removal is performed in an aesthetically precise fashion to assure the best result. Some moles are very deep in the skin and require an excision with sutures. Dr. Michaels will recommend the best option for your best cosmetic outcome in each individual case.
Skin tags tend to occur in areas under higher friction, such as around the neck, in the armpits, or in the groin. They are benign, but in many cases, become very irritating and painful to the client. Skin tags are removed by snip excision, freezing (cryotherapy) or electrocautery with very little recovery time.
Warts, on the other hand, are a result of a viral infection, the human papilloma virus (HPV). The common wart is more prevalent in children. Many different wart subtypes exist and affect a wide age range of people in many locations. Most common warts resolve by themselves with time, but unfortunately, can take years to occur. Common treatments include topical liquid treatments (Canthacur), skin creams preparations (Imiquimod), cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen), electrodessication, and lasers.