What does sebaceous hyperplasia look like?
Sebaceous hyperplasia appears as small, yellowish or flesh-toned bumps on the skin, typically around the forehead, cheeks, or nose. These growths are usually soft to the touch and can vary in size from small pinhead-like spots to larger, more noticeable lesions.
The bumps may resemble enlarged pores, and they can sometimes be mistaken for acne. Unlike pimples, sebaceous hyperplasia lesions don’t typically contain pus. While they are harmless, they can be unsightly or bothersome, especially when they appear in prominent areas of the face.
What causes sebaceous hyperplasia?
Sebaceous hyperplasia occurs when the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin become enlarged. The exact cause is not entirely understood, but several factors are known to contribute:
- Age: Sebaceous hyperplasia is more common in older adults, as the oil glands can become overactive with age.
- Genetics: Family history plays a role in the development of sebaceous hyperplasia. If others in your family have experienced it, you may be more likely to develop these growths.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly during puberty or menopause, can trigger the overproduction of oil in the skin, leading to sebaceous hyperplasia.
- Sun Exposure: Chronic sun exposure can cause damage to the skin’s natural structure, which may contribute to the formation of sebaceous hyperplasia over time.
- Excess Oil Production: Overproduction of sebum in the skin can clog hair follicles, leading to sebaceous hyperplasia lesions.
Should I be concerned about sebaceous hyperplasia?
Sebaceous hyperplasia is a benign (non-cancerous) condition, so there is no immediate health concern. However, the growths can be a cosmetic concern, especially when they appear on the face.
If the lesions change in size, color, or texture, or if they become painful, it’s essential to seek professional advice to rule out other skin conditions. In general, sebaceous hyperplasia is harmless, but some people choose to remove the growths for aesthetic reasons.
How do we treat sebaceous hyperplasia at Elite Skin Studio?
At Elite Skin Studio, we offer a highly effective, non-invasive treatment for sebaceous hyperplasia using advanced electrolysis (short-wave diathermy).
This treatment involves applying a fine, sterile probe to the affected area, delivering a controlled amount of heat to reduce the size of the sebaceous glands and eliminate the growths. Here’s how we treat sebaceous hyperplasia:
- Consultation: During your consultation, we assess the size, number, and location of the sebaceous hyperplasia growths to determine the most effective treatment plan for you.
- Map My Mole Diagnosis (if needed): If the growths require further medical assessment, we may send a picture to a dermatologist via Map My Mole for approval before proceeding with treatment.
- Treatment: A fine, sterile probe is used to apply heat to the affected area, safely shrinking the sebaceous glands and removing the sebaceous hyperplasia lesions without damaging the surrounding skin.
- Aftercare: After treatment, you may experience mild redness or swelling, which will subside within a few hours to a few days. We will provide aftercare instructions to promote healing and prevent further irritation.
How do I prevent sebaceous hyperplasia from coming back?
While it’s not always possible to prevent sebaceous hyperplasia from recurring, the following steps can help reduce the likelihood of new growths:
- Sun Protection: Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, which can exacerbate sebaceous hyperplasia.
- Avoid Excessive Oil Production: Be mindful of your skincare products and avoid using overly oily or greasy products that may clog pores.
- Healthy Skincare Routine: Keep your skin clean and hydrated with gentle, non-comedogenic products to prevent further congestion in the sebaceous glands.
- Regular Skin Check-ups: Regularly monitor any new or changing growths, and book follow-up consultations to ensure your skin remains healthy.
