Spot Laser Removal Of Skin Growths

What is Skin Growth?

Skin growth refers to the natural process of new skin cells being produced and replacing old, dead skin cells. It is a continuous process that occurs throughout our lifetime, with approximately 500 million skin cells being shed every day. This constant regeneration of skin cells is important for maintaining healthy and youthful-looking skin.

The outer layer of our skin, known as the epidermis, consists of several layers of cells. The bottom layer is called the basal layer and it contains stem cells that are responsible for producing new skin cells. As these young cells move up through the layers of the epidermis, they mature and eventually reach the top layer where they are shed off.

As we age, our skin’s ability to produce new cells slows down, resulting in the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing. This is why it is important to take care of our skin and provide it with essential nutrients to support its natural growth process. Staying hydrated, following a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, and protecting our skin from harmful UV rays are some ways to promote healthy skin growth.

Additionally, factors such as genetics, hormones, lifestyle habits (such as smoking and excessive sun exposure), and certain medical conditions can also affect the rate of skin growth.

Types of Skin Growth

Moles

• common benign skin lesion due to a local proliferation of pigment cells (melanocytes)
• Can be classified according to depth of the pigment cells in the skin
• Junctional Nevi re the most superficial and are limited to the epidermis
• Compound Nevi are at an intermediate depth, involving both the epidermis and dermis
• Dermal Nevi are the deepest and affect the dermis
• Superficial moles are usually flat whereas deep moles are raised in nature.

Warts

• Caused by human papillovirus (HPV) infection of the skin
• Can be raised or flat
• Can be skin coloured or pigmented

Seborrheic Keratosis

• Related to skin aging
• Flat or raised papule or plaque
• 1 mm to several cm in diameter
• Skin coloured, yellow, grey, light brown, dark brown, black or mixed colours
• Smooth, waxy or warty surface

Syringoma

• Syringomas are 1-3mm flesh coloured to yellowish-coloured bumps
• usually found on the upper cheeks and lower eyelids of young adults
• Syringomas are completely harmless and are caused by the overgrowth of cells from sweat glands (eccrine glands)

Milia

• Asymptomatic, keratin-filled cysts.
• Superficial, pearly white, 1-2mm in diameter.
• Milia in older children and adults develop on the face around the eyes.

Sebaceous Hyperplasia (Oil Seeds)

• Yellowish, flesh-coloured bumps
• 2-4mm in size
• Caused by enlargement of oil glands (sebaceous glands)
• Commonly have an umbilicated appearance
• Can occur anywhere on the face as well as elsewhere on the body

These are some of the common benign bumps on the skin that can be treated at our clinic. A proper and through consultation with the doctor is important before commencing any treatment in order to confirm the diagnosis of the skin bump. Some skin bumps may not be suitable for treatment with laser ablation and should be seen by a dermatologist.

What causes Skin Growth?

There are various factors that can contribute to skin growth, including genetics, age, lifestyle habits, and medical conditions. Some common causes of skin growth include:

• Age: As we age, our skin’s natural ability to produce new cells slows down, resulting in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

   

• Genetics: Our genetic makeup plays a role in determining how fast or slow our skin cells regenerate. Some people may naturally have faster or slower rates of skin growth.

   

• Hormones: Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can affect the rate of skin growth. This is why some people experience changes in their skin during these stages of life.

   

• Lifestyle habits: Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as excessive sun exposure, smoking, and a poor diet can negatively impact skin growth. These habits can lead to premature ageing, skin damage, and an increased risk of developing certain skin conditions.

   

• Medical conditions: Some medical conditions like psoriasis or eczema can cause abnormal skin growth and affect the rate of cell turnover. In some cases, skin growths may also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

Skin Growth Treatments

Spot ablation of lesion with Fotona Erbium YAG laser

• An ablative setting of the Fotona Erbium YAG laser is used to specifically target and vaporise benign skin bumps.

   

• The Erbium YAG laser is easier to modulate in terms of depth of ablation and heat control compared to other more traditional methods such as cautery and CO2 laser ablation. This means that recovery time is shorter and downtime is more manageable with the Fotona Erbium YAG laser. 

Prior to any removal, a thorough analysis and diagnosis of the skin bump will be carried out by Dr Ng. This is especially important to rule out any complications that may arise from removal of the skin bump.

What to expect during skin growth treatment?

During the skin growth treatment, the doctor will first clean the affected area and apply a topical anaesthetic to minimise discomfort. The laser will then be used to target and vaporise the bump, leaving behind minimal scarring. The duration of the treatment may vary depending on the size and location of the skin growth. After the treatment, patients may experience some redness and swelling in the treated area, which typically subsides within a few days. It is important to follow post-treatment care instructions provided by the doctor to ensure proper healing and minimise any potential side effects.

Why Choose Spot Laser Removal?

There are many reasons why spot laser removal is the preferred method for treating skin growths. Some of the main benefits include:

• Minimally invasive: Unlike traditional methods such as surgery or cautery, spot laser removal is minimally invasive and does not require any incisions. This means less scarring and a shorter recovery time.

   

• Precise targeting: The Fotona Erbium YAG laser allows for precise targeting of specific areas, minimising damage to surrounding tissue.

   

• Quick and efficient: Skin growth treatments with the Fotona Erbium YAG laser are quick and efficient, with minimal discomfort and downtime.

   

• Versatile: The Fotona Erbium YAG laser can be used to treat a variety of skin growths on different areas of the body. This makes it a versatile option for patients with multiple skin bumps in different locations.

   

• Safe and effective: The Fotona Erbium YAG laser has been FDA-approved for various medical and cosmetic treatments, making it a safe and effective option for skin growth removal.

Why Choose Zion Aesthetics for Spot Laser Removal?

At Zion Aesthetics, we are committed to providing our patients with safe and effective skin growth treatments using the Fotona Erbium YAG laser. Our experienced dermatologists will thoroughly assess your skin bumps and determine the best course of treatment for you. We prioritize patient comfort and satisfaction, and our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology to ensure optimal results. Trust us to help you achieve smooth, blemish-free skin with minimal downtime through spot laser removal at Zion Aesthetics.