Keratosis removal is a common dermatological procedure aimed at eliminating benign skin growths known as keratoses. These small, rough, and often raised lesions can develop on various parts of the body due to the accumulation of keratin, a protein that protects the skin. Though typically non-cancerous, keratosis can cause discomfort, itching, or become cosmetically bothersome.
The removal process is typically performed by a skilled dermatologist or healthcare professional in a clinical setting. Several methods may be employed, including cryotherapy, where the keratosis is frozen off using liquid nitrogen, or curettage, which involves scraping off the lesion with a specialized tool.
Avana Plastic Surgery is a world-class clinic offering keratosis removal in Miami. Discovering a hard, scaly patch on your skin can be alarming. Discovering that it can be removed using a noninvasive, routine procedure can be a relief. Our respected board-certified surgeons and friendly staff are ready to help you explore easy options for keratosis removal in South Florida. Take a look at what to expect!
Many alarming-looking lesions on the skin are actually caused by a fairly common skin condition called keratosis. Keratosis is the result of keratin in the skin forming a scaly plug that blocks a hair follicle. Keratin is a natural protein that keeps our skin protected from infection. In fact, it's a main substance in hair, nails, and skin. When it builds up, keratin forms a rough, bumpy patch on the skin that can take on either a horn-like or mole-like quality.
At Avana Plastic Surgery, we offer surgical removal for both seborrheic keratosis and actinic keratosis.
A common noncancerous skin condition that appears as a solo or constellation growth, seborrheic keratosis typically has a rounded shape with a waxy texture. Diameter can vary from miniscule to more than 1 inch. With a color range that goes from light tan to black, seborrheic keratosis can resemble flesh moles. These growths typically show up on the face, chest, shoulders, or back. They can sometimes be itchy.
Actinic keratosis is a visible rough, scaly patch on the skin that typically develops after years of sun exposure. It can resemble a slightly raised patch of dry skin that is pink, red, or brown in color. Many people describe the appearance of actinic keratosis as having a wart-like shape and texture. In some cases, a person will experience crusting, itching, or bleeding. Actinic keratosis commonly appears in areas of the body that are subject to the most sun exposure. This includes the head, face, lips, ears, neck, and hands. Unlike harmless seborrheic keratosis, actinic keratosis may develop into skin cancer if left untreated.
Anyone is at risk for keratosis. Of the two forms of keratosis, seborrheic keratosis is more likely to appear in younger people. While people over age 50 are most likely to develop seborrheic keratosis, it's also seen in children and teens. Actinic keratosis is more common in people over age 40. People who have spent lots of time in the sun are at higher risk for developing actinic keratosis.
The top symptom of keratosis is a patch of skin that is visibly different from the rest of the skin. Actinic keratosis will produce a slightly raised, scaly, crusty, or rough bump on the skin with a horn-like quality. While the growth is generally painless, some people do experience itchiness, rawness, irritation, or bleeding. The telltale sign of seborrheic keratosis is a slow-growing round or oval-shaped patch of discolored skin that is either waxy or bumpy. Of course, it's important to see a dermatologist after noticing any changes in your skin.
Patients experiencing keratosis have a number of options for removal. Following an examination, the surgical team at Avana Plastic Surgery can recommend an option that will produce the best results with as little downtime as possible. Keratosis removal is generally a fast, noninvasive process. Here's a look at different methods used for keratosis at our Miami plastic surgery clinic.
Cryotherapy for keratosis involves "freezing off" skin lesions using liquid nitrogen. During treatment, extreme cold is used to induce bleeding and peeling that ultimately cause skin to "slough off" damaged cells as it heals. This procedure takes just minutes! The biggest benefit of cryotherapy is that it removes keratosis without impacting the skin surrounding the lesion.
With this procedure, a scoop-like instrument called a curet is used to scrape away damaged cells. Local anesthesia is used to manage comfort. Electrosurgery may also be used to destroy the damaged tissue via electric current.
Carried out using local anesthesia, shave excision is a superficial technique that scrapes away a raised lesion using horizontal slicing.
An ablative laser can be used to destroy an irregular patch of skin caused by actinic keratosis. This nonsurgical option uses an intense beam of light to selectively destroy the keratosis lesion without affecting the surrounding skin. In some cases, multiple treatments may be needed.
Recovery will depend on the removal method used. Laser and cryotherapy involve essentially no pain or downtime. Both options also reduce risks for scarring or infection. When curettage and shave excision are used, wound healing typically takes three to six weeks. Patients will need to monitor and clean wounds and scabs during the healing period.
While it's impossible to provide a quote for keratosis removal from a Miami doctor without an examination, the cost for this in-office procedure starts at $250. During an evaluation, a surgeon will determine the best removal option based on the characteristics of the keratosis lesion, patient preference, and other factors.
There's no need to live with visible keratosis that is making you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable. These lesions will not resolve organically. Avana Plastic Surgery is proud to offer fast, minimally invasive keratosis removal options at our Miami clinic. Contact our office today to learn more!
There is simply no safe way to try to surgically remove keratosis on your own at home. Attempting to scrape, peel, or cut a keratosis lesion can result in infection and scarring. In some cases, prescription creams may be helpful for resolving keratosis topically.
Seborrheic keratosis looks like waxy, scaly, or raised lesions that can be brown, black, or light tan in color. They sometimes show up in clusters.
Any new scales, lesions, or skin changes should be evaluated by a dermatologist immediately. While you may be told that your keratosis is completely harmless, you may decide to be treated by a plastic surgeon to have visible lesions removed.
Dermatologists do offer some removal options for seborrheic keratosis. However, many patients choose to consult with a plastic surgeon to get the best aesthetic results possible when removing lesions from visible areas of the face and body.
