Does electrosurgery treat sebaceous hyperplasia?

Sebaceous hyperplasia consists of enlarged oil glands that appear as small, soft or firm, skin-coloured to yellowish bumps, often on the forehead, cheeks, or nose. A tiny central dip may be visible. Electrosurgery can flatten or remove a chosen bump, but it does not permanently change oil-gland activity across the skin.

Some basal cell skin cancers and other lesions can resemble sebaceous hyperplasia. A dermatologist should examine a new, solitary, crusting, or changing bump before cosmetic treatment, especially when its appearance differs from nearby lesions.

Book a skin assessment if the bumps bother you, catch on clothing, or are difficult to distinguish from other growths. Discuss your skin type, tendency to develop dark marks or raised scars, and previous procedures. The clinician can compare treatment options and explain whether a sample is appropriate.

Electrosurgery may be performed with local numbing. The treated spot can be red, swollen, or crusted during repair. Keep it clean, do not squeeze the area, and follow advice about moisturising and sun protection. New bumps may need separate treatment because the underlying oil glands remain present.

Seek assessment promptly if a bump bleeds, forms a sore, grows quickly, becomes painful, or changes in colour. After treatment, report increasing redness, heat, swelling, drainage, worsening pain, or persistent bleeding to the treating clinic.

Ask whether the bumps are typical of sebaceous hyperplasia, whether testing is needed, how pigment changes may appear on your skin, what alternatives exist, and how new lesions can be managed.