What should you know about small sebaceous hyperplasia?

These bumps are often skin-colored, yellowish, or slightly pink and may occur alone or in a group. The central depression can be subtle, and the surface is usually smooth rather than scaly. Their appearance can overlap with other facial growths, so a clinician should confirm the diagnosis if a lesion is new, changing, bleeding, or atypical.

Sebaceous hyperplasia is not the same as acne, although both can appear as small facial bumps. It is also not reliably identified from a photograph alone. A careful examination helps determine whether observation is suitable or whether removal is being considered for irritation or appearance.

Do not squeeze or scrape the bumps, since this can cause inflammation and marks. Use gentle cleansing and daily broad-spectrum sun protection, particularly after any procedure. If removal is wanted, discuss the possibility of recurrence, temporary redness, pigment change, or a small scar. Options may include [Electrosurgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/electrosurgery/) or [CO2 Laser Resurfacing](/treatments/laser-and-energy/co2-laser-resurfacing/), selected according to the lesion and your skin.

Book a dermatology review if a bump changes quickly, bleeds, forms a persistent sore, becomes painful, or differs noticeably from your other bumps. Seek advice before treating a lesion at home, especially on sensitive facial areas or if you are prone to pigment changes or thick scars.

Ask how confident the diagnosis is, whether any lesion needs sampling, which removal method suits your skin, how many visits may be needed, and what aftercare reduces irritation and discoloration.