What to expect from electrosurgery for sebaceous hyperplasia

Sebaceous hyperplasia consists of enlarged oil glands, often seen as small yellowish or skin-coloured bumps. The clinician checks that the bumps are suitable for treatment and may use magnification or another examination method. After local anaesthetic, a fine electrical tip heats the target so the bump can be reduced. Several nearby bumps may be treated in one appointment, depending on their number and location.

Treated spots may be pink, darker, crusted, or slightly swollen while the surface repairs. The result develops as the skin heals rather than appearing fully settled at once. New sebaceous hyperplasia can form elsewhere, and a treated bump may need review if it remains noticeable.

Clean the area exactly as directed and use the recommended ointment if one is provided. Leave crusts alone, avoid scrubs and strong skincare ingredients, and protect healing skin from sun. Do not squeeze the bumps or apply home cautery. Ask when makeup, shaving, and normal skincare can restart, especially if the spots are on the eyelids or another sensitive area.

Contact the clinic if a treated spot becomes increasingly painful, hot, swollen, or wet, or if bleeding is difficult to control. Pus, spreading redness, fever, or eye swelling needs prompt medical review. A bump that changes unexpectedly or fails to heal should be examined rather than repeatedly treated at home.

Ask how the diagnosis was confirmed, which bumps will be treated, what mark or colour change may remain, how to care for the sites, and what options exist if new bumps appear.