Skin growths

Skin growths are among the most common skin changes that bother both men and women. They most often appear on the neck, under the breasts, in the groin, on the face or on the décolleté. They can get caught on chains or clothing, sometimes bleed, itch or become inflamed. Most people find them unsightly and unpleasant - which is why we remove them in a few minutes with minimal post-procedure changes. At Hello Beauty Clinic, we use the most modern and gentle methods that guarantee quick healing and practically invisible traces after removal.

What are skin growths

Skin growths – acrochordons or soft fibromas – are benign, soft skin protrusions. They consist of loose connective tissue, a small amount of fat cells and the covering epidermis. They do not have their own blood supply, which is why they are often pale, flesh-colored or light brown and are very easy to squeeze when pinched with tweezers.

Unlike warts or skin growths of viral origin, acrochordons are not contagious. They are not caused by a virus or any other infection. They are purely mechanical and degenerative changes in the skin that appear in places of prolonged friction or in skin folds.

The most common places of occurrence:

1. Neck and décolleté
2. Armpits
3. Under the breasts
4. Groin
5. Eyelids
6. Upper back and chest

The size ranges from 1 mm to 1–2 cm.

Why skin growths occur

The causes of skin growths are still not fully understood, but there are several well-established factors that are repeated in practice in most patients. The strongest influence is genetic predisposition - if your parents or grandparents had skin growths, it is very likely that they will also appear in you. Another significant trigger is prolonged friction of skin against skin or against clothing, which is typical in people with larger skin folds, where the skin naturally overlaps.

Overweight and obesity also play a key role - growths most often form in places where there is constant mechanical irritation and moisture. The connection with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome is very common - many patients with growths also have prediabetes or higher insulin levels, which promotes the development of these skin changes. Their incidence increases significantly with age, especially after the age of 40, when the skin loses elasticity and regenerative abilities.

In women, the first growths often appear during pregnancy or other hormonal changes. It is important to emphasize that skin growths are not of viral origin - unlike warts or condylomas, they are not caused by HPV or any other virus and are definitely not contagious. They are a purely benign degenerative change of the skin, which arises from a combination of genetics, mechanical irritation, metabolic factors and aging.

How to tell if a skin growth is real

Typical appearance:

• Soft, elastic to the touch
• Color the same as the surrounding skin or slightly darker
• Does not hurt, does not bleed (unless damaged)
• Grows very slowly or not at all

If the growth grows quickly, changes color, bleeds for no apparent reason, itches or is painful - see a dermatologist as soon as possible. It may be another type of lesion (basal cell carcinoma, spinal cell carcinoma, melanoma, seborrheic keratosis, etc.).

Options for removing skin growths

Currently, there are several safe and effective methods. The choice depends on the size, number, location and skin type.

Electrocautery

Electrocautery is a quick and less invasive method in which a small growth is gently grasped with tweezers and a short electrical impulse is applied to its tip. This immediately heats and burns the tissue. At the same time, the blood vessels are quickly closed, so there is minimal or no bleeding. After the procedure, only a small crust remains on the site, which falls off on its own within a few days. A smooth, clean surface appears underneath - for small growths, the scar is practically invisible and the result is very cosmetically pleasing.

Thermocautery

The growth is simply "burned" and cut off with heat. The method is very similar to electrocautery, but the heat is transferred directly, not by an electric current. It is especially suitable for smaller to medium-sized growths in sensitive areas (eyelids, neck).

Surgical removal

The growth is simply removed close to the base. The wound is either allowed to heal without stitches or is sutured with absorbable sutures for faster and more aesthetic healing. This method is ideal for growths that are too large or have an irregular shape for cauterization. Healing takes 10-14 days, the scar is usually a thin line that becomes almost invisible after some time.

Cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen)

Cryotherapy consists of briefly freezing the growth with liquid nitrogen at a temperature of -196 ° C. The low temperature destroys the tissue of the growth and the growth falls off on its own after a few days. Cryotherapy is a non-invasive method that is completely painless and suitable for superficial growths. Healing is fast and leaves smooth skin.

Home methods

We do not recommend home experiments such as tightening threads, applying vinegar, garlic or other substances. The risk of inflammation, bacterial infection, bleeding or unsightly scarring is high. In addition, there is a risk of mistaking a skin growth for something more serious, which can have serious consequences. It is safer to leave the removal to a specialist, who will first inspect the skin growth with a dermatoscope and then remove it professionally in a sterile environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Get rid of skin growths once and for all

Skin growths do not pose a health risk, but they often reduce people's self-confidence when they look in the mirror. The good news is that today there are quick and gentle ways to get rid of them forever - without long healing, without noticeable scars and with an immediate effect.

At Hello Beauty Clinic, we always perform skin growth removal with the utmost attention to safety and aesthetics. We use the most gentle techniques available, which ensure a smooth result. You don't have to live with them - one short procedure is enough and you can forget about unpleasant skin growths.

Do you want to remove skin growths? Book an appointment online.