What is Seborrheic Keratosis?

Seborrheic keratosis is a common, benign skin growth that often appears as we get older. These growths can look similar to age spots—typically brown, black, or sometimes lighter in color—and might appear to be “stuck on” the surface of your skin. While harmless, they can sometimes be confused with melanoma, a serious skin cancer. That’s why any unusual change in your skin warrants a professional evaluation.

Although seborrheic keratoses can occur on various parts of the body—like the chest, scalp, shoulders, back, abdomen, and face—they never appear on the palms or soles. Many people choose to have them removed because they can catch on clothing or become a cosmetic concern.

At TMSC, our board-certified plastic surgeons have extensive experience removing seborrheic keratoses for both medical and cosmetic reasons. We combine expertise with a commitment to patient comfort, making the process smooth and effective.

Symptoms of Seborrheic Keratosis

• Appearance:
  • Slightly raised surface with a “waxy” or “stuck on” look.
  • Often described as having a rough or scaly texture.
• Size:
  • Can range from very small (a few millimeters) to over an inch across.
• Color:
  • Commonly brown, but can also be yellow, white, or black.
• Location:
  • Frequently found on the chest, scalp, shoulders, back, abdomen, and face.
  • Do not develop on palms or soles.
• Additional Symptoms:
  • May itch or become irritated by friction from clothing.

If you notice any new or sudden changes in these lesions—especially if they itch, bleed, or look significantly different—seek a medical opinion. Although seborrheic keratoses are benign, certain skin cancers can mimic them.

Causes of Seborrheic Keratosis

The exact cause of seborrheic keratosis remains a bit of a mystery. However, several factors are known to contribute:

1. Genetics
   • You’re more likely to develop seborrheic keratoses if your close relatives have them. Some people inherit a predisposition for these types of growths.
2. Age
   • They typically show up in middle age or later and tend to increase in number over time.
3. Sun Exposure
   • While not the sole cause, prolonged exposure to UV light can influence the formation of these growths.
4. Other Factors
   • Hormonal fluctuations, skin friction, and overall immune health may also play a role.

Seborrheic keratoses are not contagious and cannot spread from person to person. In rare situations, a sudden outbreak of multiple seborrheic keratoses can be linked to certain internal cancers (like colon or lung cancer). If you notice a quick surge of new lesions, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider to rule out underlying conditions.

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Seborrheic Keratoses removal in Toronto or Oakville

At TMSC, we offer safe, effective treatments for seborrheic keratoses, ranging from simple in-office procedures to more involved surgical methods. Our goal is to provide relief from discomfort and improve cosmetic appearance while ensuring the highest quality of care.

1. Shave Excision

• Local Anesthesia: The area around the growth is numbed.
• Procedure: The lesion is gently shaved off at the surface level.
• Recovery: You’ll have a mild abrasion afterward, which typically heals quickly with minimal scarring.

This method is often chosen for cosmetic reasons or when the seborrheic keratosis becomes irritated by clothing.

2. Cryotherapy

• Technique: Uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the growth.
• Outcome: The frozen lesion eventually falls off on its own.
• Advantages: Quick, minimal downtime, and low risk of scarring.

Cryotherapy is especially useful for small or superficial seborrheic keratoses.

3. Minor Surgery

• When It’s Used: Recommended for larger or more persistent lesions.
• Procedure: May involve an excisional biopsy or a small incision.
• Precision: Our surgeons use techniques that minimize scarring and reduce the chance of regrowth.

Your surgeon at TMSC will guide you toward the most suitable option, considering factors like size, location, number of lesions, and your personal comfort.

Seborrheic keratosis treatment 

is straightforward and typically involves local anesthesia to numb the area. The lesion is then gently shaved off. This results in a wound that looks like a mild abrasion and heals quickly. Most treatments are for cosmetic reasons, although removal can prevent discomfort from clothing irritation.

Cryotherapy Cryotherapy 

is a simple and effective procedure to remove seborrheic keratoses. Using liquid nitrogen, the growth is frozen, causing it to fall off without damaging the surrounding skin.

Seborrheic Keratosis Surgery 

Minor surgery is another method to remove seborrheic keratoses. The type of surgery depends on the size, location, and severity of the lesions. Our highly experienced surgeons will evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment plan. In many cases, surgery is not needed, but when it is, the procedure is typically minor and performed with precision and care.

Seborrheic Keratoses on the Face and Scalp

When seborrheic keratoses develop on the face or scalp, patients often worry about cosmetic appearance and potential irritation (like catching a comb on scalp lesions). Our board-certified surgeons are adept at removing growths in these sensitive, highly visible areas:

• Minimizing Scarring: We take special care to reduce any lasting marks, especially when treating facial lesions.
• Comfort & Safety: Procedures are done under local anesthesia, ensuring a pain-free experience.

Seborrheic Keratosis Removal Cost 

The cost for removing seborrheic keratoses depends on:

• Number of lesions
• Size and location of each lesion
• Treatment method chosen (e.g., cryotherapy vs. minor surgery)

During your consultation at TMSC, our team provides a transparent cost estimate. Some treatments may be covered by OHIP if they’re deemed medically necessary. If you’re unsure about coverage, our staff can guide you through the insurance process.

FAQs

Is Seborrheic Keratosis Cancerous?

No, seborrheic keratoses are benign and non-cancerous. However, professional evaluation is important to distinguish them from other potentially serious skin conditions like melanoma.

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What are some self-care instructions for Seborrheic Keratosis?

‍Since seborrheic keratoses are harmless, there are no specific self-care instructions unless they become irritating. Regularly washing the area with mild soap and covering it with a bandage can help reduce discomfort. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any chemicals.

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Do I need a follow-up?

Most minor surgeries for seborrheic keratoses do not require extensive follow-ups. After successful removal, you can usually go home immediately. If complications arise, which is rare, you can return to our clinic for a follow-up visit.

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How can I make it less uncomfortable?

If seborrheic keratoses become irritating, covering them with a bandage can prevent rubbing. Wash the area twice a day with mild soap and apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to soften the skin. Avoid using any chemicals without consulting your surgeon.

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Contact Us For A Free Seborrheic Keratosis Consultation

Ready to remove bothersome seborrheic keratoses or simply want to confirm a diagnosis? TMSC is here to help. Our team of expert surgeons offers compassionate, top-notch care in Toronto, Oakville, and Vaughan.

Phone: (647) 614-1611
Fax: 1 (888) 520-8818

Toronto

Address: 2920 Dufferin Street, Suite 202, Toronto ON, M6B 3S8
Email: info@theminorsurgerycenter.com

Oakville

Address: 3075 Hospital Gate Unit 109, Oakville, ON L6M 1M
Email: info@torontominorsurgery.com

Vaughan

Address: 2701 Rutherford Rd Building C, Vaughan, ON L4K 2N6
Email: info@torontominorsurgery.com

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