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Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Sebaceous hyperplasia commonly affects middle-aged and older adults, though it can occur earlier, particularly in people with oily or sun-damaged skin.
Sebaceous hyperplasia is a common benign skin condition caused by the enlargement of sebaceous (oil) glands within the skin. It appears as small, soft, pale-yellow or flesh-coloured bumps, often with a central depression or tiny opening. These lesions are harmless but can be cosmetically bothersome, especially when multiple spots appear on visible areas such as the forehead, cheeks, and nose.

At Derma Reading, our consultant dermatologists diagnose and treat sebaceous hyperplasia safely and effectively using advanced methods, including the Excel V+ laser and other medical-grade techniques. Our goal is to remove or reduce the bumps, smooth the skin’s texture, and prevent recurrence — all while minimising risk of scarring or pigmentation change.

Sebaceous hyperplasia commonly affects middle-aged and older adults, though it can occur earlier, particularly in people with oily or sun-damaged skin. The condition is entirely benign and unrelated to skin cancer, but because it can resemble other lesions such as basal cell carcinoma, professional diagnosis by a dermatologist is important.

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Sebaceous Hyperplasia

These lesions are harmless but can be cosmetically bothersome, especially when multiple spots appear on visible areas such as the forehead, cheeks, and nose.

Symptoms of Sebaceous hyperplasia

Sebaceous hyperplasia are often 2–5 mm in diameter and may appear singly or in clusters.

Sebaceous hyperplasia typically presents as small, soft, dome-shaped papules (bumps) on the face. They are often 2–5 mm in diameter and may appear singly or in clusters.

Typical features include:

  • Colour: pale yellow, flesh-coloured, or slightly pink.
  • Texture: soft, smooth, and sometimes shiny.
  • Shape: dome-shaped with a central indentation or tiny pore.
  • Location: most often on the forehead, cheeks, and nose, but occasionally on the chest or upper body.
  • Sensation: usually asymptomatic — not painful or itchy.

Under magnification, the lesion often shows a central opening surrounded by small lobules — a tell-tale sign of enlarged sebaceous glands. Some patients notice that lesions become more prominent after sun exposure or as skin becomes oilier.

Causes of Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Over time, the skin’s natural oil production slows, causing glands to dilate as they try to maintain balance.

Sebaceous hyperplasia develops when sebaceous glands enlarge and proliferate, often due to ageing and cumulative sun damage. Over time, the skin’s natural oil production slows, causing glands to dilate as they try to maintain balance.

Common contributing factors include:

  • Ageing: most common after the age of 40.
  • Sun exposure: chronic UV damage weakens the skin and enlarges oil glands.
  • Oily skin types: higher sebum production predisposes to gland overgrowth.
  • Hormonal changes: fluctuations in androgens can affect sebaceous activity.
  • Genetic tendency: sebaceous hyperplasia can run in families.
  • Medications: drugs such as cyclosporine can cause multiple lesions.

The condition is benign, not contagious, and not associated with infection or poor hygiene. However, it can be mistaken for other growths — particularly basal cell carcinoma, which can appear similar — so assessment by a dermatologist is essential before treatment.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually made clinically through visual inspection and, if needed, dermatoscopy, which reveals characteristic patterns such as yellowish lobules and central openings. In uncertain cases or atypical presentations, a skin biopsy may be taken to confirm the diagnosis and rule out malignancy.

Because sebaceous hyperplasia can mimic other lesions, professional evaluation ensures that the correct, safe treatment is selected.

Treatment of Sebaceous Hyperplasia at Derma

Most patients feel only a brief warmth or tingling.
Sebaceous hyperplasia is harmless, but many people choose treatment for cosmetic reasons or to prevent lesions from catching on clothing or shaving. At Derma Reading, our dermatologists provide several safe and effective options, tailored to the lesion’s size, depth, and location.
Excel V+ Laser
Our preferred treatment for many cases is the Excel V+ laser, a precise, dual-wavelength system that can target vascular and sebaceous structures within the skin. The laser energy gently heats and shrinks the enlarged sebaceous gland without damaging surrounding tissue.

The treatment is comfortable, quick, and requires no incision. Most patients feel only a brief warmth or tingling. The treated bump may darken slightly or form a fine crust that flakes away within a few days, revealing smoother skin.

Benefits of Excel V+ treatment:
  • Minimal discomfort and downtime.
  • Safe for most skin types.
  • Very low risk of scarring.
  • Precise targeting of lesions, including on delicate facial areas.

Multiple lesions can be treated in a single session, and results are typically visible within one to two weeks.

Electrocautery / Thermocoagulation
For individual or larger lesions, electrocautery can be used to gently heat and flatten the bump. This method vaporises the excess gland tissue. A small scab forms and heals within 5–7 days. It is effective but carries a slightly higher risk of surface pigmentation change compared with laser.
Cryotherapy
Freezing with liquid nitrogen can destroy sebaceous tissue, but due to the risk of pigment alteration — especially on the face — it is less commonly used at Derma Reading for cosmetic cases.
Surgical Removal / Shave Excision
For particularly raised or persistent lesions, a minor surgical procedure under local anaesthetic can remove the bump entirely. Healing takes one to two weeks, and the area may appear pink before fading.
Topical and Medical Options

In mild or early cases, topical treatments may help regulate sebaceous activity:

Retinoid creams (e.g., tretinoin) can normalise oil gland function.
Chemical peels may improve overall texture and reduce small bumps.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) can occasionally be used for widespread lesions.

However, once a lesion has formed, physical removal or laser treatment is generally required for definitive clearance.

Recovery

Recovery after Excel V+ laser or electrocautery is straightforward. Mild redness, swelling, or tiny crusts can occur for a few days, after which the area heals naturally. Most patients can return to work and normal activities immediately.

Aftercare includes:

  • Keep the area clean and dry for 24 hours.
  • Apply a soothing ointment (such as petroleum jelly) if needed.
  • Avoid sun exposure and use SPF 30+ daily.
  • Do not pick at scabs or crusts.
  • Avoid exfoliating products for one week.

The treated bump flattens and fades within days to weeks, leaving a smooth surface. Rarely, a faint mark may persist temporarily but usually resolves.

Prevention and Maintenance

While individual lesions can be successfully removed, new ones can form over time, particularly in people with oily or sun-damaged skin. Regular sun protection and gentle exfoliation can help reduce recurrence.

Our dermatologists may recommend:

  • Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen.
  • Prescription retinoids or professional skincare.
  • Occasional maintenance laser sessions for patients prone to recurrence.

A consistent skincare routine tailored to your skin type can support long-term clarity and reduce sebaceous activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sebaceous hyperplasia dangerous?
No — it’s completely benign. However, it can resemble certain skin cancers, so professional assessment by a dermatologist is essential for accurate diagnosis.
Can sebaceous hyperplasia go away on its own?
No. Once formed, the enlarged glands usually persist. Treatment such as laser or cautery is required to remove them.
Is treatment painful?
Laser treatment is very tolerable, with only mild warmth or snapping sensations. If electrocautery or surgical removal is used, a small amount of local anaesthetic ensures comfort.
Will the bumps come back?
The treated lesion will not return, but new ones can form in other areas over time. Good skincare and sun protection reduce recurrence.
How many treatments will I need?
Small or isolated lesions often clear after one session. Widespread or stubborn cases may require two or more treatments spaced several weeks apart.
Is there downtime?
Downtime is minimal. Mild redness or crusting can occur for a few days, but make-up can usually be applied after 24 hours.
Can Excel V+ be used for other conditions?
Yes. The Excel V+ laser also treats cherry angiomas, thread veins, rosacea, poikiloderma, and pigmentation, making it one of the most versatile dermatological lasers available.
Why Choose Derma Reading?

At Derma Reading, your skin is in expert hands. All procedures are performed by consultant dermatologists with extensive experience in laser medicine, aesthetic dermatology, and benign lesion management. Our clinic is CQC-registered and equipped with the latest Cutera Excel V+ system, providing hospital-grade safety and precision in a calm, clinical environment.

We prioritise natural-looking results and patient comfort, using conservative, evidence-based techniques that minimise scarring and downtime. Whether you have a single lesion or multiple bumps, our dermatologists will design a tailored plan to restore smoother, clearer skin.

If you’ve noticed small yellowish bumps on your face or scalp, our dermatologists can help. At Derma Reading, we provide safe, effective, and precise removal of sebaceous hyperplasia using the Excel V+ laser and other advanced methods.

Book Your Sebaceous Hyperplasia Consultation Today

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