Conveniently Located to Serve Hilton Head Island, SC
Are you considering growth removal? Located in Hilton Head Island, SC, our clinic specializes in providing expert care for patients seeking the removal of various growths, including keloids, benign growths, skin lumps, and masses. Let us walk you through what you can expect during the skin lump removal procedure, its benefits, potential risks, and post-procedure care instructions.
What is a Skin Growth Removal?
Growth removal is a medical procedure designed to eliminate various types of growths or abnormalities on the skin. These growths can include keloids, benign growths, skin lumps, and masses. The primary goal of growth removal is to enhance both your physical appearance and overall well-being. It is typically performed as a standalone procedure, and in some cases, it can be combined with other treatments to optimize results.
Good Candidates for a Skin Growth Removal
Candidates for growth removal are individuals who may be experiencing discomfort, self-consciousness, or health concerns due to the presence of a growth. Good candidates typically have realistic expectations and are in generally good health.
Conversely, individuals with certain medical conditions or unrealistic expectations may not be suitable candidates for this procedure.
Your Growth Removal Consultation
During your consultation, our experienced medical team will assess your specific condition and discuss your goals. We will explain the different treatment options available for growth removal, including cauterization, cryosurgery, electrocautery, and ligation, to help you make an informed decision. We will also address any questions or concerns you may have about the procedure and recovery.
The Procedure
The mass removal procedure typically begins with the administration of local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Depending on the type and size of the growth, one of the various treatment options may be chosen.
Cauterization involves using heat to remove the growth, while cryosurgery uses freezing temperatures. Electrocautery, on the other hand, utilizes an electrical current to eliminate the growth, while ligation involves tying off blood vessels to the growth, causing it to naturally fall off. Once the growth is removed, the area is carefully closed with stitches.
You can expect to feel minimal to no discomfort during the procedure, thanks to the administration of local anesthesia. The length of the procedure varies depending on the size and type of growth but is generally a relatively quick and straightforward process.
The Recovery Process
After the growth removal procedure, proper aftercare is essential. This includes wound care instructions, which detail how to care for the incision site to prevent infection and promote optimal healing. In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend medications to manage discomfort or promote healing.
Activity restrictions may also be advised to ensure a smooth recovery process and prevent complications. Although rare, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks and complications associated with growth removal.
These may include infection, scarring, bleeding, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. To minimize these risks, it’s crucial to follow post-procedure care instructions diligently.
Meet Our Hilton Head Dermatologists
Our practice is dedicated to providing superior medical and surgical dermatologic care to patients in Hilton Head, Bluffton, and the surrounding Lowcountry. When you choose us for your mole removal or skin health needs, you are selecting a team committed to safety, precision, and exceptional outcomes. We are proud to have a triple board-certified specialist leading our medical directives, offering a level of expertise and qualification that distinguishes our practice in the region.
For complex or cancerous lesions, our facility offers expertise in Mohs surgery, a precise technique that removes skin cancer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. With a convenient location, our team makes high-quality dermatology accessible to residents across Hilton Head and Okatie, SC.
How Much Does a Skin Growth Removal Cost in Hilton Head Island
The cost of growth removal varies based on several factors, including the type of growth, its size, and the chosen treatment method. For specific pricing details, we recommend scheduling a consultation to receive a personalized quote.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you’re considering benign growth removal and would like more information, we invite you to arrange a consultation with our experienced medical team. Hilton Head Dermatology is here to address your concerns, discuss your treatment options, and guide you through the process. Contact us today to take the first step towards achieving a more comfortable and confident you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it hurt to have a skin growth removed?
Our providers prioritize patient comfort and utilize a local anesthetic to numb the area before the procedure begins. Most patients report feeling only a slight pinch during the injection, with no pain during the actual removal of the skin growth. Mild soreness or tenderness may occur after the anesthesia wears off, but this is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How do I know if a growth is benign or cancerous?
The only way to definitively determine the nature of a lesion is through a professional evaluation and biopsy. While many skin growths, such as lipomas or tags, are harmless, it is essential to monitor changes in size, shape, color, or texture, as well as any associated symptoms, including bleeding or itching. If you notice any of these changes, schedule a skin cancer screening at our Hilton Head or Okatie locations as soon as possible.
Will there be a scar after removal?
Any surgical procedure that penetrates the skin will leave a mark, but our goal is to make it as inconspicuous as possible. Our providers utilize precise surgical techniques and careful wound closure methods to minimize scarring. For highly visible areas, we focus on placing incisions within natural skin tension lines to help the area heal with a superior aesthetic result.
Is there a risk that the growth will return?
If a lesion is fully excised (cut out with sutures), the risk of regrowth is extremely low because the entire root or sac is removed. This is particularly important for cysts, as the sac wall must be completely removed to prevent recurrence. Shave removals carry a slightly higher chance of recurrence if cells at the base remain. Your provider will discuss the most effective removal method to minimize the chance of regrowth.
Is skin growth removal covered by insurance?
If a growth is removed for health reasons or because it exhibits signs of skin cancer, insurance providers generally cover the cost. However, removing benign conditions such as skin tags or seborrheic keratoses for purely cosmetic reasons is usually an out-of-pocket expense. We recommend contacting your provider or our office to discuss your specific coverage.