People often have a lot of questions about skin imperfections, such as what are they, causes them and how can you get rid of them? Here we explain everything you need to know about skin imperfections.
Skin imperfections come in a range of sizes, and include anything from milia to moles to skin tags. These lumps and bumps can be tiny but annoying. Here explain what skin imperfections are, what causes them and how you can get rid of them. The most common skin imperfections are milia, moles and skin tags. They all form naturally and they can be ‘permanent.’ However, thanks to technology, they can also be quickly and easily removed.
At Skin Medical our preferred method of removing skin imperfections is using the hyfrecator – a device which sends electric currents into the imperfection and dehydrates them, causing them to fall off. The hyfrecator heats the skin, which kills to treated tissue. The body then heals the imperfection.
For small imperfections there is often no need for any anaesthetic. The treatment is very precise and will only treat the imperfection itself. However, we can use a topical local anaesthetic or numbing cream for comfort if you’d prefer. The treatment usually takes just 30 minutes – meaning your skin imperfection can be gone in no time at all!
Milia
Milia are a collection of white spots commonly known as milk spots. Although they’re often associated with babies they can occur in adults too. While there’s no explanation (yet!) to explain why milia can come about in adults, there is no associated link with diet or lifestyle. Unfortunately milia are something which ‘just appear’.
Milia are tiny cysts located directly below the skin’s epidermis (the outer layer of skin). This is what makes them so visible. The white colouring is composed from an excessive build up of natural keratin.
There are a lot of so-called ‘remedies’ for milia, including hot towel treatment and facial scrubs. Whilst these may reduce the appearance of milia, the result is temporary. Other removal methods involve surgical removal, however this is often undesirable as milia are often located on the face and there is a risk of scarring with surgical removal. The hyfrecator is a safe and efficient way of removing milia.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are small growths which protrude from the surface of the skin. They can be flesh coloured or brown in appearance and they typically appear on areas of the skin which rubs against itself, such as armpits and eyelids. However, they can appear anywhere on the body.
Although they’re harmless they can be incredibly frustrating an unsightly. They can however be painful if you catch them, for example on jewellery. There is also a risk that they can grow over time. Just like milia, skin tags are natural.
There are a number of treatments for skin tags, including burning them off or surgically removing them. Again, these methods have an associated risk of scarring. Hyfrecator is a quick, safe and efficient way of removing skin tags.
Moles
Moles are growths on the skin that are usually brown or black in appearance. They form when cells are clustered together rather than being spread throughout the skin. Most moles grow during childhood or during the first 30 years of life. They can appear anywhere on the body.
Over time moles can change – they may grow, the colour may change, and hairs might grow in the mole. After exposure to the sun, during pregnancy, and in teen years moles can darken in colour. Most moles are benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However if they look different, appear in later life or you notice changes you should have them checked.
For benign moles, hyfrecator is a quick, safe and efficient way of removing moles.
If you’re still not sure what your lump or bump is you can visit our skin imperfections page which tells you about all the different types of skin imperfections there is.
Before you have any treatment to remove a skin imperfection we always do a consultation. This takes place with one of our experienced, medical practitioners who can assess the imperfection and explain the treatment in detail to you.
To book in for a free consultation at our Care Quality Commission registered Manchester City Centre clinic, contact the clinic on 0161 839 7663 or book online.
