Skin GrowthsCysts, LIpomas, Moles, & Skin Tags

Understanding Common Skin Growths

Skin growths such as cysts, lipomas, moles, and skin tags are extremely common. While most are benign, they can sometimes cause discomfort, become irritated, or be cosmetically undesirable. At Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area, our board-certified dermatologists and PAs provide expert evaluation and effective removal procedures tailored to each patient’s needs.

What are Skin Growths?

Various benign (non-cancerous) skin growths can develop over time, often causing cosmetic concern or minor irritation. Below are some of the most common types and their characteristics:

Cysts: Smooth, round, and movable lumps beneath the skin, usually filled with keratin or dead skin cells. They can remain stable for years but may become inflamed or infected, especially when irritated by friction.
Lipomas: Soft, rubbery fatty tumors that grow slowly under the skin. They are harmless, often hereditary, and typically found on the trunk, arms, or thighs.
Moles (Nevi): Pigmented or skin-colored spots that may be flat or raised. Most are benign, but changes in shape, size, or color may warrant a biopsy.
Skin Tags: Small, soft growths that hang off the skin, commonly appearing on the neck, underarms, eyelids, or groin. They are harmless but can become irritated by clothing or jewelry.

Most skin growths are benign and easily treated for comfort or cosmetic reasons. However, any growth that changes in color, shape, or size should be examined by a dermatologist to rule out potential skin cancer or other conditions. Regular skin checks help ensure early detection and peace of mind.

Why Removal May Be Recommended

Removal of these growths is considered when:

They cause pain, are irritated, or are infected.
They are cosmetically undesirable.
They create functional problems, such as rubbing against clothing.
A biopsy is needed to rule out skin cancer.

Treatment Techniques

Excision

Excision is a surgical technique in which the dermatologist or PA removes the entire growth, and the surgical wound is then closed with sutures.

Best for: lipomas, cysts, suspicious or deeply pigmented moles.
Advantages: ensures complete removal and allows for dermatopathology testing.
Recovery: sutures are typically removed in 1–2 weeks. A small scar is possible.

Shave Removal

Shave removal involves using a sterile blade to gently “shave” off the elevated portion of the mole. The more visible part of the mole is removed, allowing the deeper portion, which is now visually even with the surrounding skin, to blend in seamlessly.

Best for: cosmetic treatment of skin-colored raised moles, skin tags, and other colorless benign lesions, such as sebaceous hyperplasia.
Advantages: quick, minimally invasive, and no suturing is required.
Recovery: Heals quickly within 1–2 weeks

Electrodessication and Cryotherapy for Skin Tags

Skin tags may be treated with electrocautery (burning), snip excision, or freezing with liquid nitrogen. These are fast, in-office procedures with minimal downtime.

Treatment Options Based on Skin Growth Type

At Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area, we combine clinical expertise with clinically proven therapeutics to deliver results-driven care.

Cyst Removal

Cysts are best removed by excision to ensure removal of the cyst sac, thereby preventing recurrence or regrowth of the lesion.
If the cyst is inflamed and infected, it will need to be decompressed by an incision and drainage, with definitive excision performed a few weeks later once the inflammation has resolved.

Lipoma Removal

Best treated with surgical excision, typically through a small incision under local anesthesia.
Once removed, lipomas rarely recur. Patients may still, however, develop new lipomas in other locations.

Mole Removal

Shave removal is often used for raised, skin-colored, benign-appearing moles.
Excision is recommended if the mole is clinically suspicious or highly pigmented.
All removed moles are sent to pathology for definitive diagnosis.

Skin Tag Removal

Easily removed with snip excision, electrocautery, or cryotherapy.
The procedure is quick, typically requiring no downtime.

Dermatology Associates of the bay area doctors, pa, aesthetician, and staff. Group image outside.

Board-Certified Dermatologists Serving Petaluma & Hercules

Our team of board-certified dermatologists is dedicated to providing expert skin care for patients of all ages. At Dermatology Associates of the Bay Area, we combine advanced dermatology techniques with personalized care to help you achieve healthy, beautiful skin.

Choose a trusted dermatology practice committed to exceptional care and long-term skin health.

What sets us apart:

Board-certified dermatologists and PAs with expertise in skin surgery.
Comprehensive techniques — excision, shave removal, cryotherapy, and electrocautery.
Patient-focused care, ensuring comfort and cosmetic outcomes.
Pathology review for diagnostically questionable moles or nevi.

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Skin Growths

Frequently Asked Questions

Which moles are best removed by shave excision?

Moles that are the same color as the surrounding skin, so once they heal, they can better blend in without irregular pigmentation.

Why should cysts on the back be removed?

Back cysts are more prone to secondary infection as they rub against the back of chairs, allowing for irritation and the easy entry of bacteria.

Are lipomas removed in the office?

Yes, almost all lipomas can be easily excised as an in-office procedure. Some trunkal lipomas are under the muscle and will then need to be removed in an operating room.

Does insurance cover their removal?

If removal is medically necessary — for pain, infection, or diagnostic concerns — it may be covered. Cosmetic removal of moles is not.

Final Thoughts

Cysts, lipomas, moles, and skin tags are common growths that can be safely removed for medical, functional, or cosmetic reasons. Whether through shave removal, excision, or other in-office techniques, our goal is always to provide safe, effective treatment with excellent cosmetic results.

If you are considering removal, we invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss your options. Our dermatology team will assess your lesion, review your treatment options, and provide expert care tailored to your specific needs.