How to Remove Lumps and Bumps? | OC MedDerm

  

Found a weird bump on your skin and wondering what to do about it? You’re definitely not alone. At OC MedDerm in Irvine, CA, Skin lumps and bumps are incredibly common, and while most are harmless, they can be annoying, unsightly, or just plain worrying.

Let’s break down what these bumps actually are and how dermatologists at OC MedDerm safely remove them.

What Are These Lumps and Bumps Anyway?

First things first – not all skin bumps are the same. Here are the most common ones we see:

Skin tags: Those annoying little flaps of skin that catch on everything Lipomas: Soft, fatty lumps that move around under your skin Cysts: Round bumps filled with fluid or other material Sebaceous cysts: Lumps filled with keratin that can smell terrible when drained Warts: Rough, bumpy growths caused by viruses Cherry angiomas: Small, bright red dots that appear with age

Most of these are completely harmless, but they can be cosmetically bothersome or physically irritating.

When Should You Get a Bump Checked?

Some bumps you can ignore, others need professional attention. See a dermatologist if your bump:

Medical concerns:

• Changed in size, color, or shape recently
• Bleeds, hurts, or feels tender
• Grows quickly
• Has irregular edges or multiple colors
• Feels hard or doesn’t move when you push it

Personal reasons:

• Catches on clothing or jewelry
• Gets irritated when you shave
• Makes you self-conscious
• You just want it gone

How Dermatologists Remove Different Bumps

The Bumps removal method depends entirely on what type of bump you have. Here’s what actually happens:

Skin Tag Removal

Cryotherapy (freezing): Doctor uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the tag off. Takes seconds, stings briefly, falls off in a week or two.

Snip excision: Quick snip with surgical scissors after numbing. Done in seconds, minimal bleeding.

Electrocautery: Burns off the tag with an electrical device. Quick but can leave a small scab.

Lipoma Removal

These fatty lumps need surgical removal:

• Area gets numbed with local anesthetic
• Small incision over the lipoma
• Doctor carefully removes the entire fatty mass
• Incision closed with stitches
• Takes 30-60 minutes depending on size

Cyst Removal

Simple drainage: For infected cysts, doctor may drain the contents first Complete excision: Surgical removal of entire cyst wall to prevent recurrence Minimal excision: Smaller incision technique for certain types

Wart Removal

Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen freezing (most common) Laser treatment: For stubborn warts Surgical removal: For large or resistant warts

What Happens During Your Visit

Before the procedure:

• Doctor examines the bump and surrounding skin
• May take photos for medical records
• Explains which removal method they recommend
• Gets your consent

During removal:

• Local anesthetic injection (usually the only uncomfortable part)
• Actual removal typically takes just minutes
• Any bleeding gets controlled
• Wound gets cleaned and bandaged

After the procedure:

• Instructions for home care
• Follow-up appointment if stitches were used
• Tissue may go to lab if doctor has any concerns

Recovery: What to Actually Expect

First 24-48 Hours

• Keep area clean and dry
• Some soreness is normal (take Tylenol if needed)
• Avoid strenuous activity that might reopen the wound

Days 2-7

• Gently clean with soap and water
• Apply prescribed antibiotic ointment if given
• Keep covered until it stops oozing

Week 1-2

• Most small removals heal in 1-2 weeks
• Stitches typically come out at 7-14 days
• You can usually return to normal activities within a few days

Longer term

• Scars continue to improve for months
• Final appearance is usually much better than expected

Taking Care of Your Skin Afterward

Do this:

• Follow your doctor’s specific instructions
• Keep the wound clean
• Use prescribed medications as directed
• Protect from sun exposure

Don’t do this:

• Pick at scabs or healing skin
• Soak in baths or pools until fully healed
• Use harsh products on the healing area

Will There Be a Scar?

Most removals leave some type of mark, but it’s usually minimal. Scarring depends on:

• Size and depth of the original bump
• Location on your body
• Your natural healing ability
• How well you follow aftercare instructions

Small skin tags often leave barely visible marks. Larger lipomas or cysts will have a thin line scar that fades significantly over time.

What About Cost and Insurance?

Insurance typically covers removal when:

• The bump is medically concerning
• It’s causing physical symptoms
• Your doctor documents medical necessity

You’ll pay out of pocket for:

• Purely cosmetic removal
• Clearly benign bumps
• Multiple cosmetic removals

Many practices offer package deals for removing multiple bumps at once.

When Things Go Wrong

Complications are rare, but call your doctor if you notice:

• Increasing redness or swelling
• Pus or unusual discharge
• Red streaks extending from the wound
• Fever or feeling unwell
• Wound edges pulling apart

The Bottom Line

Most skin lumps and bumps are harmless but annoying. Removal is usually straightforward, quick, and heals well. The key is having an experienced dermatologist evaluate what you’re dealing with and choose the right removal method.

Don’t spend months or years being bothered by a bump that can be safely removed in one quick office visit.

Get Those Bumps Checked

Tired of worrying about that weird bump or tired of it catching on your clothes? Stop putting it off and get it properly evaluated.

At Irvine Skin, we see all types of lumps and bumps every day. Our dermatologists can quickly identify what you’re dealing with and explain your removal options. Most procedures can be done the same day as your consultation.

Whether you’re concerned about what a bump might be or just want it gone for cosmetic reasons, we can help.

Ready to get rid of that annoying bump? Contact us today to schedule your evaluation at OC MedDerm in Irvine. We’ll give you straight answers about what it is and what your options are. Call +1(949) 551-1113 or send us a message to get started. Don’t let a bump keep bothering you when the solution is usually this simple.

How is Mole Removal Done? | Irvine Skin

 

Thinking about getting a mole removed but not sure what you’re signing up for? You’re not alone. Whether it’s a mole that’s changed recently or one that just bugs you every time you look in the mirror, knowing what actually happens during removal can ease your nerves.

Here’s the real deal on mole removal – no scary medical terms, just what you need to know.

Why People Remove Moles

Some moles need to go for health reasons, others are just annoying. Here’s when removal makes sense:

Medical red flags:

• The mole changed size, shape, or color
• It bleeds, itches, or hurts
• Irregular edges or multiple colors
• Your doctor thinks it looks suspicious

Personal reasons:

• It’s ugly and you hate it
• Clothing or jewelry catches on it
• Gets nicked when shaving
• Just tired of looking at it

The important thing? Let a dermatologist check it first. They can tell if it’s something to worry about or just a cosmetic annoyance.

The Three Ways Dermatologists Remove Moles

Shave Removal (Most Popular)

This is what most people get for raised moles that look normal:

• Doctor numbs the spot with a shot
• Uses a scalpel to shave the mole off flush with your skin
• Stops any bleeding
• Bandages it up – no stitches needed

Heals like a scraped knee. Takes about 2 weeks.

Full Surgical Removal

For suspicious moles or flat ones, they cut deeper:

• Area gets numbed
• Scalpel removes the whole mole plus some normal skin around it
• Needs stitches to close
• Tissue goes to the lab for testing

Takes longer to heal (2-4 weeks) but gives doctors the whole mole to examine.

Punch Removal

Uses a circular punch tool to cut out small moles. Less common but sometimes perfect for tiny spots that need testing.

What Actually Happens During Your Visit

Before:

• Doctor looks at your mole under a magnifying light
• Explains what method they’ll use and why
• Cleans the area

During:

• Quick shot to numb it (honestly, this is the worst part)
• Actual removal usually takes just a few minutes
• They stop any bleeding and bandage you up

After:

• Instructions for taking care of it
• Follow-up appointment if you got stitches
• Results from the lab in about a week if needed

Most people are in and out in 30 minutes.

Healing: The Real Timeline

First Few Days

Keep it clean and dry for 24-48 hours. Some soreness is normal – take Tylenol if you need it.

Week 1-2

Wash gently with soap and water. You might have soreness for up to 4 days. If you got stitches, they come out around day 10-14.

Week 2-4

Most mole removal sites heal in 2-3 weeks. The spot might look pink or darker than your normal skin – that’s temporary.

Months Later

Scar tissue continues to mature and can take months to fully flatten and fade. Most scars become barely noticeable with time.

Taking Care of Your Spot

Keep it simple:

• Keep original bandage on for at least 24 hours
• After that, wash with mild soap and water daily
• Keep it moist with Vaseline or prescribed ointment
• Protect from sun exposure

Don’t:

• Pick at it or scratch
• Soak in baths or pools until healed
• Use harsh stuff like peroxide

Will You Have a Scar?

Yes, but probably not as bad as you think. The scar depends on:

• Where the mole was (joints and areas that stretch scar more)
• How deep they had to cut
• Your genetics (some people just scar better)
• How well you follow aftercare instructions

Most scars fade dramatically over the first year. Many patients forget where their mole even was.

When to Call Your Doctor

Problems are rare, but call if you see:

• Redness spreading beyond the bandaged area
• Pus or weird discharge
• Red streaks going up your arm or leg
• Fever
• Wound edges pulling apart

What About Cost?

Insurance usually covers removal when there’s a medical reason – like the mole changed or looks suspicious. For purely cosmetic removal, you’ll pay out of pocket.

Shave removal costs less than surgical removal because it’s quicker and doesn’t need lab testing. Many practices offer package deals if you’re removing multiple moles.

The Bottom Line

Mole removal is routine stuff for dermatologists. The process is safe, effective, and virtually painless. Most people wish they’d done it sooner.

The key is picking an experienced dermatologist who does lots of these procedures. They’ll recommend the right method for your specific mole and situation.

Get That Mole Checked

Stop wondering and start doing something about that mole that’s been bothering you. Whether you’re worried it might be dangerous or just sick of looking at it, we can help.

At Irvine Skin, we remove moles every single day. Our dermatologists will examine your mole, explain your options, and most procedures can be done the same day as your consultation.

Ready to get rid of that mole? Contact us today to schedule your evaluation. We’ll give you straight answers about what needs to be done and what to expect.

Call +1(949) 551-1113 or send us a message to get started. Don’t let a mole keep bothering you when the solution is this straightforward.

FAQs

Q. Which laser is used for mole removal?

Ans – Advanced lasers are often used for cosmetic mole removal when the mole is small, flat, and non-cancerous. The choice of laser depends on factors such as the depth of the mole and the individual’s skin type. Commonly, CO₂ lasers and Er:YAG lasers are considered effective options. However, it is always important to have a medical evaluation first to confirm that the mole is safe for laser removal.

Q. Which mole removal method is the best?

Ans – There is no single “best” method; it depends on the mole. For raised moles, shaving or cautery works well. For deeper moles, surgical excision may be needed. For flat cosmetic moles, lasers can be very effective. We recommend the method based on whether the mole is medical or cosmetic, its location, and patient preference.

Q. Can mole removal cause nerve damage?

Ans – In very rare cases, if a mole lies directly over a nerve and is deeply excised, there can be minor nerve irritation or numbness. However, for most moles, especially superficial ones, this risk is extremely low. Careful evaluation and technique help avoid complications.

Q. Can mole removal cause cancer?

Ans – No, removing a mole does not cause cancer. In fact, removal is often done to check for skin cancer under the microscope. If a mole looks suspicious, we send it for biopsy after removal to ensure it is safe.

Q. Can mole removal be covered by insurance?

Ans – If a mole is suspicious for skin cancer or medically necessary to remove, insurance may cover the procedure. If removal is for cosmetic reasons only, insurance typically does not cover it. At OC MedDerm, we help patients with both medical and cosmetic cases.

Mole Removal Irvine, CA & Orange County – Safe Mole Removal Treatments by OC MedDerm

Looking for expert mole removal in Irvine, CA or Orange County? At OC MedDerm, Dr. Parvin Shafa, a trusted dermatologist in Irvine, CA, specializes in safe and effective mole removal treatments tailored to your skin type and needs. Whether you’re seeking cosmetic mole removal or treatment for a suspicious mole, we offer advanced solutions with minimal scarring and optimal results. Learn how mole removal is done and Book Your Consultation today.

Expert Mole Removal in Irvine & Orange County | OC MedDerm

Looking for safe and effective mole removal in Irvine, CA? At OC MedDerm, we provide advanced mole removal treatments in Irvine, CA designed to achieve natural cosmetic results while addressing both cosmetic and medical concerns. Our experienced dermatologist ensures every procedure is handled with precision and care.

We are trusted for mole removal in Orange County and offer a variety of mole removal treatments in Orange County, tailored to each patient’s skin type and condition. Whether it’s for cosmetic reasons or to evaluate suspicious moles, our clinic uses the latest dermatology techniques to minimize scarring and deliver the best outcomes.

As a leading skin care dermatologist in Irvine, CA and skin care dermatologist in Orange County, OC MedDerm is proud to be recognized as one of the best dermatology clinics in Irvine, CA and throughout Orange County. Call us today at +1 949-551-1113 or submit your request through our inquiry page to schedule your consultation.

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At OC MedDerm, we provide expert CO2 laser treatment in Irvine, CA to help patients achieve smoother, healthier skin. Our clinic also serves patients across Orange County, offering advanced care with proven laser technology. Visit our Fractional CO2 Laser Resurfacing Overview to learn more.

For those seeking CO2 laser treatment in Orange County, our trusted skin care dermatologist in Irvine, CA and skin care dermatologist in Orange County deliver personalized solutions for acne scars, wrinkles, and sun damage. Patients rely on us for the best dermatology in Irvine, CA and beyond.

Whether you need a dermatologist in Irvine, CA or a dermatologist in Orange County, OC MedDerm is here to help. Call us today at +1(949) 551-1113 or book through our inquiry page to start your journey toward renewed confidence.

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Discover expert hormone treatment for acne in Irvine, CA and hormone treatment for acne in Orange County at OC MedDerm. Led by Dr. Parvin Shafa, our clinic is recognized for providing the best dermatology in Irvine, CA and trusted care across Orange County. We help patients struggling with persistent breakouts caused by hormonal imbalances with advanced and personalized treatment options.

As a leading dermatologist in Irvine, CA and a highly experienced dermatologist in Orange County, Dr. Shafa offers customized therapies that target the root cause of acne. Our approach ensures that your skin not only clears but also maintains long-term health. From teenage acne to adult-onset breakouts, we create individualized plans to restore balance and confidence.

Whether you’re searching for a skin care dermatologist in Irvine, CA or a skin care dermatologist in Orange County, OC MedDerm provides advanced dermatology solutions. Call us today at +1(949) 551-1113 or visit our inquiry page to schedule your consultation and begin your journey to healthier, clearer skin.

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At OC MedDerm, we provide the best dermatology in Irvine, CA and the best dermatology in Orange County, offering trusted care for all your skin concerns. Led by an experienced dermatologist in Irvine, CA and a skilled dermatologist in Orange County, our clinic is dedicated to providing personalized treatment tailored to your needs.

Patients looking for dermatology in Irvine, CA or advanced dermatology in Orange County will find comprehensive care, from medical treatments to cosmetic skin solutions. Whether you need a skin care dermatologist in Irvine, CA or a skin care dermatologist in Orange County, OC MedDerm ensures expert guidance and effective results.

Discover why patients trust us for healthy, glowing skin. Call us at +1 (949) 551-1113 or connect through our Inquiry Page to schedule your consultation today.