Noticing brown, waxy growths with a “stuck-on” appearance on your face, chest, or back? You’re experiencing one of the most common skin conditions affecting adults–seborrheic keratoses impact over 90% of people over age 60 and approximately 83 million Americans overall. While these benign growths are completely harmless, many patients choose removal for cosmetic reasons or when they become irritated by clothing. Dr. Kristine Zitelli specializes in safe, effective seborrheic keratosis removal using advanced techniques that minimize scarring and ensure optimal cosmetic results for patients throughout Cincinnati.
Not only provides excellent care but truly cares.
Advanced Expertise in Seborrheic Keratosis Management
Dr. Zitelli brings specialized knowledge and refined technique to every seborrheic keratosis treatment. Her comprehensive approach begins with accurate diagnosis to distinguish these benign growths from other skin conditions that may appear similar.
Understanding that seborrheic keratoses can vary widely in size, thickness, and location, Dr. Zitelli customizes each treatment plan to achieve the best possible cosmetic outcome while ensuring patient comfort and safety. Her expertise in various removal methods allows for optimal technique selection based on each lesion’s specific characteristics.
What Are Seborrheic Keratoses?
Seborrheic keratoses are benign, non-cancerous skin growths that appear as brown, black, or tan waxy patches with a characteristic “stuck-on” appearance. These common growths develop when skin cells called keratinocytes multiply rapidly, creating raised lesions that can range from very small to over one inch in diameter. Most people develop their first seborrheic keratosis during middle age, with frequency and number increasing significantly over time.
These growths most commonly appear on sun-exposed areas including the face, chest, shoulders, and back, though they can develop anywhere except the palms and soles. Seborrheic keratoses are benign, but they may be mistaken for other skin conditions, making professional evaluation important for accurate diagnosis and peace of mind.
Common Concerns About Seborrheic Keratoses
Cosmetic Appearance
Prominent brown or black growths that affect confidence, particularly on visible areas
Clothing Irritation
Raised lesions that catch on clothing, jewelry, or become inflamed from friction
Rapid Multiplication
Development of multiple growths over time creating cosmetic concerns about aging
Diagnostic Uncertainty
Worry about distinguishing benign seborrheic keratoses from potentially serious skin conditions
Treatment Effectiveness
Questions about removal methods and which approach provides the best cosmetic results
Professional Appearance
Impact on self-confidence in social or professional situations due to visible growths
Dr. Zitelli’s Customized Treatment Approach
Dr. Zitelli tailors each seborrheic keratosis treatment based on the size, location, thickness, and number of growths, as well as your individual cosmetic goals and skin type. Her comprehensive evaluation ensures accurate diagnosis and optimal treatment selection for the best possible results. She understands that treating multiple lesions efficiently while maintaining excellent cosmetic outcomes requires both technical expertise and careful planning.
Treatment options available include:
- Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen freezing that effectively removes growths with controlled tissue destruction
- Electrosurgery: Precise electrical current application for immediate removal with excellent hemostasis
- Curettage: Specialized scraping technique using surgical instruments for complete lesion removal
- Shave Excision: Surgical removal with scalpel technique for thicker or larger lesions
- Laser Therapy: Advanced laser technology for precise removal with minimal tissue damage
- Combination Methods: Multiple techniques when addressing various sizes and types of lesions simultaneously
Is Professional Seborrheic Keratosis Treatment Right for You?
You may benefit from professional seborrheic keratosis removal if you have:
- Growths that cause cosmetic concerns or affect your confidence in social situations
- Lesions that become irritated, inflamed, or bleed due to friction from clothing
- Multiple seborrheic keratoses that make you appear older than you feel
- Growths in prominent areas that impact your professional or personal appearance
- Uncertainty about whether skin growths are benign or require medical evaluation
- Interest in preventing future irritation or complications from these persistent growths
During your consultation, Dr. Zitelli will examine your seborrheic keratoses, confirm the diagnosis, and recommend the most effective treatment approach for your specific situation.
What to Expect During Seborrheic Keratosis Removal
Professional seborrheic keratosis removal is typically a straightforward procedure that follows these steps:
- Evaluation: Dr. Zitelli examines each growth to confirm diagnosis and plan treatment approach
- Preparation: The treatment area is thoroughly cleansed and prepared for the selected procedure
- Anesthesia: Local numbing medication is applied to ensure your complete comfort throughout
- Removal: The seborrheic keratosis is removed using the predetermined technique most appropriate
- Hemostasis: Any bleeding is controlled using appropriate methods to promote optimal healing
- Aftercare: Detailed post-treatment instructions are provided to ensure the best possible recovery
What to Expect After Your Treatment
Following your seborrheic keratosis removal:
- Most patients experience minimal discomfort that resolves completely within 24-48 hours
- Treated areas may appear red or slightly swollen for several days following treatment
- A scab or crust may form over the treatment site and should heal naturally
- Complete healing typically occurs within 1-3 weeks depending on the removal method used
- Final cosmetic results become apparent after complete healing, usually within 4-6 weeks
- Normal activities can be resumed immediately with appropriate wound care precautions
Frequently Asked Questions About Seborrheic Keratosis Treatment
No, seborrheic keratoses are benign. However, professional evaluation ensures accurate diagnosis and rules out other conditions.
The treated lesions will improve and often do not recur, but new seborrheic keratoses may develop elsewhere as you age, particularly if you have a genetic predisposition.
Yes, Dr. Zitelli can efficiently treat multiple lesions during a single appointment, making treatment convenient and cost-effective for patients.
Removal for purely cosmetic reasons is typically not covered by insurance, though removal of irritated or inflamed lesions may be covered under certain circumstances.
Professional evaluation by Dr. Zitelli is the only reliable way to distinguish seborrheic keratoses from other skin conditions that may require different treatment approaches.
Why Choose Dr. Zitelli for Seborrheic Keratosis Treatment in Cincinnati
Dr. Kristine Zitelli brings exceptional expertise in diagnosing and treating seborrheic keratoses and similar benign skin growths. As a board-certified dermatologist with extensive experience in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, she understands the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment selection for optimal results. Her comprehensive approach ensures that every growth is properly evaluated while achieving excellent cosmetic outcomes through precise technique and careful attention to detail.
Restore Your Skin’s Smooth, Youthful Appearance
Don’t let seborrheic keratoses affect your confidence or comfort any longer. Contact Queen City Dermatology today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Zitelli and discover how professional seborrheic keratosis removal can help you achieve smoother, clearer skin with excellent cosmetic results and lasting satisfaction.
