Sebaceous Hyperplasia Skin Treatment

What is sebaceous hyperplasia? Sebaceous Hyperplasia occurs when there is overgrowth of normal oil glands of the skin causing bumps to form. These sebaceous hyperplasia bumps are typically yellowish, whitish or flesh toned with a depression or central pore in the middle and are often soft and waxy in appearance. Hyperplasia is usually found in clusters on the skin including the forehead, cheeks and temples, but can occur anywhere on the body. 

Hyperplasia is caused by abnormally enlarged sebaceous glands or oil glands. Benign bumps form as a result of over-productive oil glands, the glands gets clogged and enlarged in a specific manner. (Doughnut hole appearance) called sebaceous hyperplasia papules. Sebaceous hyperplasia is hereditary condition. Age is also a factor, over time hormone levels decrease. A decrease in androgen hormones causes sebaceous cells to die off slower, leaving a surplus of cells trapped in the glands. These glands can grow 10x the size of a normal gland. An immune system defect can also trigger sebaceous hyperplasia, it’s also common for organ transplant patients to develop the condition in their glands. Cumulative sun damage can exacerbate sebaceous hyperplasia. Understanding sebaceous hyperplasia can help you know how to prevent and treat it. 

How is sebaceous hyperplasia treated? Although harmless, sebaceous hyperplasia can be a cosmetic nuisance and become more pronounced with age. There are several sebaceous hyperplasia treatment options available, however it’s important to note that if you are prone to developing (hereditary) hyperplasia it’s likely that you may develop new ones.

We treat sebaceous hyperplasia  with high frequency, or an “electric needle.” An electrical current is used to break down or emulsify the sebum that becomes solidify and stuck under the skin within a pore which tends to have a donut hole appearance.

This makes it easier to drain the pore and eliminate or reduce the Hyperplasia.

 Surgical removal can permanently remove the lesion, but can cause scarring. Liquid Nitrogen may also be used, however it may result in a scar or loss of pigment of the treated area depending on your skin type.

Some people are just more susceptible to developing sebaceous hyperplasia due to hereditary, age, hormones etc. However adding a retinol/Retin A or glycolic acid product to your skin care regimen may help maintain healthy skin after your treatment and prevent sebaceous hyperplasia from reoccuring. 

Retinol/ Retin A helps improve pore function by regulating cellular growth and turnover to prevent clogging of the oil glands and helps to normalize oil production. 

Can laser treatment help sebaceous hyperplasia? At MaxAesthetics , we utilize the skin classic Hi frequency machine to effectively treat Sebaceous Hyperpalasia.  We may also utilize Laser genesis in combination with the Skin Classic Hi frequency treatment to encourage faster healing of the skin and aid in shrinking the sebaceous gland, thereby reducing the chance for re-occurrence of your Sebaceous Hyperplasia.

After Sebaceaous Treatment with Skin Classsic Hi Frequency Microneedle Cauterizing treatment, the areas treated will look red and inflamed and may feel irritated and may become mildly swollen for about 3 to 5 days.

After about 7 days, the areas treated may scab and flake.

The skin must be treated gently to prevent further irritation .

Hydrocortisone to calm skin irritation is recommended for one week post treatment along with SPF 30 or higher to prevent sun damage and Hyperpigmentation in the treated skin areas.