Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Book Consultation
Dermatology at Swift Access Health

Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Sebaceous hyperplasia refers to the benign enlargement of the sebaceous (oil) glands in the skin, typically appearing as small, yellowish, dome-shaped papules with a central depression. They most commonly develop on the face — particularly the forehead, cheeks, and nose — and are most prevalent in middle-aged and older adults, particularly those with oily skin. While completely harmless, sebaceous hyperplasia can be a persistent cosmetic concern and is often mistaken for other lesions, including early basal cell carcinoma, making professional assessment important.

At Swift Access Health, sebaceous hyperplasia is assessed and treated by experienced clinicians. Following clinical confirmation of the diagnosis — which may include dermoscopy — a range of treatment options are available to remove or reduce these lesions with minimal risk of scarring. Treatments include electrocautery, laser, chemical approaches, and topical retinoid therapy for ongoing prevention.

Book Consultation

Info

Time

15–30 minutes per session; multiple lesions can be treated in a single appointment

Results

Effective removal of individual lesions; improvement in skin texture and appearance

Risks

Minor redness, scabbing, or hypopigmentation; low risk of recurrence of new lesions

Recovery

Skin heals within 7–14 days following treatment

Anaesthetic

Topical anaesthetic cream; local anaesthetic for larger lesions if required

Aftercare

Keep area clean; avoid sun exposure; topical retinoids to reduce new lesion formation

Why Choose Swift Access Health

Benefits of Sebaceous Hyperplasia Treatment

Professional assessment and targeted treatment of sebaceous hyperplasia by experienced consultant dermatologists ensures accurate diagnosis, safe removal, and a clear plan to prevent new lesion development.

  • Dermoscopic assessment to confirm diagnosis and distinguish from other lesions including BCC
  • Multiple effective treatment options: electrocautery, laser ablation, or topical approaches
  • Multiple lesions treated efficiently in a single session
  • Minimal scarring with appropriate technique selection for each patient and lesion site
  • Prescription topical retinoids to slow the development of new lesions following treatment
  • Clear aftercare guidance and follow-up to monitor the skin
Book Consultation
Your Patient Journey

1. Your
Consultation

Your clinician will examine the lesions using a dermatoscope to confirm the diagnosis of sebaceous hyperplasia and exclude other conditions. The most appropriate treatment method for your skin type, lesion distribution, and goals will be recommended and discussed, along with realistic expectations for results and the healing process.

Your Patient Journey

2. Your
Treatment

Each lesion is treated individually. Electrocautery (using a fine electrical tip to ablate the lesion) is one of the most effective methods, producing immediate results with minimal scarring. Laser ablation is an alternative, particularly suitable for multiple or facial lesions. Topical trichloroacetic acid (TCA) may be used for superficial lesions. The procedure is well tolerated with topical anaesthesia.

Your Patient Journey

3. Aftercare

The treated areas should be kept clean and protected from sun exposure during healing. Small scabs or crusting resolve within 7–14 days. Topical retinoid cream — used regularly after healing — helps slow the formation of new lesions. Follow-up is arranged to assess results and discuss further treatment if new lesions develop over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Sebaceous hyperplasia typically presents as small (1–3mm), yellowish or skin-coloured, slightly shiny bumps on the face, often with a visible central dimple. They may appear in clusters, particularly on the forehead, nose, and cheeks. Under dermoscopy, characteristic yellowish lobules and central follicular openings are visible.

  • No. Sebaceous hyperplasia is entirely benign and carries no risk of cancer. However, it can closely resemble basal cell carcinoma clinically, which is one reason professional assessment with dermoscopy is recommended before treatment.

  • Treatment effectively removes existing lesions, but new sebaceous hyperplasia can continue to develop over time, particularly in oily skin types and older age groups. Topical retinoids help slow this process by regulating sebaceous gland activity. Some patients opt for periodic treatment sessions to maintain results.

  • Over-the-counter retinol products can slightly reduce the size of sebaceous hyperplasia lesions but rarely eliminate them completely. Prescription-strength retinoids are more effective. Physical removal requires professional treatment — attempting to remove these lesions at home risks infection, scarring, and recurrence.

  • Most treated areas heal within 7–14 days. Small scabs or red marks may be present during this time. Full skin tone normalisation may take several weeks. Keeping the area moisturised and protected from sun exposure supports healing and minimises the risk of post-treatment pigmentation changes.

Related Concerns

Concerns

Dry Skin

Concerns

Melasma