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How Likely Is An Indented Scar After Biopsy Of Sabaceous Hyperplasia?

asked 7 months ago by MikeTD
Latest answer by Robert L. Kraft, MD
Question viewed 364 times
Tags: nose, biopsy, cauterize, craters, sebaceous hyperplasia

I have a small, pin-had sized sabaceous hyperplasia on the tip of my nose. I have been advised that a shave biopsy can be performed to remove the lump followed by cauterizing the wound to stop bleeding. Presumably, after the procedure, there will be a crater wound and I'm concerned that cauterizing will leave a blood clot and encourage an indented scar - is this likely? And, how long will the crater from the excision generally take to "fill in"?

4 answers to How Likely Is An Indented Scar After Biopsy Of Sabaceous Hyperplasia?

+1

Scarring from excisional biopsy

I recommend excisional, rather than shave, biopsy because I have more control over the healing of the scar if I am able to suture the wound. Also, whenever there is a concern about malignant melanoma, a shave will prevent an accurate determination on the depth of the lesion, which is essential in formulating a treatment plan. The tip of the nose is one of the worst areas in which to perform a formal excision and closure because there is little if no extra skin and scarring is always a concern. more
Robert L. Kraft, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Biopsy of Sebaceous Hyperplasia

In practice, in this situation the best option is for the doctor caring for you to determine how to remove the lesion. Sebaceous hyperplasia, angiofibromas, intradermal nevi, as well as many other types of lesions, can be effectively treated by shave removal and light electrodesiccation of the wound. Any type of surgical procedure leaves a scar. Sometimes shave removal is the best option and sometimes excision and closure is the best option. Your doctor should take into account the factors... more
Andrew Kaufman, MD

Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Scarring after biopsy depends on how its done.

The way you do the biopsy is very important. This should be discussed with you so that you are aware of how things are done. Shave biopsies don't heal well and they grow back. Excisional biopsies are the gold standard. Make sure you ask all of these questions with your surgeon. Below is a video to illustate our answer better. We have other informative videos and information on our website and a link is included to help you find us. see video
Philip Young, MD

Bellevue Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Sebaceous hyperplasia enlarged oil gland removal

If your dermatologist is sure that the lesion is sebaceous hyperplasia, you will get the best cosmetic outcome with electrodesiccation followed by curettage. If the lesion grew rapidly and has any chance of being a basal cell skin cancer, a biopsy is needed.
Gary Goldenberg, MD

New York Dermatologist

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