Skin Lesion and Skin Tag Removal Providers in Fargo

At Altaire Clinic, we offer lesion removal with the option of either a simple surgical technique or removing it with a laser. This provides us with the unique approach to provide optimal results for you.

Lesions and other skin conditions treated include:

• Milia
• Moles
• Sebaceous Hyperplasia
• Seborrheic Keratosis
• Skin tags
• Warts

And more

Below, you’ll find some of the most common types of skin lesions we treat.

Moles/Skin Cancer

Moles can vary from benign, irritating lesions, to dangerous, life-threatening melanoma. The difference between benign growth and skin cancer can be difficult to differentiate. Altaire Clinic accepts insurance to help you medically screen your moles. If you see a mole or new spot on your skin that has the ABCDEs of melanoma, see your provider immediately.

Call us today to schedule your medical consult.

A is for Asymmetry. One half of the spot is unlike the other half.

B is for Border. The spot has an irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border.

C is for Color. The spot has varying colors from one area to the next, such as shades of tan, brown or black, or areas of white, red, or blue.

D is for Diameter. While melanomas are usually greater than 6 millimeters, or about the size of a pencil eraser, when diagnosed, they can be smaller.

E is for Evolving. The spot looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color.

*Source: American Academy of Dermatology

Warts

A wart is a non-cancerous growth that is caused by a viral infection called human papillomavirus. Warts typically feel rough to the touch and are skin-colored, but they can also be smooth, flat, and dark. The appearance of a wart often depends on where it’s growing.

Common warts often grow on the backs of the hands, around the nails, and on the fingers. Foot warts are typically found in the plantar area, which is why they are also known as plantar warts.

A flat wart is smoother and smaller than other types of warts and often grows in large groups that can consist of ten to one hundred warts.

Our providers use a variety of treatments for wart removal, depending on the type of wart and the age of the patient. Cryotherapy is often the preferred method of treatment. Fortunately, there is minimal discomfort and scarring associated with this treatment method. However, repeat treatment is often necessary and occurs at 1-3 week intervals.

Laser treatment may be used for warts that do not respond to other therapies, including electrosurgery.

Whether you are a child or an adult, warts can be very frustrating. At Altaire Clinic, we offer medical treatment including excision, cryotherapy, topical regimens, lasers, etc. You do not have to continue to struggle. Call us today to schedule your medical consult.

Millia

Millia is a type of small, benign cyst that usually goes away without treatment. For some adults and older children, milia can occur regularly or become persistent. This can indicate an underlying skin issue that requires treatment. In most cases, people want to have milia removed, if it does not go away on its own. Since milia are not harmful, removal is often done for aesthetic reasons.

Laser resurfacing, administered by a specialist, can be an effective treatment used for stubborn milia. Other treatments include extraction, laser ablation, and curettage,.

In many cases, the best approach to treating milia is prevention, which can include using sunscreen during the day, using a topical retinoid, avoiding skin trauma, and keeping the skin clean.

Lipomas

Lipomas are lumps of rubbery fat that may be small or large and feel soft to the touch. These growths often appear in adults and it’s fairly common to have more than one. People often seek treatment for aesthetic reasons only but removal can be necessary when the lipoma is located in a sensitive area or it becomes painful or large.

Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Sebaceous hyperplasia is often caused by clogged or enlarged oil glands. These growths are small in size and white or yellow in color. Some may have a small indentation located in the center. Sebaceous hyperplasia can commonly be found on the face and can look very similar to certain types of skin cancer, which is why it’s important that you schedule an appointment to have it assessed by an experienced medical practitioner.

Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratosis are rough bumps that have a stuck-on, waxy appearance. These bumps can range from light brown to black and can vary in size. Seborrheic keratosis can be found in most areas of the body, except for the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. In many cases, they will grow on the neck, face, scalp, back, and chest.

Skin Tags

Skin tags look like small pieces of hanging skin and are often found under the breasts, on the eyelids, underarms, and neck. While skin tags can vary in appearance, most are slightly brown or flesh-colored and can be slightly wrinkled or smooth. Fortunately, skin tags can be safely and easily removed in a single office visit. Depending on the size of the lesion, a numbing agent can be used, and then it can be frozen or cut off.

Aftercare instructions are given by our medical practitioners to ensure the treated area heals faster and does not get infected. Following the aftercare instructions closely is crucial to proper healing. How you care for your skin after lesion removal to prevent pain and infection will depend on how the lesion or growth was removed. You must contact our facility if you notice any increased redness, swelling, or discharge from the removal site.

Stitches

If stitches were used, you must keep the area covered for 24-48 hours. You may be instructed to use a topical antibiotic ointment or a thicker moisturizer until the sutures need to be removed at the 7-14 day mark. Each procedure is different, and you will be given post-care instructions before you leave the clinic.

Cryotherapy

After the removal of the lesion, the treated area may appear red and swollen. A blister may form within 2-3 hours after the removal and may appear purple or red in color. With Cryotherapy, no special care is needed during the healing process. The area must be kept clean and dry during this time. Do not pick at the lesion during the healing process.

Laser Excision

After a growth has been removed, the area must be kept moist. This will help it to heal much faster. The area must also be kept bandaged, clean, and hydrated with an over-the-counter ointment.