Causes of skin growths

In some cases such as verrucas and warts, the cause is viral, in cherry angioma, the cause is a proliferation of blood vessel endings within a mole, but in most that we see such as skin tags, Sebhorreic Keratosis and Moles, the appearance of growths and blemishes on the skin are as a result of an over-production of cells or proteins in the skin. These can occur at any time, in any place and there are numerous reasons why these suddenly appear, but there is no one rule for all.  

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There is no reason why some people are more prone to skin growths than others but factors such as age, lifestyle, prior trauma, location, diet, illness, infection, contagion, stress, hormonal imbalance, skin type, sun exposure, genetics and family medical history can act alone, or in conjunction with each other as a trigger for these growths and it is impossible to determine when and where they will occur.

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The one thing they have in common is that they are unsightly and irritating, but the good news is that they can be easily removed or reduced in appearance.

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Methods of Treatment:

 

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is the process of freezing cells and for this purpose we use a highly pressurised gas, in the form of Nitrous Oxide (N2O), delivered in a very fine freezing jet by the Cryo IQ Cryo Pen device.   Every growth is essentially a cluster of cells containing liquid and, when frozen to a sufficiently low temperature, this liquid freezes and turns to ice.  In doing so it expands to the point whereby the membrane (outer layer) of the cell is broken, so killing the cells.  When enough cells have been ruptured or damaged, these form a scab-like crust which gradually falls away over a period of about two weeks.

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This process is an extremely effective and gentle way of removing growths with little or no risk of scarring or damage to surrounding healthy tissue and is relatively pain free.  In some cases, particularly those of larger growths, more than one treatment may be required and this will be discussed at consultation.

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Electrolysis/ Plasma Ion Pen

This is the process of passing a micro current through a metal needle-like applicator which, upon contact, or close-contact with the growth converts to heat.  This process burns the growth tissue, and in doing so, cauterizes the wound, forming a small scab in it's place.  At The Laser studios, this procedure is carried-out by both an electrolysis machine and a Plasma Ion pen.

 

Unlike Cryotherapy, the process of electrolyis can instantly remove a skin growth, however, we reserve this process only for very small growths because the process can be painful and there is a slightly higher risk of infection and scarring.   

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Medical or Cosmetic Skin Growths

Most skin blemishes are harmless, benign growths or tumors and of no medical concern, but can be unsightly and irritating.  These are considered to be only of cosmetic concern, and as such, will no longer be treated by your GP or on the NHS.  The exception of this may be those that have altered in appearance, or where there may be a concern that they could become malignant and cancerous.  Whilst we are happy to say that the occasion is very rare, in the event that we are in any doubt as to the state of any growths we are presented with, we would always advise that these should be checked out by your GP prior to treatment.

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IPL Laser Treatment - This intense pulsed light treatment will either close vessels producing reduced redness in visible vessels.  Often eliminating them completely, even at the first treatment.  Using the same technology we can treat Age Spots, Sun Spots and lighten them until they disappear or fade dramatically. IPL and Laser treatments work by heating and coagulating the broken capillaries back into the bloodstream, allowing the body to reabsorb the broken capillaries a few days after treatment.

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This non-invasive, safe treatment will leave you with clearer, more rejuvenated skin by minimising or eliminating the appearance of unwanted broken capillaries or visible spider veins. Best of all, it is an affordable treatment with virtually no recovery time.

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Our extensive range of skin peels can aid in the natural release of dead skin cells, build up, pigmentation and the active bacteria causing acne. For more in depth information on our skin peels click here.