Laser Treatments for Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Sebaceous hyperplasia is a common benign skin condition that causes small, yellowish bumps to appear on the face, most commonly on the forehead, nose, and cheeks. While these enlarged oil glands are harmless, they can be cosmetically bothersome and are often mistaken for other skin conditions. 

Our veteran team of licensed medical providers brings over 14 years of experience in advanced laser and aesthetic treatments to help patients achieve clearer, smoother skin. Under the leadership of Medical Director and Founder Nina Nalini, FNP-BC, MSN, we’ve performed more than 500,000 procedures at our Columbia, MD practice using state-of-the-art, FDA-approved technology. 

In this blog, we’ll discuss what sebaceous hyperplasia is, how laser treatments eliminate these lesions, the available laser options, and what to expect during treatment.

What Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia?

Sebaceous hyperplasia occurs when sebaceous (oil) glands enlarge and proliferate, forming small papules on the skin’s surface. 

Key characteristics of sebaceous hyperplasia include:

• Appearance: Small, soft, yellowish or flesh-colored bumps, typically 2-4mm in diameter with a central dell (small indentation)/
• Location: Most commonly found on the forehead, temples, nose, and cheeks, where sebaceous glands are concentrated.
• Benign nature: These lesions are completely harmless and pose no health risk.
• Cosmetic concern: While medically insignificant, they can be aesthetically bothersome and may be confused with basal cell carcinoma.
• Progressive condition: Lesions tend to increase in number and size over time without treatment.

How Do Laser Treatments Work for Sebaceous Hyperplasia?

Laser treatments target sebaceous hyperplasia by delivering concentrated energy to destroy or shrink the enlarged sebaceous glands without damaging surrounding tissue. Research in the National Library Of Medicine demonstrates that various laser modalities have proven effective for sebaceous hyperplasia, with success rates ranging from 75-95%.

The laser treatment mechanism includes:

• Selective destruction: Laser energy is absorbed by the enlarged gland’s tissue, causing controlled thermal damage.
• Coagulation: The laser’s heat coagulates blood vessels supplying the hyperplastic gland, leading to its gradual shrinkage.
• Precision targeting: Advanced laser systems can focus on individual lesions while preserving surrounding healthy skin.
• Minimal scarring: When performed correctly by experienced providers, laser treatment causes minimal to no scarring.
• Permanent results: Treated lesions are typically eliminated permanently, though new lesions may develop elsewhere over time.

Types of Laser Treatments for Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Multiple laser technologies can effectively address sebaceous hyperplasia, each with unique advantages depending on your specific needs and skin type.

Available laser treatment options are:

• CO2 laser (Candela CO2RE and DEKA Tetra CO2): Ablative laser that vaporizes the lesion; highly effective for larger lesions with minimal downtime.
• Pulsed dye laser (Candela VBeam Perfecta): Targets blood vessels feeding the enlarged glands; particularly effective for multiple smaller lesions.
• Nd:YAG laser (1064nm): Penetrates deeper into tissue; ideal for larger lesions and safe for all skin types, including darker skin tones.
• IPL (Candela Nordlys): Broad-spectrum light energy that can address sebaceous hyperplasia along with other skin concerns like pigmentation and redness.

Laser Treatment vs. Other Removal Methods

While several treatment options exist for sebaceous hyperplasia, laser therapy offers distinct advantages over alternative approaches.

Comparable treatment methods include:

• Electrocautery: Uses electrical current to burn lesions; effective but carries a higher risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation.
• Chemical destruction: Applies acid to dissolve lesions; less precise than laser treatment.
• Cryotherapy: Freezes lesions with liquid nitrogen; can cause temporary pigment changes and is less precise.
• Topical retinoids: May slightly reduce lesion size but rarely eliminate them completely.
• Laser treatment: Offers the best combination of precision, efficacy, safety across skin types, and cosmetic outcomes.

Research in The National Library Of Medicine confirms that laser treatments provide superior cosmetic outcomes compared to traditional methods, with a lower risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Schedule Your Consultation

Sebaceous hyperplasia doesn’t have to affect your confidence or how you feel about your appearance. Schedule your consultation today by calling our Columbia, MD office at 410-855-5821. During your $50 consultation (applied toward treatment), one of our licensed providers will examine your skin, confirm your diagnosis, discuss the best laser treatment options for your specific needs, and answer all your questions.

Research in the National Library Of Medicine confirms that Fordyce spots are a normal anatomical variant rather than a medical condition, but their visibility, especially on the lips, can cause cosmetic distress and impact self-confidence.