What is Sebaceous Hyperplasia?

Sebaceous hyperplasia is an overgrowth of the oil glands attached to hair follicles. As the gland enlarges, it forms a small bump, usually 1 to 5 mm across, with a pale yellow color and often a tiny central dip. It is common in adults over 30, especially in people with oily skin, and tends to increase with age and sun exposure. The condition is not harmful, but because it can look similar to an early basal cell carcinoma, a professional examination is important before any removal.

Who it's for

You may benefit from an evaluation if you notice:

• Soft, yellowish or skin-colored bumps on the forehead, nose or cheeks
• Bumps with a small central indentation
• Lesions that slowly increase in number over the years
• Oily skin with enlarged pores around the bumps
• A bump that bleeds, grows quickly or looks different from the others, which should be checked promptly

How we treat it at Egg Clinic

Treatment begins with a dermatologist's examination, often with dermoscopy, to confirm that each bump is sebaceous hyperplasia and not another type of lesion. If anything looks unusual, a biopsy may be recommended first.

For confirmed lesions, our main option is the CO2 laser. Its 10,600 nm energy is absorbed by water in the tissue, allowing the physician to vaporize the enlarged gland layer by layer with fine control. Very small lesions can sometimes be treated with electrocautery instead. Because the glands can regrow, a topical retinoid may be suggested to help reduce new bumps, and in selected cases the physician may discuss oral medication.

What to expect

After your consultation, a numbing cream is applied for comfort, and the procedure itself usually takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on the number of lesions. You may feel brief heat or stinging. Each treated spot forms a small scab that typically falls off within about a week. Mild redness, swelling or temporary pinkness can follow, and changes in pigmentation are possible, especially without sun protection. Many lesions flatten after one session, while larger ones may need a second treatment about two months later. New lesions can still appear over time, so results vary.

Aftercare

• Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, saunas and steam rooms for about one week
• Let scabs fall off naturally; do not pick or scratch
• Wash gently with a mild cleanser starting the day after treatment
• Apply a moisturizer or regenerating cream as advised
• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily to lower the risk of dark marks

Frequently asked questions

Is sebaceous hyperplasia dangerous?

No, it is a benign condition. However, it can resemble some skin cancers, so we always examine lesions before removing them.

Will the bumps come back?

A treated lesion may recur if gland tissue remains, and new ones can form elsewhere. Topical care and occasional touch-ups can help manage this.

Can I wear makeup after laser removal?

Light makeup is usually fine once scabs have fallen off. Your physician will give specific timing based on the size of the treated areas.

Visit Egg Clinic in Sinsa

Egg Clinic is located at 613 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul (3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th floors), directly in front of Sinsa Station Exit 5 on Line 3. We are open weekdays 11:00–20:30 and Saturday and Sunday 11:00–17:00, with a lunch break from 14:00 to 15:00. To book a consultation, call +82-2-542-5540, email eggclinic1@gmail.com, or message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk.