What is Seborrheic Keratosis Removal?

Seborrheic keratoses are benign skin growths made up of surface skin cells. They typically start as flat, light brown spots and may gradually become thicker, darker and more raised, with a waxy or rough, "stuck-on" appearance. They are very common from middle age onward and are influenced by genetics and sun exposure. They often appear on the face, neck, chest and back. Seborrheic keratoses are not contagious and do not turn into cancer, but they can resemble other lesions, including some skin cancers, so a dermatologist's examination is important.

Who it's for

Removal may be considered if you have:

• Raised brown or black spots with a waxy or rough surface
• Flat age spots that are becoming thicker over time
• Growths that catch on clothing or become irritated
• Multiple lesions on the face, temples or neck
• Spots you would like removed for cosmetic reasons

Seek prompt review if a lesion changes rapidly, bleeds without injury or looks different from your other spots.

How we treat it at Egg Clinic

A dermatologist examines each lesion, usually with a dermatoscope, to confirm it is a seborrheic keratosis. If there is any doubt, a biopsy may be recommended before treatment. For confirmed benign lesions, options include:

• CO2 laser: a 10,600 nm laser precisely removes the raised lesion by vaporizing the upper layers of skin, while gentle heat supports collagen remodeling during healing
• Pigment laser: very flat, early lesions may sometimes respond to pigment-targeting lasers
• Other methods: such as cryotherapy or curettage in selected cases

Common treatment areas include the face and neck.

What to expect

The area is numbed before treatment for comfort. Treatment usually takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on the number of lesions. Afterward, small scabs form and generally fall off within about a week, leaving pink skin that settles over the following weeks. Thicker lesions may need a second session after about two months. Possible side effects include redness, temporary darkening or lightening of the treated area and, rarely, scarring. New seborrheic keratoses may continue to appear over time. Results vary.

Aftercare

• Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, saunas and steam rooms for about one week
• Let scabs fall off on their own; do not pick or scratch them
• Wash your face and apply makeup only from the day after treatment, avoiding the treated spots if still open
• Use a mild cleanser and apply moisturizer or regenerating cream frequently
• Apply sunscreen when outdoors to reduce the risk of dark marks

Frequently asked questions

Are seborrheic keratoses dangerous?

No, they are benign. However, because some skin cancers can look similar, it is important to have a dermatologist confirm the diagnosis before removal.

Will they come back?

A treated lesion rarely returns in the same spot, but people prone to seborrheic keratoses often develop new ones over the years.

Can I remove them at home?

We advise against it. Home removal can cause infection, scarring and pigmentation changes, and may miss a lesion that needs medical attention.

Visit Egg Clinic in Sinsa

Egg Clinic is at 613 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th floors, directly in front of Sinsa Station Exit 5 (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. Book a consultation to have your spots examined and discuss removal. Call +82-2-542-5540, email eggclinic1@gmail.com, or message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk.