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Sebaceous Hyperplasia

Sebaceous hyperplasia is the medical term for facial oil glands (“sebaceous glands”) that have enlarged to the point that they are visible on the surface of the skin. This condition is very common and completely benign. Fortunately, the appearance of this condition can be improved by removing the portion of the oil gland that has “bubbled” to the surface. This removal is typically accomplished with “liquid nitrogen cryotherapy” (freezing). With cryotherapy, the unwanted oil glands are injured and fall off after 2-3 weeks. The treated area may remain pink for several weeks. Occasionally, a touch-up freezing procedure is required in 6-8 weeks to remove portions of lesions that have not responded completely.

In recent years, insurance companies have stopped paying for the removal of benign lesions such as sebaceous hyperplasia. Removal is termed a “medically unnecessary” or “non-covered” procedure. Therefore, removal of sebaceous hyperplasia is considered a cosmetic procedure. We are happy to remove these for you, but your insurance will not pay for this service.

Although the vast majority of patients heal well without any scarring, potential risks of removal include the formation of a light or dark spot at the treatment site. This is usually temporary, but can be permanent in rare cases. Also, treatment of current lesions does not prevent the development of new sebaceous hyperplasia in the future.

The cost for this procedure is $150 for 10 lesions or less, plus $100 for each additional 10 lesions. Payment is due at the time of the procedure. For your convenience, we accept checks, Mastercard, and Visa. One touch-up procedure is available to you at no charge if done within two months of the original treatment (to treat any lesions that did not respond fully). All of our physicians can assist you with treatment of sebaceous hyperplasia.

Any treatment sessions beyond this period, or new treatment of additional lesions, will incur additional charges. Some patients with extensive sebaceous hyperplasia, and additional cosmetic concerns such as uneven pigmentation, acne scarring, or wrinkles, may want to consider a more complete procedure such as facial laser resurfacing.