Last updated: June 7, 2026
Waxy, “stuck-on” skin growths often appear as we age, prompting questions about what they are and whether they are harmful. Seborrheic keratoses are among the most common benign skin growths in adults, and while they require no medical treatment, many people choose cosmetic removal. This guide explains how to identify them, confirm they are harmless, and explore safe professional removal options.
What Is a Seborrheic Keratosis?
A seborrheic keratosis is a common benign (noncancerous) skin growth that resembles a mole or a waxy, stuck-on patch. These growths are harmless and do not require treatment. They typically appear raised with well-defined borders and can range in color from light tan to brown or black, often with a slightly scaly or waxy surface.
According to Melissa Piliang, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Cleveland Clinic, “A seborrheic keratosis is a common benign (noncancerous) skin growth, similar to a mole. Seborrheic keratoses are not pre-cancerous, but they can resemble other skin growths that are. They are harmless and don’t require treatment, but you can have them removed if they bother you.”
What Do Seborrheic Keratoses Look Like?
Seborrheic keratoses have a distinctive appearance that helps with self-identification. Common features include:
- A “pasted-on” or stuck-on, waxy look
- Well-defined, sharply demarcated borders
- Color ranging from light tan and brown to black
- A raised surface that may feel scaly or rough
- Sizes ranging from a few millimeters to over an inch
They commonly appear on the chest, back, shoulders, face, and neck, though they can develop almost anywhere except the palms and soles.
What Causes Seborrheic Keratoses to Develop?
The exact cause of seborrheic keratoses is not fully understood, but dermatology sources identify several clear associations. Increasing age is the strongest factor, with these growths becoming more numerous over time. Genetics and family history also play a role, as the tendency to develop them can run in families. Sun exposure has been associated with their appearance as well, though they form in both sun-exposed and covered areas.
How Common Are Seborrheic Keratoses?
Seborrheic keratoses are extremely common and become more frequent with age. Over 80% of individuals older than 50 years in Caucasian populations have at least one, according to StatPearls. Prevalence rises steadily over a lifetime, making these growths a normal, age-related skin change rather than a cause for concern.
The data below summarizes prevalence findings across major medical sources.
| Population | Prevalence | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Adults over 50 (Caucasian) | Over 80% | StatPearls, NCBI (NIH), 2023 |
| By age 40 | About 30% | Cleveland Clinic, 2023 |
| By age 70 | About 75% | Cleveland Clinic, 2023 |
| Adults over 50 | 69% to 100% | JAMA Dermatology, 2013 |
Are Seborrheic Keratoses Dangerous or Cancerous?
No, seborrheic keratoses are not dangerous or cancerous. They are benign growths with no malignant potential and do not transform into melanoma or other skin cancers, according to MedlinePlus (NIH). Because they are harmless, treatment is not medically necessary, though removal is an option for cosmetic or comfort reasons.
Kara Ross, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Kaiser Permanente, explains: “Seborrheic keratoses are benign and have no greater risk of turning into cancer than any other part of the skin. Because seborrheic keratoses are benign, treatment isn’t medically necessary, but you might choose to remove them if they itch, bleed, get irritated by clothing, or you don’t like how they look.”
How Can You Tell a Seborrheic Keratosis From Melanoma?
While seborrheic keratoses are benign, they can resemble other growths that are precancerous or cancerous, which is why professional evaluation matters. The National Cancer Institute’s ABCDE rule helps identify warning signs of melanoma:
- A – Asymmetry: One half does not match the other
- B – Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred
- C – Color: Color is uneven or varies across the lesion
- D – Diameter: Larger than 6 millimeters (about a pencil eraser)
- E – Evolving: The spot is changing in size, shape, or color
Any new, changing, bleeding, or asymmetric lesion should be examined by a qualified professional.
When Should You See a Professional About a Skin Growth?
Seek professional evaluation for any skin growth that changes color, size, or shape, bleeds, itches persistently, becomes irritated, or causes uncertainty about its diagnosis. Because seborrheic keratoses can mimic more serious lesions, an accurate professional assessment provides both peace of mind and appropriate care. When in doubt, having a growth examined is always the responsible choice.
Do Seborrheic Keratoses Need to Be Removed?
No, seborrheic keratoses do not need to be removed because they are harmless and benign. Removal is elective and typically chosen for cosmetic reasons or symptom relief. As Kara Ross, MD, notes, treatment is not medically necessary, but patients may opt for removal if growths itch, bleed, get irritated by clothing, or are cosmetically bothersome.
Why Do People Choose to Remove Seborrheic Keratoses?
People choose removal for several practical and cosmetic reasons:
- Cosmetic appearance and skin smoothness
- Lesions catching or snagging on clothing or jewelry
- Persistent irritation or itching
- Occasional bleeding when bumped or scratched
During summer in 2026, lighter clothing and increased skin exposure make many people newly aware of visible growths, driving greater interest in cosmetic removal before social events and warmer-weather wardrobes.
What Are the Best Treatment Options for Seborrheic Keratosis Removal?
The most effective professional removal methods for seborrheic keratoses are cryotherapy (freezing), curettage (scraping), and laser therapy. Comparative research from JAMA Dermatology and a 2023 JDDG review confirms that all three deliver satisfactory cosmetic outcomes. The best choice depends on lesion location, size, skin tone, and pigmentation risk, determined by a qualified provider.
Professional services for these non-cancerous warty skin growths ensure accurate diagnosis and optimal results.
How Does Cryotherapy (Freezing) Remove Seborrheic Keratoses?
Cryotherapy removes seborrheic keratoses by applying liquid nitrogen to freeze the growth, causing it to blister and fall off over the following days. A 2013 JAMA Dermatology study by Wood and colleagues found cryotherapy effective with highly satisfactory cosmetic outcomes, and the majority of patients preferred it over curettage at both 6-week and 12-month follow-ups. Temporary pigment change is a possible consideration.
How Does Curettage (Scraping) Work?
Curettage removes seborrheic keratoses by physically scraping the growth from the skin’s surface, often after the area is numbed with local anesthetic. The 2013 JAMA Dermatology study found curettage to be an effective method with satisfactory cosmetic results. Curettage is sometimes combined with other methods to ensure complete removal of raised or thicker lesions.
Is Laser Therapy an Effective Option for Removal?
Yes, laser therapy is a highly effective removal option. A 2023 review in the Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft (JDDG) reported that laser therapy achieved a 100% success rate for treated lesions with markedly less hyperpigmentation than cryotherapy. This precision makes laser an excellent choice for facial or pigment-sensitive areas where cosmetic outcomes are a priority.
Which Removal Method Is Right for You?
The right method depends on several factors. The table below compares key considerations across the three main options.
| Method | Best For | Pigmentation Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Cryotherapy | Smaller, accessible lesions | Possible pigment change |
| Curettage | Raised or thicker lesions | Low to moderate |
| Laser therapy | Facial or pigment-sensitive areas | Markedly reduced |
A qualified provider’s evaluation, considering lesion location, size, skin tone, and your cosmetic goals, determines the best approach.
What Should You Expect During and After Removal?
Seborrheic keratosis removal is typically a quick in-office procedure performed during a single visit. Depending on the method, treatment may involve freezing, scraping, or laser application, with comfort measures such as local anesthetic where appropriate. Aftercare focuses on protecting the treated skin, keeping it clean, and avoiding sun exposure as it heals.
Does Seborrheic Keratosis Removal Hurt?
Seborrheic keratosis removal involves minimal discomfort. Cryotherapy may cause a brief stinging or burning sensation during freezing. Curettage and certain laser treatments are often performed after applying local anesthetic to numb the area, making the procedure comfortable. Most patients tolerate these in-office treatments well, with only mild, temporary sensitivity afterward.
How Long Does Healing Take After Removal?
Healing after seborrheic keratosis removal typically takes one to a few weeks, depending on the method and lesion size. A scab may form and naturally fall away, sometimes leaving temporary pigment changes that fade over time. Diligent aftercare supports recovery, and during summer in 2026, consistent sun protection is especially important to reduce pigmentation changes on treated skin.
Will Seborrheic Keratoses Grow Back After Removal?
A properly removed seborrheic keratosis typically does not return at the same site. However, new seborrheic keratoses can develop elsewhere on the body over time due to age and genetic predisposition. Removing one growth does not prevent new ones from forming, so some patients return periodically for additional cosmetic treatment.
Does Insurance Cover Seborrheic Keratosis Removal?
Insurance often does not cover seborrheic keratosis removal because the growths are benign and removal is usually considered cosmetic. A 2023 systematic review in Dermatology and Therapy examined insurance coverage for asymptomatic seborrheic keratoses and found coverage frequently limited. Patients should confirm coverage with their insurer, particularly when removal is medically warranted due to symptoms.
When a growth is symptomatic – persistently bleeding, irritated, or causing discomfort – coverage may differ, so it is worth checking with your provider and insurer before treatment.
Why Choose a Med Spa or Cosmetic Practice for Removal?
Choosing a med spa or cosmetic practice for seborrheic keratosis removal provides professional evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and access to advanced treatment options. A qualified provider can rule out lookalike lesions, recommend the most appropriate method, and offer precision techniques such as laser therapy that minimize pigmentation risk. This combination supports both safety and optimal cosmetic outcomes.
Professional care matters because seborrheic keratoses can resemble more serious growths. An experienced provider distinguishes benign lesions from those requiring further attention and tailors the removal method to your skin tone, lesion location, and cosmetic goals. Patients can also explore professional treatments for seborrheic keratoses alongside broader skin health evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seborrheic Keratosis Removal
Below are concise answers to the most common questions about seborrheic keratosis removal, covering safety, at-home concerns, and timing.
Can You Remove Seborrheic Keratoses at Home?
Removing seborrheic keratoses at home is not recommended due to risks of infection, scarring, and misdiagnosis. Because these growths can resemble more serious skin lesions, attempting DIY removal may delay proper evaluation of a potentially harmful growth. Professional removal ensures accurate diagnosis, safe technique, and the best cosmetic result.
Are Seborrheic Keratoses Contagious?
No, seborrheic keratoses are not contagious. They cannot spread from person to person through contact, nor do they spread across your own skin like an infection. These growths develop as a benign, age-related skin change influenced by genetics, not by any transmissible cause.
Is Summer a Good Time to Have Seborrheic Keratoses Removed?
Summer can be a suitable time for seborrheic keratosis removal, provided treated skin is protected from sun exposure. Diligent use of sunscreen supports healing and reduces the risk of pigmentation changes during recovery. Many people pursue removal in warmer months when lighter clothing makes growths more visible, but consistent SPF use remains essential.
How Can You Get Started With Professional Seborrheic Keratosis Removal?
Getting started with professional seborrheic keratosis removal begins with a skin evaluation by a qualified provider who confirms the diagnosis and recommends the best treatment approach. Seborrheic keratoses are benign, removal is elective, and several effective options – cryotherapy, curettage, and laser therapy – are available to smooth your skin safely.
If visible growths have you feeling self-conscious this summer, a professional consultation is the right first step. Schedule a skin evaluation at VIP MediSpa to confirm your diagnosis, review your options, and choose the removal method best suited to your skin and cosmetic goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are seborrheic keratoses dangerous or cancerous?
No, seborrheic keratoses are benign growths with no malignant potential and do not transform into melanoma or other skin cancers, according to MedlinePlus (NIH). Because they are harmless, treatment is not medically necessary. However, they can resemble more serious lesions, so any new, changing, bleeding, or asymmetric growth should be examined by a qualified professional.
How long does healing take after seborrheic keratosis removal?
Healing after seborrheic keratosis removal typically takes one to a few weeks, depending on the method and lesion size. A scab may form and naturally fall away, sometimes leaving temporary pigment changes that fade over time. Diligent aftercare, including consistent sun protection during summer, supports recovery and reduces the risk of pigmentation changes on treated skin.
What are the best treatment options for removing seborrheic keratoses?
The most effective professional removal methods are cryotherapy (freezing), curettage (scraping), and laser therapy. Research from JAMA Dermatology and a 2023 JDDG review confirms all three deliver satisfactory cosmetic outcomes. Laser therapy achieved a 100% success rate with markedly less hyperpigmentation than cryotherapy. The best choice depends on lesion location, size, skin tone, and pigmentation risk.
Does seborrheic keratosis removal hurt?
Seborrheic keratosis removal involves minimal discomfort. Cryotherapy may cause a brief stinging or burning sensation during freezing. Curettage and certain laser treatments are often performed after applying local anesthetic to numb the area, making the procedure comfortable. Most patients tolerate these quick in-office treatments well, with only mild, temporary sensitivity afterward.
Does insurance cover seborrheic keratosis removal?
Insurance often does not cover seborrheic keratosis removal because the growths are benign and removal is usually considered cosmetic. A 2023 systematic review in Dermatology and Therapy found coverage frequently limited for asymptomatic growths. When a growth is symptomatic, such as persistently bleeding or irritated, coverage may differ, so confirm details with your insurer before treatment.
Will seborrheic keratoses grow back after they are removed?
A properly removed seborrheic keratosis typically does not return at the same site. However, new seborrheic keratoses can develop elsewhere on the body over time due to age and genetic predisposition. Removing one growth does not prevent new ones from forming, so some patients return periodically for additional cosmetic treatment.
Can you remove seborrheic keratoses at home?
Removing seborrheic keratoses at home is not recommended due to risks of infection, scarring, and misdiagnosis. Because these growths can resemble more serious skin lesions, attempting DIY removal may delay proper evaluation of a potentially harmful growth. Professional removal ensures accurate diagnosis, safe technique, and the best cosmetic result.
