Benign Lesion Removal: What to Know and When to See a Dermatologist
Jan 20, 2026
Benign skin lesions are extremely common, especially here in Sonoma County where sun exposure is part of everyday life. While most of these spots are harmless, they can become bothersome, irritated, or cosmetically unwanted. At Redwood Empire Dermatology, our providers offer safe, effective, and minimally invasive options to remove benign growth.
Whether you’re in Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, or Oakmont, understanding your options can help you feel confident and informed about your skin health.
What Is a Benign Skin Lesion?
A benign lesion is a non-cancerous growth that forms on or within the skin. These growths can be caused by sun exposure, genetics, aging, friction, or simply the natural biology of your skin.
Common benign lesions include:
While benign lesions don’t pose a medical risk, many people choose to have them removed for comfort, aesthetics, or peace of mind.
When Should You Consider Removal?
Our dermatology providers may recommend removal if a lesion is:
If there is any concern about skin cancer, a biopsy may be recommended before removal.
How Are Benign Lesions Removed?
At Redwood Empire Dermatology, we offer multiple safe and effective treatment options. The best method depends on the type of lesion, its size, and where it’s located.
A quick, in-office procedure used for raised growths such as skin tags or seborrheic keratoses. Local anesthetic is applied, and the lesion is gently shaved off the surface.
Liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze and destroy the lesion—commonly used for warts, sunspots, and certain raised growths.
A heat-based technique used to treat small vascular lesions or seborrheic keratoses.
We use various lasers to treat vascular growths, sunspots, and certain textured lesions with minimal downtime.
Used for deeper lesions like cysts or lipomas. This method ensures complete removal and reduces the risk of recurrence.
Does Removal Hurt?
Most benign lesion removals are quick and well-tolerated. Many procedures require only a small amount of numbing medicine, and downtime is typically minimal.
What to Expect After Treatment
Healing time varies by procedure but generally includes:
Our team provides personalized aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing.
Is Removal Covered by Insurance?
Coverage depends on whether the lesion is considered medically necessary to remove. Lesions removed for irritation, bleeding, or diagnostic concern are often covered. Cosmetic removals are typically self-pay. Our staff can help review your coverage before your visit.
Why Choose Redwood Empire Dermatology?
Our board-certified dermatologists and experienced providers deliver:
We have extensive experience evaluating both benign and suspicious growths to ensure you receive the right care the first time.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you have a spot that’s new, changing, or simply bothersome, our providers are here to help.
Call us or schedule online to book an evaluation at one of our Sonoma County offices.