Birthmark & Skin Growth Removal in New York, NY
Skin growths—from moles and growths to skin tags and cysts—are extremely common. At Dr. Dennis Gross Dermatology, we assess, diagnose, and successfully treat hundreds of cases of skin growths in our patients. We welcome patients in New York City, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island to our dermatology practice.
What Are Skin Growths and Birthmarks?
Skin growths are typically a benign skin condition that's essentially a clump of tissue projecting from normal skin. Birthmarks are a benign abnormality of the skin usually present at birth and caused by an overgrowth of tissue, like blood vessels or melanocytes, which give skin its pigment.
Most skin growths are harmless. But sometimes—particularly in the case of some moles—they’re not and can be cancerous, which is why all moles and growths should be assessed by a dermatologist.
“Early detection of skin cancer can be lifesaving. Self–examine your skin every season and come in for a skin check once per year. Sun exposure from years ago can still cause skin cancer today.”
– Dr Dennis Gross
How Much Does Skin Growth Removal Cost?
If you are bothered by a skin growth like a skin tag, keloid, or lipoma, contact us to schedule a consultation for a tailored treatment plan. The cost to treat or remove a skin growth or birthmark depends on many factors, including the type of growth and the best treatment option.
What Are Common Types of Skin Growths?
Skin growths come in many forms and most are benign. At Dr. Dennis Gross Dermatology, we treat all types of skin growths, including the following:
Moles
A mole happens when pigment-producing skin cells grow abnormally in a cluster rather than being spread throughout the skin. Moles can appear at any age and are typically benign, but they can become cancerous. Changes to a mole's color, shape, or texture should always be assessed by a dermatologist.
Lipomas
A lipoma is a lump under the skin that happens when fat cells grow out of control. Lipomas are non-cancerous tumors or growths that tend to grow slowly over time.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are soft tags of skin that often grow as a narrow stalk protruding from the skin. Skin tags are incredibly common and benign, but they can be irritating. They're prone to developing on areas where there is friction such as the armpits, groin, neck, and eyelids.
Dermatofibromas
This benign skin growth is very firm to the touch and feels a bit like a tiny stone under the skin. In most cases, just a single dermatofibroma develops, but some people develop them in clusters. They can be a range of colors and may change in color over time.
Keloids
A keloid is a raised scar that forms after the skin is injured. Keloids are often larger than the original injury and they can be caused by anything from burns and cuts to acne and piercings. These scars are most common among African-Americans, but anyone can develop keloids.
How Are Skin Growths Assessed?
If a skin growth is painful, itchy, bleeding, rough (or scaly and crusty in texture), enlarging or growing, we recommend that you have it examined by one of our dermatologists as soon as possible:
Asymmetry: One half of a skin growth does not match the other.
Border: The edges (particularly on a mole) are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
Color: The color is uneven and may include multiple shades of brown, tan or black, or sometimes with patches of pink, red, or blue.
Diameter: The growth or spot is larger than the size of a pencil eraser (larger than about one-quarter inch).
Evolving: The growth is changing in size, shape, or color.
Dr. Dennis Gross is one of the nationwide leaders in skin cancer and is a former skin cancer researcher at Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital in New York City. A board-certified dermatologist, dermatological surgeon, and skin cancer specialist, he has assessed, biopsied, and diagnosed skin cancers in many of his patients.
We use the latest techniques to treat skin growths and our goal is always singular; to cure our patients medically with a flawless cosmetic result.
Real Patient Reviews
"Over a decade of care for my family of five, and it is always flawless! I love the staff and Dr. Gross and Dr. Reich. They are so helpful and user-friendly and very wise and conservative. I cannot recommend them highly enough."
- Liz C.
FAQS
I have a bump on my skin that’s been itchy? What is it?
We can’t diagnose a skin problem unless we examine it, so please make an appointment with one of our dermatologists as soon as possible. Keep in mind that moles aren’t just brown or black as most people think; some moles can be flesh colored. And even flesh-colored moles can become problematic—which is why having it examined (and possibly even biopsied) by an expert as soon as possible is so important.
Right by my left underarm, I have a piece of skin hanging that’s not going away. Is this a skin tag?
It sounds like it might be a skin tag, but please know that we can’t accurately diagnosis a problem unless we see it in person. Please make an appointment with one of our expert, board-certified dermatologists to have the skin examined—and treated, if necessary. Keep in mind that skin tags are harmless. They’re often found at the base of the neck, in the underarms, on eyelids, and under the breasts. They can easily be removed painlessly and without scars.
What’s the difference between a wart and a plantar wart?
Common warts usually grow on the fingers, around the nails and on the backs of the hands. Plantar warts are often-painful warts that grow on the bottom of the feet; all warts are extremely contagious, caused by a viral infection in the top layer of skin. This virus can be spread by walking barefoot in yoga studios, locker rooms, and even dressing rooms—which is why wearing sandals or flip-flops is essential. Treatment is the same no matter what kind of wart you have: freezing, cauterizing, removing, and/or topical treatments.
Are you bothered by the appearance of a skin growth or birthmark or experiencing symptoms of irritation? Are you concerned about the changes you've noticed in a mole or want to be proactive in screening for skin cancer? Contact us at Dr. Dennis Gross Dermatology today for a consultation. We assess and treat all types of skin growths and birthmarks for patients in New York, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island.