Sebaceous Hyperplasia
Safe, Professional Sebaceous Hyperplasia Removal Using Advanced Electrolysis
Have you noticed a small, yellow or flesh-coloured bump on your face that won’t disappear?
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Many people assume it’s a spot or blocked pore, but it could actually be sebaceous hyperplasia.
Sebaceous hyperplasia is a very common, harmless skin condition that affects the oil glands. Although it isn’t dangerous, many people choose to have it removed because it becomes more noticeable over time and can affect their confidence.
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At Jems Health & Beauty in Whitefield, Manchester, we provide professional sebaceous hyperplasia removal using Advanced Electrolysis. Every treatment begins with a thorough consultation to confirm the diagnosis and ensure the lesion is suitable for cosmetic treatment.
If we’re ever unsure, we’ll always put your safety first and recommend further assessment before considering cosmetic removal.
What Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
Sebaceous hyperplasia is an enlarged sebaceous (oil) gland.
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Instead of lying flat beneath the skin, the gland becomes enlarged, creating a small, soft bump.
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They are usually:
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Flesh-coloured or yellow.
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Soft to the touch.
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Round.
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Between 2–6 mm in size.
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Often have a tiny dip or indentation in the centre.
They are completely harmless but don’t usually disappear on their own.
What Causes Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
Sebaceous hyperplasia develops when the oil glands become enlarged.
It is commonly associated with:
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Ageing.
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Genetics.
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Naturally oily skin.
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Hormonal influences.
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Years of normal skin changes.
It is not caused by poor hygiene and it is not contagious.
Where Does It Usually Appear?
Sebaceous hyperplasia most commonly develops on areas where there are lots of oil glands, including:
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Forehead.
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Cheeks.
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Nose.
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Chin.
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Temples.
Occasionally they may also appear on the chest.
What Does Sebaceous Hyperplasia Look Like?
Many clients describe them as:
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“A little yellow bump.”
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“A spot that never comes to a head.”
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“A blocked pore I can’t squeeze.”
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“A tiny doughnut with a dip in the middle.”
One of the classic features of sebaceous hyperplasia is a small central indentation, which helps distinguish it from many other skin lesions.
Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia Dangerous?
No. Sebaceous hyperplasia is a benign skin condition.
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However, some skin cancers, particularly certain basal cell carcinomas, can occasionally look similar in the early stages.
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This is why every lesion is carefully assessed before treatment.
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If we’re ever unsure, we won’t proceed with cosmetic treatment until we’re confident it is safe to do so.
Is It Definitely Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
Not every small yellow bump is sebaceous hyperplasia.
Sometimes similar-looking lesions include:
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Basal cell carcinoma.
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Molluscum contagiosum.
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Small cysts.
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Other benign skin lesions.
We’ll carefully assess the colour, shape, texture, borders and history of the lesion before recommending treatment.
If appropriate, we’ll recommend our Map My Mole service or advise you to see your GP before treatment.
How Does Advanced Electrolysis Treat Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
Advanced Electrolysis uses a very fine sterile probe to deliver a carefully controlled electrical current into the enlarged sebaceous gland.
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The treatment destroys the overgrown tissue, allowing the skin to heal naturally and leaving a smoother appearance.
The exact technique depends on the size and location of the lesion.
What Happens During My Consultation?​​
We’ll carefully assess the lesion before discussing treatment.
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We’ll explain:
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Whether it is suitable for Advanced Electrolysis.
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What results you can realistically expect.
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Whether more than one treatment may be required.
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Healing time.
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Aftercare.
You’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask questions before deciding whether to proceed.
Does Treatment Hurt?
Most clients describe treatment as very tolerable.
You’ll usually feel a brief warm or stinging sensation during treatment, but because the lesions are small and treatment is very precise, discomfort is generally short-lived.
Will It Be Gone Straight Away?​​​​​
Many sebaceous hyperplasia lesions respond well after a single treatment.
Larger lesions may occasionally require a second treatment, which we’ll discuss during your consultation.
Every blemish is different, so we can never guarantee exactly how many treatment sessions will be needed. The number of treatments depends on the size of the lesion, how it responds to treatment and your body’s natural healing process.
What Will It Look Like Afterwards?​​
Following treatment you may notice:
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Mild redness.
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A tiny protective crust.
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Slight tenderness.
These changes are completely normal and usually settle over the following days as your skin heals.​
Aftercare Recommendations
To encourage the best possible healing we recommend:
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Keeping the area clean and dry.
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Avoiding picking the treated area.
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Avoiding excessive heat, swimming and strenuous exercise for the first 24–48 hours.
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Wearing SPF daily once the skin has healed.
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Following your personalised aftercare advice.
Can Sebaceous Hyperplasia Come Back?
Once a treated lesion has been successfully removed, it is unlikely to return.
However, because your skin naturally contains many sebaceous glands, new lesions can develop elsewhere over time.
Common Myths about Seborrhoeic Keratoses​​
Myth:
It’s just a spot.​
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Fact:
Sebaceous hyperplasia is an enlarged oil gland, not acne.
Myth:
I should keep squeezing it.​
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Fact:
Squeezing rarely removes the enlarged gland and may damage the surrounding skin.
Myth:
It will eventually burst.​
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Fact:
Sebaceous hyperplasia usually persists unless treated.
Myth:
It’s caused by poor skincare.​
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Fact:
It isn’t caused by poor hygiene and cannot be washed away.
Why Choose Jems Health & Beauty?​​
Every lesion deserves careful assessment before treatment.
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When you choose Jems you’ll receive:
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A thorough consultation.
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Honest advice.
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Advanced Electrolysis performed with precision.
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Personalised aftercare.
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Access to our Map My Mole service if further assessment is appropriate.
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Treatment in an experienced clinic established in 2008.
Your safety will always come before cosmetic treatment.
Questions Clients Ask Every Day​​
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Can I squeeze it myself?
We wouldn’t recommend it. The enlarged gland sits beneath the skin and squeezing often causes trauma without removing the lesion.
Can I shower afterwards?
Yes. Avoid heavily perfumed soaps or shower gels directly on the treated area and gently pat your skin dry.
Can I wear make-up afterwards?
If the treated area is on the face, we usually recommend avoiding make-up until the skin has started to heal.
Will I have a scab?
Yes. A tiny crust often develops and should be left to fall away naturally.
Why has it gone darker after treatment?
This is completely normal and forms part of the natural healing process.
Can I have more than one treated?
Yes. We can often treat several lesions during the same appointment depending on their number and size.
Jodie’s Advice​​
"One of the most common things clients tell me is, ‘I’ve been trying to squeeze it for months!’ That’s because sebaceous hyperplasia isn’t a spot. It’s an enlarged oil gland, so squeezing it rarely solves the problem and can actually damage the surrounding skin.
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"The first thing I’ll always say is, ‘Let’s have a look.’ Before we treat anything, I want to be certain of exactly what it is. If I’m ever unsure, your safety comes first and I’ll always recommend further assessment before considering cosmetic treatment.”
Still Not Sure?​​
Not every flesh-coloured bump is sebaceous hyperplasia.
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If you’re unsure what you’re looking at, book a consultation and we’ll carefully assess the area, explain exactly what it is and recommend the safest treatment for you.
Ready to Remove Your Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
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If you’d like professional advice about sebaceous hyperplasia removal, we’d be delighted to help.
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Book a consultation with Jems Health & Beauty in Whitefield, Manchester, where we’ll assess your skin, answer your questions and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
