All people will experience a skin growth at some point in their life. Some commonly develop normally with age, viruses cause others, some are precancerous and the minority are already cancerous. It is important to work with an expert dermatologist to understand exactly what type of skin growth you have and whether it could be putting your health at risk. The majority of skin growths are benign, meaning they are noncancerous. However, since skin cancer symptoms can be subtle, it is important to work with a skin expert to examine, and if needed, remove and biopsy the lesion. The most common skin growths are:

    1. Moles
    2. Warts
    3. Skin Tags
    4. Cysts
    5. Milia
    6. Seborrheic keratoses
    7. Malignant (cancerous) lesions

No, the majority of skin growths are actually benign. That means they are noncancerous and pose no threat to your health. While it is best to monitor benign skin growths for changes over time, most can be removed in-office by Dr. Schultz. Some of the most common noncancerous skin growths include skin tags, warts, moles, cysts, and milia. During your examination, Dr. Schultz will carefully examine your skin to determine the type of skin growth(s) you have and make sure none are suspicious for malignancy. If any are he will recommend removing and biopsying it. Even if it is normal and safe to keep you may still elect to have it removed just because it bothers you either aesthetically or it is just an annoyance.

There are several methods to remove skin growths. Before any skin growth is removed, the details of the procedure will be discussed with you and all of your questions will be answered so that you know what to expect. Depending on type of skin growth you have and where it is located, Dr. Schultz may use one of the following methods:

  • Excision: Some skin growths are best removed by cutting them off or cutting them out depending on the depth and type of growth. All are done after the placement of local anesthesia to numb the area so you experience NO discomfort . Some can be cut off by "shaving" them with a scalpel blade or a surgical scissors. When skin growths extend to the lower layers of the skin and require complete removal, Dr. Schultz may have to make an incision with a scalpel blade to remove the growth completely. In that case, stitches (painless!) are used to close up the incision.
  • Freezing: Certain age keratoses and other growths can be removed by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. This is a quick procedure with very minimal discomfort. Patients may develop a blister where the growth used to be, but this will heal and you can say goodbye to that annoying growth.
  • Burning: Known as cauterizing a skin growth, some can be burned off in a quick in-office procedure which is of course completely painless because again local anesthesia provides quick numbing. Using an electric current through a specialized applicator tip, Dr. Schultz can remove the skin growth with no pain, bleeding or damage to the surrounding tissue.

Depending on the size and location of the skin growth, it can take anywhere from a couple of days to two weeks to recover. If stitches were needed to close the wound, they will be removed by Dr. Schultz 7 to 12 days after the removal.

Before you leave, you will be given everything you need to care for your skin throughout the healing process. For most people, skin growth removal is a very minor procedure with no downtime and a quick recovery.

Dr. Schultz carefully examines the growth and surrounding skin of each patient before recommending a method of removal. He understands that it is important to end up with an aesthetically pleasing result, so creating minimal damage to the surrounding tissue is essential. During your procedure, your skin growth will be carefully and safely removed to minimize the chance of it growing back.

Skin growth removal appointments are usually quick and straightforward. After examining your skin growth and recommending a removal method, you can usually get it removed at the same time so you don’t need a second appointment for the removal.

You will probably receive a numbing shot to make the procedure painless and keep you comfortable. After the removal a proprietary healing ointment is applied and then a bandage or dressing is used to cover the ointment and the removal site. A supply of both the ointment and bandages are given to you to care for the removal site so you don’t need to go to the pharmacy to purchase supplies.

Patient Reviews

I've been seeing Dr. Schultz for the last 8 years and during that time, I've recommended him to countless friends for both cosmetic and medical dermatologic help. I trust him completely both diagnostically and aesthetically. When I had shingles, he was wonderful, incredibly supportive and kind. And when I eased into doing more cosmetic dermatology, he was– and continues to be– patient, careful and cautious. He listens to concerns and really hears what your goal outcome is and works with you to make it happen. I wanted to maintain a natural look while keeping my skin looking fresh and that's just what he's done for me. I always leave his office feeling prettier and well-cared for! If you have a medical concern or something about your skin you want to upgrade, you can't do better than Dr. Schultz and his wonderful team. And the products are amazing as well!

- Laura B.

Dr. Schultz is the most thorough and good natured dermatologist I have ever seen. I have been a patient of his for more than 20 years. He has taught me everything I know about the value of taking care of my skin, a gift that keeps on giving. He also takes the time to listen to me, to see me as an individual and doesn't treat my needs as a one size fits all doctor. I really appreciate his kindness, patience and expertise. I absolutely love his product line and have definitely reaped the rewards from using it, especially his glycolic peel pads and moisturizer, which I can't live without. My skin feels softer, smoother, appears more translucent and actually looks younger! He helped me to see beyond the lines and wrinkles, although he so good at helping to keep those at bay while maintaining a very natural appearance. His staff is outstanding. They make you feel welcome, like family, from the moment you walk through the door. Angela, Monika, Deborah and all of the support staff are extraordinary at what they do. Thank you Dr. Schultz and everyone at Park Ave Skincare. You're the best!

- Laura M.

Dr. Schultz has truly transformed my skin, so much so that I can confidently leave the house without wearing makeup now. During my first meeting with him, he intently listened to my skin concerns, we discussed what my goals were, and he explained pragmatically what treatments and products he recommended for me. I truly appreciate his fantastic bedside manner and conservative approach. I am a perfectionist in every aspect of my life, including my skin, and he understood this and was committed to helping me achieve every skin goal I had. The entire staff is just so fantastic and friendly, from reception to the PAs. They make you feel welcome and extremely comfortable, which to me is very important when visiting any doctor’s office. As someone who works too much and never gets enough sleep, my skin was looking very dull and lifeless. My skin is now full of life again and has an incredible glow to it which I have never had before. And I owe it all to the incredible Dr. Schultz.

- Kelly D.

My partnership with Dr Schultz began more than 30 years ago. As a generous friend, advisor, skilled surgeon, and superb cosmetic diagnostician, he has enabled me to look my best. He has kept me abreast of the most sophisticated procedures and in so doing, has maximized my appearance, always guided by what will be most beneficial for me. He is someone I go to for advice and care and his staff is another manifestation of this care. I don’t know many patients who can say this, and I feel fortunate to be among them.

- Ellen R.

In the four years that I've been a patient of Dr. Schultz, my acne-prone skin has gone from constant breakouts to smooth and clear. These days, I feel confident and comfortable enough in my skin to wear minimal makeup, if any—which I never would have done in years past. He and his warm, friendly staff always go above and beyond; he takes the time to listen, talk with me, and create the best plan for my skin. It's clear he has my best interests in mind, and I trust him wholeheartedly. I would highly recommend him to friends, family, and frankly, anyone who asks.

- Deanna P.

Each session with Dr. Schultz is a mini education in skin care. He approaches each patient as a unique individual with different needs. I’m Asian and he’s explained to me how that impacts treatment in a clear manner that a layperson can understand. At each examination, he recites detailed notes to his staff which he then refers back to at each future appointment, adjusting and tweaking treatment plans when necessary. Over the past two years I’ve seen a remarkable improvement in my blemishes and overall complexion and wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking to enhance their appearance.

- Sherry G.

I have been a patient of Dr. Schultz for many years, and I continue to be amazed at his medical approach, patience, and professionalism. He takes the time to listen to my health concerns, explains how and why he would like to issue a treatment in a way that I understand , answers all of my questions, and all of his procedures and painless and thorough. He is very attentive, results-oriented, and extremely knowledgeable. He follows up and is committed to my health and satisfaction. The Park Avenue Skincare is a calm environment and the staff are all very friendly, warm, and respectful. It's easy to get appointments at a time that works for me and they are always on time and considerate. I think so highly of him and his practice that I sent my mom to him, and continue to go to his office even though my life is based in midtown west! I have great confidence in the care that he gives.

- Katrina A.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I remove a skin growth at home?

    We strongly recommend against this because at home skin growth removal products Read More

  • Should I remove all skin growths?

    It depends. If a skin growth is benign, meaning it's noncancerous, you Read More

  • Is there any downtime to skin growth removals?

    No. The vast majority of our patients recover quickly and do not Read More

  • How long will the procedure take?

    The majority of skin growth removals are completed in under 5 minutes. Read More

  • Do you check skin growths for cancer?

    Yes. ALL skin growths are sent to the laboratory to be examined Read More

  • How old do you have to be to get a skin growth removed?

    People of any age can get a skin growth removed. There is Read More

Rejuvenate Your Skin

Make your skin care a priority with leading-dermatologist and New York Magazine’s “Top Doctor”: Dr. Neal Schultz.



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