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Finding a bump on your skin can be unsettling, especially when it appears suddenly or doesn’t go away. While many skin lumps are harmless, others may require professional evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate next steps. At Calgary Vein & Laser, we regularly assess skin bumps to help patients understand whether monitoring or excision surgery is recommended. This dermatology guide explains what common skin bumps mean, how to recognize differences between them, and when it’s time to seek medical advice. Understanding what’s happening beneath your skin can bring clarity and peace of mind. If you’ve noticed a new or changing bump, contact Calgary Vein & Laser for a professional evaluation.
Skin bumps can develop for many reasons, including blocked pores, changes in skin cells, fat accumulation, or irritation of hair follicles. Some bumps appear gradually, while others seem to form overnight. Because the skin is constantly renewing itself, small irregularities are common and often harmless.
However, not all bumps behave the same way. Some remain stable for years, while others grow, change texture, or cause discomfort. Knowing how to recognize these differences helps guide when medical evaluation is needed.
Lipomas are benign growths made of fatty tissue that form beneath the skin. They are typically soft, movable, and painless. Lipomas grow slowly and do not respond to weight loss, massage, or topical treatments. When removal is desired, excision surgery is the only effective option.
Cysts are closed sacs filled with fluid or keratin that develop when glands or hair follicles become blocked. They may feel firm or rubbery and can become inflamed over time. Some cysts remain stable, while others grow or cause irritation.
Skin tags are small, soft growths that commonly develop in areas of friction such as the neck, underarms, or groin. They are harmless but may become bothersome if they catch on clothing or jewelry.
Keratoses are thickened areas of skin caused by excess keratin production. They often appear as rough or raised patches and are more common with age or sun exposure.
While many skin bumps are harmless, professional evaluation is recommended if a bump:
These features help determine whether a bump can be monitored or should be removed for comfort, cosmetic reasons, or diagnostic clarity.
Online searches often oversimplify skin conditions, leading people to assume all bumps are the same. In reality, different growths can look and feel similar while requiring very different management.
Attempting to treat bumps at home through squeezing, cutting, or applying unverified remedies can increase the risk of infection, scarring, or delayed diagnosis. A professional assessment ensures the bump is correctly identified and managed safely.
For certain skin bumps, especially lipomas and recurring or bothersome cysts, excision surgery provides the most reliable solution. This minor, in-office procedure removes the growth and its capsule completely, preventing recurrence.
At Calgary Vein & Laser, excision surgery is performed under local anesthesia and typically involves minimal downtime. The approach is precise, safe, and designed to support clean healing with minimal scarring.
Healing after excision surgery is generally straightforward. Mild swelling or tenderness is common for a few days, and most patients return to normal activities quickly. Over time, scars typically fade and become less noticeable.
In some cases, laser treatment may be recommended after healing to improve skin texture or reduce redness at the incision site.
Understanding what a skin bump means helps prevent unnecessary worry and ensures appropriate care. Calgary Vein & Laser provides accurate diagnosis, clear explanations, and safe treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs.
Whether a bump requires monitoring or removal, professional guidance ensures the best medical and cosmetic outcome.
Not every skin bump is cause for concern, but every new or changing growth deserves attention. Calgary Vein & Laser offers expert evaluation and effective treatment options, including excision surgery, to help patients feel confident in their skin health. If you’ve noticed a bump and want answers, contact us today to schedule a professional assessment.
Many skin bumps are benign, but professional evaluation helps confirm what they are.
Lipomas are usually soft, movable, and painless, but confirmation requires a medical exam. Contact Calgary Vein and Laser today and we can help assess the bump and find out if it is a Lipoma and make a treatment recommendation.
Some may resolve, but many remain stable or grow slowly over time.
Skin Lump Assessment | Common Causes | What That Bump Could Be