Laser treatment of atheroma on the face - a progressive method

Types of operations

In modern medicine, atheromas are removed using one of three methods: surgical, laser and radio wave. In this case, the surgical method is considered the most effective and delicate. Under local anesthesia, the doctor makes a skin incision depending on the size of the tumor, completely removes the cyst along with the capsule and applies sutures, which are removed after 5-6 days. If the atheroma is located on the face, then internal self-absorbing sutures can be applied. In this case, the final decision is made by a specialist, based on the best cosmetic effect.

Laser removal of atheroma is recommended if it is not in an advanced stage and is small in size. After all, when working with a laser or radio knife, the doctor only hypothetically assumes the depth of penetration, and in the presence of atheroma, the main goal of the operation is its complete removal - along with all its contents. If at least one millimeter of affected tissue remains, the disease is likely to recur.

What is the cause of inflammation

There are many reasons for the appearance of a cyst: poor hygiene, disruption of the endocrine system, trauma, and damage to the hair follicle. The sebaceous gland, however, continues to function - sebum gradually accumulates under the skin. Microtrauma of the sebaceous gland leads to the same result, as a result of which its communication with the surface of the epidermis is disrupted.

Of course, the presence of excess fat under the skin cannot but have a negative impact on the functioning of the body. Sooner or later, if a person persistently refuses to remove the atheroma, an infection enters the cyst - through micropores, microtraumas on the skin, etc. The cavity is filled with pus, sometimes mixed with blood.

Recovery

Depending on the chosen removal method, the recovery period can be up to 10 days. As a rule, a few hours after the operation the patient leaves the clinic and can go to work the next day. During the recovery period, it is recommended to wear a bandage and avoid getting the wound wet for 7 days. If the atheroma is located on the scalp, you should not wash your hair for at least three days. The problem of “dirty hair” can be solved by having surgery before the weekend.

The patient also receives recommendations on proper care of sutures to avoid possible infection and scarring.

Causes

The main reasons for the development of sebaceous gland cysts are:

• swelling of the follicle caused by injury or hair removal, leading to blockage of the exit;
• injury or rupture of the sebaceous gland, leading to the formation of a subcutaneous cyst;
• acne;
• increased sweating;
• heredity;
• increased testosterone levels;
• seborrhea;
• puberty, accompanied by increased activity of the sebaceous glands.

Skin atheroma: symptoms, causes, treatment

20.09.2019

Atheroma is a neoplasm that appears due to blockage of the ducts of the sebaceous glands. As a rule, atheromas are localized at the hairline - on the scalp, in the neck . Also, tumor-like formations can appear on the back , in the jugular fossa, chest , and in the groin.

Atheromas are more common in adults; they are rare in children.

Usually the formation does not cause discomfort, but with constant contact (for example, with a comb, if atheroma appears on the scalp), it becomes inflamed.

Symptoms of atheroma

At first, the skin at the site of blockage of the ducts turns red, and a barely noticeable bump appears. To the touch the cyst is dense and mobile.

As it grows, it becomes more noticeable: the center of the new growth turns white, the edges of the circle become purple or acquire a bluish tint. The skin in this area feels warmer to the touch.

The cyst can remain small for years or grow rapidly in a short period of time. The diameter of the atheroma usually does not exceed 10-15 mm. In rare cases, its diameter can reach 50 mm.

When perforation occurs, a grayish-white substance with an unpleasant “cheese” odor is released the atheroma Rupture of the cyst is fraught with infectious infection.

Cases of transformation of atheroma into a malignant tumor are rare.

Additional research is necessary if the diameter of the formation exceeds 5 cm, pain is felt when touching it, pus is released, and after removal it constantly recurs.

Causes of atheroma

A cyst is formed not only due to blockage of the gland ducts, but also as a consequence of injuries (cuts, postoperative wounds), ruptures of hair follicles.

The formation is filled with keratin, a protein that is part of the epidermis, nails, and hair. It also contains particles of skin, fats and similar substances.

Secondary cysts are formed with hyperhidrosis, seborrhea, phlegmous acne . In this case, the formations occupy the wings of the nose , cheeks, back , behind-the-ear folds, neck , chest .

The tendency to develop atheromas is inherited. Gardner's syndrome or basal cell nevus increase the risk of gland blockage.

Diagnostics

If the atheroma is small in size and does not cause any discomfort, a cyst is usually diagnosed by visual examination.

If a cyst ruptures and the body becomes infected, tissue samples and a blood to determine the type of infection.

If the formation is painful, large and often recurs, a biopsy, ultrasound cancer .

Treatment of atheroma

Most tumors only require observation. It is important not to injure this area and keep it clean. Atheroma may spontaneously stop growing.

If the cyst is inflamed and causes inconvenience, options for its removal . Removal of atheroma is a specialty of surgery .

The most gentle is laser evaporation. The method is used only to eliminate small painless atheromas. Under local anesthesia using a laser, the formation is opened and its tissue is removed. The intervention area is disinfected and treated with drugs that accelerate tissue healing.

If the atheroma has grown by more than a few millimeters, it is removed surgically . Through an incision in the skin, the capsule with the sebaceous plug is removed. This intervention requires a hospital .

Bacterial infection is fought with antibiotic ointment.

To prevent scarring, a special cream or ointment is applied to the stitches.

Antibiotics are taken orally if the atheroma .

Precautionary measures

Inflammation and perforation of a cyst can be provoked by:

• contact with substances that irritate the skin - aggressive hygiene products, iodine, alcohol-containing solutions;
• constant friction, compression of the tumor;
• staying at high temperatures - in a sauna, in direct sunlight during peak hours;
• attempts to open or remove the cyst yourself.

to see a surgeon if signs of infection appear: the skin over the formation becomes purple, pain appears, and the temperature rises.

Atheromas are usually benign. But if the cyst progresses, you need to consult a surgeon. This will allow you to remove it using the most gentle method, reducing the risk of relapse and degeneration into malignant.

Published in Surgery Premium Clinic

Atheroma

Atheroma is a cyst that has developed from the sebaceous gland, has a capsule and contains secretion products of the sebaceous gland. Atheromas are characterized by gradual growth and a tendency to inflammation, so surgical removal is recommended in the early stages, always with careful removal of the capsule to prevent relapse of the disease. Qualified removal of atheroma allows you to achieve an optimal cosmetic effect - after the procedure, minor traces remain, without the formation of pronounced scars. If necessary, we use modern laser equipment to remove atheroma.

Removal of atheroma:

Doctor: Revin A.A.

Diagnostics

To diagnose atheroma, in most cases, an initial examination by our specialists using palpation is sufficient, which reveals the presence of an elastic neoplasm similar to a ball. Of course, when making a diagnosis, the patient’s complaints, as well as the medical history, are taken into account.

If there are concomitant skin diseases or there is a suspicion of another disease (lipoma, osteoma or fibroma), differential diagnosis is carried out, which requires the following examinations:

• Ultrasound;
• diagnostic puncture;
• general blood test and for the presence of infectious diseases;
• coagulogram, which allows you to evaluate blood clotting.

The above procedures not only help diagnose the disease in case of doubt, but also identify contraindications, understand the patient's health status, which will ultimately prevent the formation of complications.

Fibroma

Fibroma is a benign connective tissue tumor. Clinically, this is a formation of dense consistency, located in the thickness of the skin, limited mobility, the color of normal skin or pale pink.

Dermatofibroma:

Treatment consists of removing fatty tissues that have reached a significant size or are causing aesthetic or physical discomfort.

If the fibroid enlarges, pain and mechanical discomfort appear, surgical removal is recommended. Our clinic diagnoses fibroids and performs laser removal.

The use of a laser allows you to achieve maximum cosmetic effect when removing fibroids and other formations.

How to prepare for surgery to remove atheroma?

As a rule, the procedure to eliminate a tumor is carried out as planned, and only in special cases when the patient has a strong inflammatory process and suppuration - in an emergency. Before carrying out the manipulation, it is necessary to conduct examinations that will help detect possible contraindications:

• general blood analysis;
• study of blood glucose levels and the presence of infections;
• coagulogram.

All these examinations prevent the occurrence of complications, and it is necessary to approach them especially carefully if an operation is planned to remove atheroma in a child.

Benign skin tumors

In benign neoplasms, the ability to differentiate cells is usually not impaired. That is, they retain their original functions and are similar in structure to normal cells. Such cells also grow slowly and can put pressure on neighboring tissues, but never penetrate them.

Types of benign skin tumors:

• Atheroma is a tumor of the sebaceous gland that is formed due to its blockage. It most often occurs where there are most sebaceous glands: on the neck, back, head, and groin area.
• Hemangioma is a vascular tumor that is formed from cells of blood vessels. It has a color from red to bluish-black.
• Papilloma and warts. Formation in the form of a small nodule or papilla. The cause is human papillomavirus (HPV). They usually occur against a background of stress, decreased immunity, and autonomic disorders. Often appear in the armpits and groin area. Papillomas are also the most common neoplasms of the skin of the eyelids.
• Lymphangioma is a tumor from the walls of lymphatic vessels that forms inside the womb. Externally, these are small formations with a lumpy surface of a bluish or red-brown color.
• Lipoma is a tumor of the fatty layer (“wen”). It is located in the subcutaneous layer, most often in the upper back, shoulder girdle, and outer thighs. The tumor is painless, soft and mobile.
• Fibroma is a formation of connective tissue. More common in young and middle-aged women. They look like a new growth on the skin in the form of a ball protruding above its surface.
• Neurofibroma is a tumor of nerve sheath cells. Outwardly it looks like a dense tubercle measuring 0.1-2.3 cm.

A separate group of neoplasms includes nevi (moles). These are skin growths of different colors: brown, red, black, purple, etc. In most cases, nevus is a congenital malformation of the skin. But moles can appear throughout life, most often under the influence of sunlight. Nevi do not have a tendency to malignant degeneration, but in some cases this can occur due to damage or trauma to the skin on the mole.

Despite the absence of direct danger, all benign types of neoplasms on the skin of the face, arms, legs and other parts of the body require constant monitoring. It is necessary to ensure that tumors do not grow, increase in size, or change color. Otherwise, you need to consult a doctor.

Indications for laser treatment of facial atheroma

Atheromas can cause a lot of inconvenience, so they need to be removed. The laser method is preferred for the following reasons:

• The laser affects atheromas in two ways: through vaporization and coagulation. Laser vaporization is used for small atheromas on the face, up to 5 mm. This allows you to get rid of the problem quickly and without leaving a trace. If the atheroma has reached 1 cm or more, then laser coagulation is used. In this case, a small puncture is made on the skin, through which a laser conductor is inserted and the atheroma capsule is treated, the contents are evacuated and the vessels are cauterized.
• Laser surgery is not accompanied by bleeding either during or after the intervention. A dry surgical field allows tissue processing to be performed with maximum precision.
• When exposed to a laser beam, other nearby structures, for example, vessels and nerves, of which there are many on the face, are not injured.

Treatment of atheroma should be carried out primarily due to the existing risks of complications. They can develop as a result of:

• Injury to lesions by clothing and hygiene products, which causes inflammation of atheromas;
• Independent increase in the size of atheromas;
• Spread of bacteria from the cyst cavity into the tissues of other organs;
• The occurrence of a purulent process, accompanied by pain, redness of the skin, unbearable itching and increased body temperature.

Rice. 2 Laser vaporization of facial atheroma is the most effective and least traumatic method of treating atheroma

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Wen (lipomas)

Wen (lipoma) is the most common benign tumor of subcutaneous fat. A lipoma is a soft, well-defined, mobile, painless growth located under the skin, most often on the face, back, head and neck. Sometimes wen can be multiple.

Treatment consists of removing fatty tissues that have reached a significant size or are causing aesthetic or physical discomfort.

With qualified laser removal of a wen (lipoma), an optimal cosmetic effect is achieved - the procedure takes place almost without leaving a trace, without the formation of pronounced scars, which is especially important when the wen is localized on the face, neck, arms and other open parts of the body.

Symptoms

The cyst manifests itself as follows:

• the appearance of a dense formation, similar to a ball, which is filled with light (white or pale yellow) contents;
• the neoplasm has clear boundaries that can move if you press on the ball;
• sometimes the duct of the sebaceous gland is noticeable;
• absence of pain (exception - suppuration, permanent damage to the cyst, rubbing).

Sometimes it happens that there are several atheromas on the patient’s body. At the same time, they can be either grouped or separate. They have a wide variety of sizes - from 5 millimeters to 4 centimeters.

It is worth noting that there are three options for the development of atheroma:

1. Opening it up and turning it into an ulcer.
2. Overgrowth of the cyst with thick connective tissue. The neoplasm does not change throughout the patient's life.
3. Transition from a benign state to a malignant one (development of skin cancer).

The last option is the most unfavorable, and therefore you should promptly seek help in removing atheroma.

Modern treatment

Removal of atheroma in Moscow by surgeons at the Shifa clinic is carried out using proven and modern techniques that guarantee a good cosmetic effect and reduce the risk of relapse of the disease to a minimum.

Our clinic’s specialists successfully use traditional surgical tumor elimination. In this case, not only the contents of the neoplasm are subject to excision, but also the entire capsule. Otherwise, the risk of re-formation of atheroma remains.

Before the operation, local anesthesia is performed. Direct removal of the tumor is performed through a puncture. This minimizes the risk of scarring.

After injecting a local anesthetic, the surgeon makes an incision on the surface of the tumor. If the cyst has an opening, then two incisions will be required to go around it. Next, the capsule cavity is cleaned. If pus is present, the corresponding manipulation is carried out with extreme caution to prevent rupture of the walls of the neoplasm. After this, the tumor capsule is completely excised.

The radio wave method of removing atheroma is one of the most popular. The procedure allows you to solve the problem and provide an excellent visual effect.

The technique involves the use of a radio wave scalpel. During the procedure, the surgeon applies high-frequency current to the tissue. Due to this, it is possible to simultaneously cut it and carry out coagulation.

Advantages of the radio wave method:

• A radical solution to the problem without the risk of relapse.
• No risk of bleeding.
• Short rehabilitation period.
• The ability to return to your normal lifestyle immediately after surgery.
• Good cosmetic effect.

The duration of the procedure is 15-30 minutes. After local anesthesia with a radio wave scalpel, the surgeon burns out the atheroma from the inside. At the end of the procedure, a small soft tissue defect remains at the site of the tumor.

The Shifa Clinic is a multidisciplinary medical center where experienced doctors perform radical removal of atheroma at an affordable price. The main thing is not to delay seeking help. Otherwise, you will have to deal with complications of the disease.

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