How to Remove Lumps and Bumps?

Dr. Parvin Shafa | September 26, 2025

Found a weird bump on your skin and wondering what to do about it? You’re definitely not alone. At OC MedDerm in Irvine, CA, Skin lumps and bumps are incredibly common, and while most are harmless, they can be annoying, unsightly, or just plain worrying.

Let’s break down what these bumps actually are and how dermatologists at OC MedDerm safely remove them.

What Are These Lumps and Bumps Anyway?

First things first – not all skin bumps are the same. Here are the most common ones we see:

Skin tags: Those annoying little flaps of skin that catch on everything Lipomas: Soft, fatty lumps that move around under your skin Cysts: Round bumps filled with fluid or other material Sebaceous cysts: Lumps filled with keratin that can smell terrible when drained Warts: Rough, bumpy growths caused by viruses Cherry angiomas: Small, bright red dots that appear with age

Most of these are completely harmless, but they can be cosmetically bothersome or physically irritating.

When Should You Get a Bump Checked?

Some bumps you can ignore, others need professional attention. See a dermatologist if your bump:

Medical concerns:

• Changed in size, color, or shape recently
• Bleeds, hurts, or feels tender
• Grows quickly
• Has irregular edges or multiple colors
• Feels hard or doesn’t move when you push it

Personal reasons:

• Catches on clothing or jewelry
• Gets irritated when you shave
• Makes you self-conscious
• You just want it gone

How Dermatologists Remove Different Bumps

The Bumps removal method depends entirely on what type of bump you have. Here’s what actually happens:

Skin Tag Removal

Cryotherapy (freezing): Doctor uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the tag off. Takes seconds, stings briefly, falls off in a week or two.

Snip excision: Quick snip with surgical scissors after numbing. Done in seconds, minimal bleeding.

Electrocautery: Burns off the tag with an electrical device. Quick but can leave a small scab.

Lipoma Removal

These fatty lumps need surgical removal:

• Area gets numbed with local anesthetic
• Small incision over the lipoma
• Doctor carefully removes the entire fatty mass
• Incision closed with stitches
• Takes 30-60 minutes depending on size

Cyst Removal

Simple drainage: For infected cysts, doctor may drain the contents first Complete excision: Surgical removal of entire cyst wall to prevent recurrence Minimal excision: Smaller incision technique for certain types

Wart Removal

Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen freezing (most common) Laser treatment: For stubborn warts Surgical removal: For large or resistant warts

What Happens During Your Visit

Before the procedure:

• Doctor examines the bump and surrounding skin
• May take photos for medical records
• Explains which removal method they recommend
• Gets your consent

During removal:

• Local anesthetic injection (usually the only uncomfortable part)
• Actual removal typically takes just minutes
• Any bleeding gets controlled
• Wound gets cleaned and bandaged

After the procedure:

• Instructions for home care
• Follow-up appointment if stitches were used
• Tissue may go to lab if doctor has any concerns

Recovery: What to Actually Expect

First 24-48 Hours

• Keep area clean and dry
• Some soreness is normal (take Tylenol if needed)
• Avoid strenuous activity that might reopen the wound

Days 2-7

• Gently clean with soap and water
• Apply prescribed antibiotic ointment if given
• Keep covered until it stops oozing

Week 1-2

• Most small removals heal in 1-2 weeks
• Stitches typically come out at 7-14 days
• You can usually return to normal activities within a few days

Longer term

• Scars continue to improve for months
• Final appearance is usually much better than expected

Taking Care of Your Skin Afterward

Do this:

• Follow your doctor’s specific instructions
• Keep the wound clean
• Use prescribed medications as directed
• Protect from sun exposure

Don’t do this:

• Pick at scabs or healing skin
• Soak in baths or pools until fully healed
• Use harsh products on the healing area

Will There Be a Scar?

Most removals leave some type of mark, but it’s usually minimal. Scarring depends on:

• Size and depth of the original bump
• Location on your body
• Your natural healing ability
• How well you follow aftercare instructions

Small skin tags often leave barely visible marks. Larger lipomas or cysts will have a thin line scar that fades significantly over time.

What About Cost and Insurance?

Insurance typically covers removal when:

• The bump is medically concerning
• It’s causing physical symptoms
• Your doctor documents medical necessity

You’ll pay out of pocket for:

• Purely cosmetic removal
• Clearly benign bumps
• Multiple cosmetic removals

Many practices offer package deals for removing multiple bumps at once.

When Things Go Wrong

Complications are rare, but call your doctor if you notice:

• Increasing redness or swelling
• Pus or unusual discharge
• Red streaks extending from the wound
• Fever or feeling unwell
• Wound edges pulling apart

The Bottom Line

Most skin lumps and bumps are harmless but annoying. Removal is usually straightforward, quick, and heals well. The key is having an experienced dermatologist evaluate what you’re dealing with and choose the right removal method.

Don’t spend months or years being bothered by a bump that can be safely removed in one quick office visit.

Get Those Bumps Checked

Tired of worrying about that weird bump or tired of it catching on your clothes? Stop putting it off and get it properly evaluated.

At Irvine Skin, we see all types of lumps and bumps every day. Our dermatologists can quickly identify what you’re dealing with and explain your removal options. Most procedures can be done the same day as your consultation.

Whether you’re concerned about what a bump might be or just want it gone for cosmetic reasons, we can help.

Ready to get rid of that annoying bump? Contact us today to schedule your evaluation at OC MedDerm in Irvine. We’ll give you straight answers about what it is and what your options are. Call +1(949) 551-1113 or send us a message to get started. Don’t let a bump keep bothering you when the solution is usually this simple.