Lumps & Bumps Removal

At Vitruvian Institute, we believe your skin should feel comfortable and look its best—whether that means addressing a bothersome lump, a small growth that catches your eye every time you look in the mirror, or an old scar that never quite healed the way you hoped.  

“Lumps & Bumps” is the friendly name we use for the removal of small, benign (non-cancerous) masses and skin lesions that are either aesthetically concerning or simply annoying in daily life. These can include lipomas, cysts, moles, skin tags, xanthelasmas, dermatofibromas, and more. We also specialize in scar revision for old scars from prior surgery or trauma that have healed sub-optimally—whether they are raised and thick (hypertrophic), widened, dotted from previous sutures or staples (“train tracking”), or tethered down creating an indentation.

Many of these concerns are a little too large or located in cosmetically sensitive areas for comfort with routine dermatologic removal. When precision, gentle technique, and the most beautiful possible scar are priorities, patients often choose a plastic surgeon.

Dr. Carpenter’s training focuses on both the careful removal of the lesion and the meticulous closure of the skin. The result is not only a clean excision but also the best chance for a fine, inconspicuous scar.

We customize every experience to your comfort level. Lumps & bumps procedures can be performed with local anesthetic (numbing medication) alone, or with the addition of oral pain and anxiety medication taken before you arrive.

• Many patients with low anxiety prefer local anesthesia only. You remain awake and alert, and can return to your normal day right afterward without feeling groggy. 
• If you have any anxiety about needles or the procedure itself, a small dose of pain medication (typically oxycodone or similar) and an anxiety medication (typically valium or similar) can make the entire visit feel easier and more relaxed.

Here’s exactly what to expect on the day of your procedure:

You’ll arrive at our office and sign a simple consent form. Your skin is gently cleansed with rubbing alcohol, followed by an injection of numbing medication. This is the only part that involves any discomfort—usually just a quick poke and 5–10 seconds of stinging—after which the area is completely numb and you feel nothing further.

Dr. Carpenter then thoroughly cleanses the skin with a medical-grade antiseptic (Hibiclens), drapes the area, and gently removes the lesion or revises the scar. Depending on the size and location, the incision is closed with either absorbable sutures that dissolve on their own or fine permanent sutures that are removed in 7–10 days. A simple dressing—often just antibiotic ointment, or steri-strips that stay on for 5–7 days—completes the procedure.

Dr. Carpenter always sends the removed tissue to pathology for examination. Even when we are confident the lesion is benign, this step provides absolute certainty and peace of mind.

Most patients find that over-the-counter Tylenol and Advil are all that’s needed for any discomfort. If you have a lower pain tolerance, simply let Dr. Carpenter know—she can provide a prescription for additional pain relief.

You’ll return to the office about a week later so Dr. Carpenter can check your incision, make sure everything is healing beautifully, and answer any questions. If your pathology results are back, she’ll review them with you in person. If they’re still pending, she will call you personally as soon as they arrive.

If you have a lump, bump, mole, cyst, skin tag, or an old scar you’d like to improve, we would be honored to meet you.  

During a relaxed, in-person consultation, Dr. Carpenter will examine the area, listen to your goals, and create a personalized plan tailored to you. There is never any pressure—our only goal is to help you feel informed, comfortable, and excited about the possibilities.

We look forward to welcoming you to Vitruvian Institute.

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Carpenter, simply call our office or use the contact form on this website. We can’t wait to meet you and help you feel more confident in your skin.