At Geria Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists and skin care specialists evaluate and treat many types of skin growths, including lipomas, cysts, keloids, skin tags, and suspicious lesions. Some are harmless but bothersome. Others may be painful, inflamed, or concerning enough to need a closer look.
Whether your goal is comfort, a clearer diagnosis, or removal for cosmetic reasons, our team can recommend an approach based on the type, size, location, and behavior of the growth. With locations in Verona and Rutherford, NJ, we serve patients in Montclair, Nutley, Bloomfield, Caldwell, Essex Fells, Lyndhurst, Clifton, Cedar Grove, and surrounding communities in Essex and Bergen counties.
What are Lumps & Bumps
- Lipomas: Lipomas are benign overgrowths of fat that present as soft lumps and bumps occurring on the arms or trunk. These growths can be safely removed in the outpatient setting under local anesthesia.
- Cysts: Frequently referred to as sebaceous cysts, these benign growths frequently occur on the head or trunk. Occasionally, they may become inflamed and painful. These can be selectively removed in the outpatient setting under local anesthesia.
- Skin Cancer: Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. The most common types include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Some skin cancers may first appear as a new bump, a sore that does not heal, a rough or scaly patch, or a changing mole. At Geria Dermatology, we provide skin cancer evaluations, biopsies, surgical removal when appropriate, and Mohs surgery for select cases that require a precise, tissue-sparing approach.
- Keloids: Keloids are benign overgrowths of scar tissue that can be cosmetically deforming. Common areas for keloids to occur include the neck, back, shoulder, and earlobes. We utilize a variety of medical and surgical treatment options to remove keloids.
- Skin Tags: Small, benign growths removed for cosmetic or comfort reasons.
What causes Lumps & Bumps?
While not uncommon, lumps and bumps on your skin can happen for numerous reasons. While typically mostly harmless, it is very important to identify the underlying issue of your skin imperfection.
How We Evaluate and Treat Lumps and Bumps
Choosing the right treatment starts with knowing what the growth is. Several skin concerns can look similar at first, even when they have different causes. A cyst, lipoma, skin tag, keloid, inflamed follicle, mole, precancerous spot, or skin cancer may each call for a different plan.
During your visit, your dermatologist will examine the area and ask about any changes you have noticed, such as growth, pain, itching, bleeding, drainage, or irritation from clothing and shaving. In some cases, a visual exam is enough to recommend the next step. If the diagnosis is unclear or the spot looks suspicious, we may perform a biopsy or remove a small tissue sample for pathology testing.
The treatment plan depends on the type, size, depth, and location of the concern. Smaller surface growths may be addressed with cryotherapy, shaving, or another quick in-office procedure. Cysts and lipomas often require surgical excision to remove the sac or fatty tissue more completely. Keloids and raised scars may respond to steroid injections, laser therapy, surgical removal, or a combination approach. If a lesion is diagnosed as skin cancer, we will explain the most appropriate options, which may include standard excision or Mohs surgery when clinically indicated.
Throughout the process, we focus on treating the area carefully while protecting the surrounding skin whenever possible. Before your procedure, we will also review what to expect afterward, including wound care, activity limits, follow-up visits, and whether stitches may be needed.
what are common treatments for lumps and bumps?
Depending on the exact cause of your lump or bump, cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen is a very quick way to address the problem. This (VERY) cold spray can help remove the top layer of the dermis to address the problem directly.
Other options can include scraping the lump or bump with a curette (a surgical instrument designed for scraping or debriding biological tissue or debris) under local anesthetic. This approach will physically remove the lump/bump and the skin usually heals over one or two weeks. If your lump/bump is deeper in the skin it may need to be removed surgically and stitches are required to close your skin afterwards.
If your lump or bump is thought to be caused by sun-damage or is thought to be skin cancer, then a small sample will be taken under local anesthetic to determine if it’s cancerous before moving onto the final definitive treatment.
Lumps and bumps caused by inflammation can be treated with steroid injections into the lumps themselves. Bumpy scars called keloid or hypertrophic scars can also respond well to steroid injections. Larger keloid scars may need to be cut out and/or treated with lasers plus steroid injections.
Lumps & Bumps Treatment recovery
Recovery after a lumps & bumps treatment varies depending on the specific procedure needed to address your skin concern. For minor treatments like skin tag removal, you can typically resume regular activities immediately. For more complex procedures like a cyst or lipoma removal, there may be some post-operative discomfort and swelling, which can be managed with prescribed medications.
It’s essential to follow your practitioner’s aftercare instructions carefully, which may include keeping the treated area clean and avoiding excessive sun exposure. Full recovery times vary but are generally relatively short, and our team will provide personalized guidance throughout your recovery and healing journey.
How much do Lumps & Bumps Treatments cost in New Jersey?
The cost of a lumps & bumps treatment in the New Jersey area varies depending on the specific procedure, its complexity, and the number of treatments you may need. During your consultation, our team will assess your condition and provide you with a personalized treatment plan, including cost estimates.
Keep in mind that some procedures may be covered by insurance if they are deemed medically necessary. We are committed to transparent pricing and will discuss all associated costs with you before proceeding with any treatment.
Why Choose Geria Dermatology?
At Geria Dermatology, you’ll experience the difference of a boutique, physician-led practice—where care is personal, thoughtful, and never rushed. We are not a corporate, private equity–backed dermatology group. Instead, our focus is on building long-term relationships and delivering care that is guided by quality, integrity, and results—not volume.
Your care is provided by a collaborative team of board-certified dermatologists and highly experienced, board-certified physician assistants who work closely together to ensure consistency, safety, and exceptional outcomes. This team-based approach allows us to deliver comprehensive care while maintaining the warmth and attention of a smaller practice.
We offer full-spectrum medical dermatology, including skin cancer screenings and Mohs micrographic surgery, alongside advanced cosmetic services such as injectables, lasers, and skin rejuvenation. Our deep medical expertise informs every cosmetic treatment, allowing us to prioritize natural-looking results and long-term skin health.
Patients choose Geria Dermatology for our boutique experience, trusted medical expertise, and refined cosmetic approach—all delivered in a practice where your skin and confidence truly come first.
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If you have a new, changing, painful, or bothersome lump or bump, our team can help you understand what it is and whether treatment is needed. To schedule a visit with Geria Dermatology in Rutherford or Verona, NJ, contact us or call 201-623-8000. Our dermatology practice proudly serves patients in Essex and Bergen counties, including Verona, Rutherford, Montclair, Nutley, Bloomfield, Caldwell, Essex Fells, Lyndhurst, Clifton, and Cedar Grove.
