If you’ve noticed small, white, donut-shaped bumps popping up on your face that just won’t go away, you’re not alone. These little guys are often sebaceous hyperplasia — a fancy term for enlarged oil glands. While harmless, they can be frustrating and affect how your skin looks and feels.
The good news? Electrolysis, a treatment many people know for hair removal, can also be used to treat certain skin concerns in a precise, targeted way.
In this article, we’ll break it all down: Electrolysis for sebaceous hyperplasia — how it helps, what to expect if you decide to give it a try, the benefits, side effects, and more.
What Is Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
Sebaceous hyperplasia is a benign overgrowth of the skin’s oil glands, typically seen in adults over 30. These glands, which normally help lubricate and protect your skin, can sometimes go into overdrive, creating visible, soft bumps that usually appear on the face — especially on the forehead, cheeks, and nose.
They often:
- Are soft and flesh-coloured or slightly yellow
- Have a visible central indentation
- Vary in size from 2–5 mm
- Are linked to age, hormones, or genetic predisposition
Though harmless and more common as we age, many people choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons, especially when lesions increase in number or size.
Can Electrolysis Treat Sebaceous Hyperplasia?
Yes! Electrolysis isn’t just used for removing unwanted hair — it’s also used to treat certain skin concerns such as visible capillaries (red veins) and skin tags, using a fine needle and a small electrical current to create a controlled heat effect.
For sebaceous hyperplasia, a fine needle/probe is used to apply a short burst of electrical current to the bump/lesion. This creates a controlled heating process that helps reduce the targeted tissue. As your skin heals, the bump may shrink, fade, or become much less noticeable.
The best part? Electrolysis is extremely precise. It targets only the affected tissue, leaving surrounding skin intact.
Benefits of Electrolysis for Skin Lesions
Electrolysis is a solid choice for treating sebaceous hyperplasia because it offers several unique benefits:
- Precision: Treats each bump individually with pinpoint accuracy.
- Safety: Non-surgical & minimally invasive
- Minimal downtime: Most people return to daily life right away.
- No topical medication: Great if you’re looking to avoid long-term creams.
- Suitable for all skin tones: Unlike some lasers, electrolysis doesn’t rely on melanin.
- Lower recurrence rate: Results are more long-term and sustainable compared to topical treatments.
It’s also a great alternative if you’ve tried topical retinoids or cryotherapy and haven’t had the results you wanted.
🔗 To learn more about this treatment, read our Comprehensive Guide on Electrolysis.
What to Expect During Electrolysis
Here’s what you can typically expect during an electrolysis session for sebaceous hyperplasia:
- Consultation: A skin specialist will assess your skin and confirm if electrolysis is appropriate.
- Preparation: The skin is cleaned and prepped. A topical numbing cream may also be used if needed.
- Treatment: A fine, sterile needle/probe is applied to the bump/lesion and delivers a brief electrical pulse.
- Aftercare: You may experience minor redness or scabbing, which is temporary and heals within a few days.
Most treatments last 20–40 minutes, depending on the number of bumps/lesions being treated. In some cases, multiple sessions may be recommended for best results.
Are There Any Side Effects or Risks?
When performed by a qualified practitioner, electrolysis is very safe. Generally, side effects are minor and temporary and may include:
- Redness
- Mild swelling
- Mild crusting/scabbing/flaking for a few days post-treatment
- Temporary sensitivity in the treated area
The risk of scarring or hyperpigmentation is low, especially when aftercare instructions are followed.
🪷 Here at Lovoir, apart from our expert analysis, there are times we may also suggest getting advice from your dermatologist alongside our recommended treatment plan. This is especially true for our clients with serious or severe skin conditions.
📅 Unsure whether Electrolysis is safe for you? Start by booking a consultation with us. Our therapists will always be honest if another option is better for your skin.
How Does Electrolysis Compare vs. Other Treatments?
There are several treatment options for sebaceous hyperplasia. Here’s how they compare:
| Treatment Option | Pros | Cons |
| Electrolysis | Precise, no downtime, minimal recurrence | Multiple sessions may be needed |
| Laser Therapy | Good for large areas | Risk of pigmentation changes in some skin types |
| Cryotherapy | Quick application | May leave white spots or scarring |
| Topical Retinoids | Non-invasive, at-home use | Long-term use, mixed results |
| Surgical Removal | Immediate results | Invasive, higher risk of scarring |
Electrolysis strikes a balance between precision, minimal downtime, and excellent cosmetic results, especially when treating small, visible lesions like sebaceous hyperplasia.
🔗 Read our article on Laser vs. Electrolysis if you’re wondering which treatment is more suitable for you.
Other FAQs about Electrolysis for Skin Tags
How do I know it’s sebaceous hyperplasia and not something else?
Sebaceous hyperplasia often looks like soft, yellowish bumps with a small central indentation — commonly on the forehead, cheeks, or nose. If a spot is changing, bleeding, or uncertain, it’s best to get a professional assessment before treating.
How does electrolysis work for facial bumps like these?
Electrolysis uses a fine needle/probe and a small electrical current to create a controlled heat effect in a very targeted area. This precision is why it’s also used for concerns like red veins and skin tags.
How many sessions will I need for sebaceous hyperplasia?
It depends on how many bumps you’re treating and how your skin responds. Some clients may see improvement quickly, while others may benefit from follow-up sessions.
What’s the downtime after electrolysis on the face?
Most people have minimal downtime, but it’s common to see temporary redness and mild scabbing as the area heals. Your therapist can guide you on what’s normal for your skin.
Can I use my active skincare (retinol/acids) after treatment?
It’s usually best to pause strong actives on the treated area until the skin has fully settled. Gentle skincare and leaving the area alone helps support smooth healing.
Can the bumps come back after treatment?
Even if a treated bump reduces significantly, new bumps can appear over time due to underlying skin factors (like oil gland activity). A good skincare plan and professional guidance can help manage recurrence.
Choosing a Trusted Provider for Electrolysis
While electrolysis is a safe treatment, it requires a skilled hand, especially when treating delicate facial areas. Make sure to choose a clinic that:
- Has trained and experienced electrologists
- Uses sterilised, professional-grade equipment
- Offers skin consultations prior to treatment
Why Many in Christchurch Trust Lovoir for Electrolysis
If you’re located in Christchurch and looking for expert electrolysis services, Lovoir Day Spa stands out for its commitment to client care and skin expertise.
Lovoir’s electrologists are trained not only in hair removal but also in advanced skin techniques like red vein treatment, skin tag removal, and sebaceous hyperplasia management. Each session is tailored to your skin’s needs, in a calm and professional environment.
We’ve earned over 1,900 five-star reviews and continue to be Christchurch’s top-rated day spa — a reflection of our dedication to safe, effective, and exceptional service.
Book Electrolysis at Lovoir Day Spa
If you’re ready to explore electrolysis for sebaceous hyperplasia, we invite you to book a consultation with one of our skilled therapists.
📍 Visit us at Lovoir Avonhead or Lovoir Christchurch Central
💻 Book your skin consultation
🔍 Book Electrolysis
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