Fordyce spots – treatment and removal in Gothenburg
Fordyce spots are small white, yellowish or skin-coloured spots that often appear on or along the lips. They are completely harmless but can be considered a cosmetic nuisance, particularly when they are clearly visible on the lips.
At NYOclinic in Gothenburg, we offer treatment for Fordyce spots using radiofrequency (RF) and a thin insulated needle, with each visible lesion treated individually.
Anna Klang
Authorised Dermatologist, Cidesco
Vill du veta mer, eller boka en tid? Prata med mig!
What are Fordyce spots?
Fordyce spots are visible sebaceous glands located close to the skin’s surface and not connected to a hair follicle. They are common and are neither an infection nor a contagious skin condition.
They are found primarily in:
- the lips and the lip line
- the inside of the mouth
- the genital area
On the lips, they may appear as many small light or yellowish-white spots and sometimes become more noticeable when the skin is stretched.
Can Fordyce spots on the lips be removed?
Yes, there are several methods that have been used to reduce the visibility of Fordyce spots. At NYOclinic, we use Bovie radiofrequency with an insulated needle tip.
Instead of treating the entire skin surface, each Fordyce spot is treated individually. The very fine needle is inserted into the lesion and RF energy is applied locally to coagulate the sebaceous gland in question.
As the needle is insulated along most of its length, the energy is concentrated primarily at the tip of the needle. The aim is to treat the lesion more precisely whilst minimising the thermal impact on the surrounding skin.
How does the treatment work?
First, we assess the area and ensure that the changes are suitable for treatment.
The area is cleaned and a local anaesthetic may be used to make the treatment more comfortable. The visible Fordyce spots are then treated one by one using the fine RF needle.
The duration of the treatment depends primarily on the size of the area to be treated and the number of Fordyce spots present.
What does the skin look like after the treatment?
After the treatment, the area may be red, swollen and feel irritated. Small scabs may form where the lesions have been treated.
It is important to allow the area to heal and to avoid picking at any scabs. We provide personalised aftercare instructions at the time of treatment.
The speed at which the skin recovers varies from person to person.
How many treatments are needed?
It is not possible to guarantee that all Fordyce spots will disappear after a single treatment. The outcome depends, amongst other things, on the number of lesions present, their size and how the skin reacts to the treatment.
In some cases, further treatment may be required once the area has healed.
The aim is to reduce the visibility of Fordyce spots, rather than promising that all the changes will disappear permanently.
Fordyce spots or white spots under the eyes?
Small white or yellowish spots may also appear around and under the eyes, but they should not automatically be regarded as Fordyce spots.
Similar changes might include, for example, milium, sebaceous gland hyperplasia or syringoma, and the appropriate treatment depends on the type of change in question.
Certain minor changes to the skin and sebaceous glands can be treated using radiofrequency or electrosurgery, but the area around the eyes requires particular care and an individual assessment before treatment.
Are Fordyce spots dangerous?
No. Fordyce spots are benign and do not require treatment for medical reasons.
The treatment is therefore carried out primarily for cosmetic reasons when the spots are considered unsightly.
If a change is new, is changing, is bleeding, or if the diagnosis is uncertain, it should first be assessed by a doctor.
Treatment of Fordyce spots in Gothenburg
At NYOclinic in Gothenburg We offer individual assessment and treatment of Fordyce spots on the lips using Bovie RF and an insulated needle tip.
The treatment is highly targeted, and each visible change is treated separately.
Would you like to reduce the appearance of Fordyce spots on your lips? Book a treatment or contact us if you’re unsure whether the treatment is right for you.
