Fibrous Papules

What is a Fibrous Papule?

A Fibrous Papule typically present as a small, firm nodules that herald a spectrum of characteristics, including their location on the face, their colour variations, and texture. However, they can occasionally be found in other areas of the body, and these lesions are typically benign and harmless.

Diagnostic Method

The diagnostic approach to fibrous papules involves a thorough clinical assessment which can include the use of a dermatoscopy. In certain cases, a skin biopsy may be taken and examined under a microscope to analyse the cellular features and distinguish the papule from other skin lesions.

Treatment Options

There are several treatment options for a fibrous papule. The primary approaches to removal a fibrous papule include surgical excision or laser treatment. At Bella Plastic Surgery, our view is that you should be provided with both the non-surgical and surgical options which will allow you to make an informed decision regarding treatment of your Fibrous Papule.

Surgical Excision

The location of the fibrous papule can determine whether surgical excision would be the best treatment option. This minor procedure can be performed under local anaesthesia, where the entirety of the papule is removed. Some of the benefits of surgical excision include a high likelihood of complete removal, which virtually eliminates the chance of recurrence at the excision site however, definite and permanent scarring can occur

Laser Treatment

Beyond surgical intervention, laser treatment is a commonly sort after cosmetic treatment option. At Bella Plastic Surgery, we use the latest in laser technology to remove the fibrous papule in just one treatment. Laser can serve as a preferred option due to the fast and effective method of removing an unwanted fibrous papule, without the downtime and risks associated with surgical intervention.

Alternative Treatment

Other treatments that are offered include electrodessication: a process which involves the use of electric currents to remove the tissue of the fibrous papule. While careful technique is required to ensure adequate removal and minimise damage to surrounding skin, we do not recommend this treatment option as laser is far superior in nature.

Cryotherapy is also used to treat fibrous papules. This treatment method involves the application of extreme cold using liquid nitrogen which aims to freeze and destroy the fibrous papule. This treatment is often not effective in removing a fibrous papule and carries a risk of hypo- or hyperpigmentation, particularly in individuals with darker skin tones.

Each of these methods has its advantages and limitations, and the appropriateness may vary according to the patient’s unique circumstances. Patients considering these methods should discuss potential outcomes, including the likelihood of scarring and recurrence, with one of our cosmetic nurses, under the supervision of Dr Dona.

Recovery

After you’re the removal of your fibrous papule, you may experience redness, mild swelling, and yellowish oozing around the treated area for up to a week. A temporary scab will also form, which is a normal part of the healing process.

The scab typically falls off within seven to ten days. It is important to avoid touching or scratching it, as this can lead to inflammation and increase the risk of scarring.

Once the scab has fallen off, the treated area may appear red due to new capillary formation. This redness usually fades within a few months.

Please remember that you will need to attend a follow-up appointment at the clinic no later than four days after your treatment.

Is the Laser Fibrous Papule process painful?

Laser fibrous papule removal is tolerated well among most age groups due to the speed and precision with which the lesion is removed. However, both topical and local anaesthetic options are available to numb the treating area.

How long does Fibrous Papule Removal take?

The fibrous papule removal procedure typically only takes a few minutes. However, we schedule 30 minutes for your appointment so that you can complete a Patient Registration Form, receive a consultation, discuss the procedure and your post-care instructions as well as answer any questions you might have.

Recovery after Fibrous Papule Removal

Following your fibrous papule removal treatment, there will be some redness, slight swelling and yellow oozing around the treated area(s) for up to a week following your treatment. In addition, a temporary scab will form; this is a natural part of the healing process.

The scab will usually fall off within seven to ten days, and it is essential to avoid touching or scratching the scab off the treated area. Scratching or picking at the scab can cause inflammation, making any scarring more prominent.

After the scab has fallen off, the treated area will appear red due to new capillary formation. Any redness around the treatment area will usually dissipate in a matter of months following treatment.

Potential Risks

Even though you have had your lesion(s) assessed as being benign (cancer free) by your skin cancer practitioner, there is still a risk of skin cancer being present within your skin lesion(s), at the time of your laser treatment.

The laser ablates (burns) away the fibrous papule lesion meaning that nothing is available to be sent away for pathology for further testing, so you need to be aware that pathology testing is not possible with this treatment.

Although the potential risks are extremely uncommon, one or more of the following may occur:

• Lightening or darkening of the skin in the treated areas
• Skin crusting or blistering
• Infection
• Scarring – which includes Hypertrophic or Keloid Scarring

As part of your post-treatment care plan, you will be provided with verbal and written post-treatment instructions.

Post-Procedure Care

Following your laser treatment, you may notice redness, bleeding, bruising, swelling and weeping at the site of treatment, which can last for several days to weeks.

It is normal for the treated area to feel a little sore and tender, for a few days post treatment.  You will keep the treated area dry and intact following your treatment. We will provide you with a topical cream to be used 3-4 times a day to the treated area, until the area has healed.

• Please refrain from getting the treated area wet until scab has fully fallen-off the treated area.
• Avoid exposing the treated area to the sun for a minimum of 4 weeks following treatment.
• Do not pick as scabbing can lead to scarring.
• Makeup can be used over the treatment area so long as there is no extended redness, blistering or scabbing (mineral make-up is the best option).
• Avoid skin irritants such as hydroquinone, bleaching creams, retinol creams, benzoyl peroxide, chemical peels, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid for at least 2 weeks after the procedure.
• Avoid any rubbing or friction movements on the treated area for three days post treatment.

You will be requested to send an image of the treated area(s) 3-4 days post treatment via email.

Our clinic can be contacted contact on 1300 373 662 if you experience any inflammatory reaction and/or side effect.  If necessary, additional treatments, medications and/or surgery may be necessary. If out of hours, please attend your local medical centre or emergency department.

We will arrange a follow-up appointment for six weeks post-treatment at our clinic. If at any time you have questions or concerns, you should contact our clinic to arrange a face-to-face appointment.

If required, you will be provided with topical cream, designed to be used post skin injury, that will provide nutrients to accelerate the skin healing process. In addition, we also offer Ligh Emitting Diode Treatment (LED) to accelerate the healing process.