Pearly Penile Papules and Fordyce Spots are common issues for men that can be treated and permanently removed easily, safely, and effectively. Resembling “baby skin tags” or “warts” (even though they are neither), these papules and spots are 100% harmless and not at all painful; however, they can be unattractive, and both conditions can cause embarrassment and loss of confidence. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jason Emer is one of a select number of cosmetic skin specialists who treat these conditions and deliver long-term results.
What are Pearly Penile Papules?
Pearly Penile Papules (or hirsutoid papillomas) are small, smooth, pinkish-white or skin-colored bumps that form in rows around the base of the head of the penis. Although these raised, pimple-like papules are benign, they can negatively impact the look of your penis and, more importantly, your self-esteem. The majority of these spots are “growths” and can be permanently removed with a simple in-office treatment for long-term results.
What are Fordyce Spots?
Similarly, Fordyce Spots are whitish-yellow, reddish, or skin-colored bumps that can appear on the shaft of the penis as well as the scrotum, labia, edge of the mouth, vermilion border of the lips, and inside the cheeks. Fordyce Spots on the penis are more common in men who are uncircumcised, which is likely due to friction. The majority of these spots are due to dilated sweat glands and may recur after treatment, in which case maintenance treatments may be required.
Both conditions can cause distress and are oftentimes misdiagnosed as genital warts or other sexually transmitted diseases; in fact, Pearly Penile Papules and Fordyce Spots are natural and common genetic conditions of sweat glands.
How does Dr. Emer treat these conditions?
Dr. Jason Emer, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in cosmetic, laser, and procedural dermatology, is one of the few doctors to treat both Pearly Penile Papules and Fordyce Spots through his own perfected approach.
Electrical Desiccation / Hyfrecation
Using a fine-point electrical needle known as a hyfrecator (a device used frequently in skin growth removal), Dr. Emer dessicates the papules and spots, shrinking and ultimately removing them for good. Although they appear raised, the sweat glands are deep, so the hyfrecator must penetrate the skin at a precise length. Due to the sensitive nature of the procedure, this treatment must be performed by an expert and typically requires no more than 2 to 3 treatments to obtain substantial, long-term improvement.
CO2 or Erbium Laser Treatment
As an alternative to or in combination with electrical desiccation, Dr. Emer uses focused CO2 or Erbium laser energy to dissolve Pearly Penile Papules and Fordyce Spots. Laser treatments have an increased risk of inflammation, discoloration, and hyperpigmentation, so it is essential that this treatment is performed by a board-certified dermatologist and laser specialist.
Proper Skin Care
Following a patient-tailored skin care protocol both before and after treatment can help reduce the risk of scarring and minimize the amount of discoloration and hyperpigmentation.
Complementary Procedures
Dr. Emer often performs Pearly Penile Papules removal (PPP removal) and Fordyce Spots removal simultaneously with complementary procedures, such as non-surgical penis enlargement with fillers; penile fat grafting / autologous lipocyte micronized injections (ALMI); penile rejuvenation with platelet-rich plasma; and penile shock therapy treatments for blood flow and erectile dysfunction.
How long do improvements last?
Following a series of treatments, the results of these procedures are often permanent.
Is it painful? What is the downtime?
Pearly Penile Papules removal (PPP removal) and Fordyce Spots removal are both simple, straightforward procedures with little downtime and almost no pain with the use of numbing medication.
Am I a good candidate?
To determine if you are a good candidate for Pearly Penile Papules removal (PPP removal) or Fordyce Spots removal, schedule a consultation with Dr. Emer in Beverly Hills / Los Angeles / West Hollywood, California. Please call 424-800-4140 or email us at appointments@jasonemermd.com.
