Last updated: September 18, 2026
Removal sessions are $249, $349 or $489 depending on how much we remove. Every removal is done by Dr. Austin Cope, a board-certified dermatologist, in Highland, Utah.
Nobody walks in asking for electrocautery. They walk in pointing at a bump.
So if you searched the word, here’s the plain version: electrocautery is the tool. Removals are what we actually do with it.
What are these little bumps on my face?
There are a lot of possibilities, and most of them are harmless.
Your facial skin is packed with structures — oil glands, sweat ducts, hair follicles, connective tissue. Any one of them can start growing a little too much. The result is the small, usually skin-colored bumps that show up more and more as you age.
The common ones:
- Sebaceous hyperplasia — overgrown oil glands
- Milia — tiny firm cysts, often around the eyes
- Fibromas — small firm bumps of connective tissue
- Syringomas — overgrown sweat ducts
- Keratoses — rough or waxy spots
And many others. Here’s the useful part: you probably have a pattern. Most people tend to grow one particular kind. It’s largely genetic, and it usually increases with age.
Book Online
How often would I need this done?
About once a year for most people.
These growths don’t come back once they’re removed. But if your skin makes them, it keeps making new ones. So an annual session tends to keep you where you want to be, rather than letting five years of them accumulate.
What does a removal session cost?
We do a small, medium or large session, priced by how much we’re removing rather than per bump:
- Small session — $249 (under 10 growths)
- Medium session — $349 (about 10 to 20)
- Large session — $489 (20 or more)
Mole removal is priced separately at $289, with additional moles at $89. See all prices →
What else can electrocautery treat?
More than most people expect. This is a tool worth experimenting with, and over the years we’ve found a number of uses for it beyond standard removals:
- Superficial blood vessels — the fine red lines on the nose and cheeks
- Cherry angiomas — the small bright red dots that appear with age
- Dilated pores
- Ice-pick acne scars
It’s a genuinely great tool. But it rewards knowing exactly what you’re doing with it, and it punishes guessing.
Is this for anything suspicious?
No. Removal sessions are for benign growths.
If something on your skin looks concerning, it gets properly evaluated first — not simply removed. That’s a different visit and a different conversation, and we’ll tell you in the room which one you’re having.
Will it scar?
The whole point of this tool is precision. It treats the growth and leaves the skin around it alone.
Most people have small scabs or pink spots for several days that fade on their own. How you heal depends on your skin, the type of growth, and how many were treated — we’ll walk you through what to expect for your specific case.
Is there downtime?
Very little. You can go back to your day right away.
The treated spots need to be left alone while they heal, and sun protection matters more than usual for a few weeks — which in Utah is worth taking seriously year-round.
Does insurance cover removals?
Usually not, when the reason is cosmetic. We publish real prices so you know the number before you book, and we quote you the full amount before anything happens.
How do I know which ones I have?
You don’t, from a mirror. That’s the appointment.
Dr. Cope looks at what you actually have, tells you what each one is, and what’s worth removing — including when the answer is “leave that alone.”
New patients receive a $400 treatment credit with a first consultation.
Book OnlineUtah’s Board‑Certified Cosmetic Dermatologist
Dr. Austin Cope is a board-certified dermatologist with fellowship training in cosmetic dermatology. He has helped thousands of patients achieve the best skin of their lives by combining medical expertise with artistic precision. He delivers fast, natural-looking results using only what truly works. Known for his efficiency, gentle technique, and perfect 5-star ratings, Dr. Cope helps you feel like yourself—just more confident.
Learn More Download Dr. Cope's Free Book
Conditions
Surgical Removal
What is Surgical Removal?
Skin growths sometimes require surgical removal, whether for medical or cosmetic reasons. A surgical dermatologist can remove skin growths with an in-office procedure for healthy, clear skin. The biggest benefit of consulting a surgical dermatologist for your removal is that they can take steps to minimize scarring if your skin growth is in a visible area.
Download Dr. Cope's Free BookWho’s a Good Candidate for Surgical Removal?
Surgical removal is sometimes recommended for the following conditions:
- Benign Skin Growths
- Precancers
There are many different ways to get rid of skin growths, but surgical removal is sometimes necessary when your skin growth requires an expert technique or stitching. In other cases, your surgical dermatologist may need to also perform a biopsy or ensure that all of the growth tissue is removed.
Laser Removals
What is Laser Removal?
Laser removal is a method of removing unwanted skin growths with laser technology. It works by damaging the skin cells such that they die off and leave behind clear, smooth skin. Laser removal can be an effective and efficient way to remove skin growths with the help of an experienced laser technician and dermatologist.
Download Dr. Cope's Free Book
Who’s a Good Candidate for Laser Removal?
Laser removal is a good option for patients who have:
- Benign Skin Growths
- Precancers
In some cases, laser removal can be more effective than cryosurgery or surgical removal. It also causes less damage to the surrounding tissue (making it a more precise treatment option). During your consultation with your dermatologist, you’ll discuss your various treatment options and which one is best for your needs.
Benign Skin Growth
What Are Benign Skin Growths?
Skin growths can come in many different forms, but aren’t always cancerous. Skin growths that are not harmful are called benign. For some people, benign skin growths aren’t bothersome and there’s no need to remove them. However, if you have a benign skin growth that you want to get rid of, a board-certified dermatologist can remove it. In some cases, a benign skin growth can become cancerous and should still be checked by your dermatologist.
Download Dr. Cope's Free BookTypes of Benign Skin Growths
Moles
Although moles are typically associated with melanoma, they aren’t always cancerous. Some people opt to have moles removed for cosmetic or comfort reasons if a mole is large, visible, or sticks out.
Warts
Warts are caused by a minor HIV infection when it comes into contact with a cut or scrape in the skin. They’re more common on the hands and feet in people who have weaker immune systems (like children).
Skin Tags
Skin tags are small, skin-colored growths that occur in areas like the neck, armpits, or groin. They are very common and easily removed with a variety of treatments.
Seborrheic Keratoses
Seborrheic keratoses are more common in older patients and look like small, wart-like spots. They can be flesh-colored, brown, or black and are usually oval or round.
Lipomas
Lipomas are soft bumps under the skin caused by a small deposit of fat. They’re more common in women and are usually located on the forearms, torso, or neck.