Seborrheic Keratosis: Curettage

Topic Overview

Curettage is the use of a spoon-shaped instrument (curette) to scrape off a growth. A curettage procedure to remove a seborrheic keratosis can cause pain and usually requires a local anesthetic for pain control. Curettage may be combined with electrocautery to prevent regrowth.

Curettage is a quick treatment, but it can cause scarring. A fibrous scar ( keloid ) may develop after curettage treatment. A keloid can be itchy or continue to enlarge over time. Like a seborrheic keratosis, a keloid doesn't require medical treatment but may be a cosmetic concern.