If you have yellowish-white bumps on your lips, you might have Fordyce spots. Beomgye, Pyeongchon, Beomgye Station, Pyeongchon Station, Hogye-dong, Bisan-dong, Gwanyang-dong, Dongan-gu, Indeogwon, Geumjeong, Anyang

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Fordyce Spots: A Treatment Guide

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01. Understanding Fordyce Spots

Fordyce spots are small, raised lesions that form when sebaceous glands are found unusually close to the skin's surface. These are sebaceous glands that have developed outside their typical anatomical location.

They frequently appear as yellowish, grain-like dots, most often seen around the lips.

While they do not cause pain or itching, their presence on the lips may lead to aesthetic concerns, prompting individuals to seek cosmetic improvements.

02. Causes Behind Fordyce Spots

• The primary cause is ectopic sebaceous glands, which are sebaceous glands located outside their usual anatomical position.

• The precise reason for their formation is not yet fully understood.

• Genetic predisposition is often considered a contributing factor.

• As this is a structural characteristic, the spots typically remain unless the sebaceous glands themselves are directly targeted.

03. How to Recognize Fordyce Spots

Wondering if what you see are Fordyce spots?

If you observe the following characteristics, the presence of Fordyce spots may be indicated:

• You might notice small, yellowish or whitish dots appearing in clustered patterns on the lips.

• Their appearance typically remains consistent over an extended period.

• When pressed, no material is expressed, differentiating them from conditions like acne or comedones.

These spots are sometimes mistaken for dry skin, acne, milia, or other minor skin irregularities,

therefore, a precise diagnosis is important before considering any treatment approach.

04. Approaches to Treating Fordyce Spots

A recognized approach often considered for these spots is:

Insulated Microneedle Radiofrequency (Agnes)

Since Fordyce spots are fundamentally caused by abnormally positioned sebaceous glands,

surface-level treatments like CO₂ laser, Er:YAG laser resurfacing, or manual extraction may not provide long-lasting improvements.

The Insulated Microneedle RF (Agnes) system delivers thermal energy while protecting the epidermis,

targeting specifically the ectopic sebaceous glands.

This approach is currently regarded as a suitable and effective treatment option.

05. Overview of the Treatment Process

Method of Treatment

• Fine insulated needles are carefully inserted directly into the lesions.

• Precise RF energy is then delivered to the specific depth of the sebaceous gland.

• Direct modulation of the abnormal sebaceous glands occurs.

Changes After Treatment

• Following the procedure, a gradual reduction in the elevation of the spots is often observed.

• A smoother appearance may be expected over a period of 2 to 4 weeks.

• For areas with extensive clusters, repeated sessions can contribute to improved uniformity.

Recommended Session Interval and Number

• Typically, a 4-week interval is suggested.

• Initially, around 3 sessions are generally recommended.

• Additional procedures might be necessary, considering the depth and distribution pattern of the lesions.

06. Why Fordyce Spot Treatment Is Difficult

There are several factors that make it difficult to achieve effective results for Fordyce spots with conventional laser or extraction methods.

• They are located directly beneath the epidermis but lack follicular structures, making precise targeting challenging.

• Resurfacing lasers may increase the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or scar formation after treatment.

• They primarily appear on sensitive areas like the lips and mucous membranes, making it important to ensure a safe treatment margin.

• Due to the clustered distribution of lesions, delivering excessive thermal energy in a single session carries a risk.

In summary:

Overtreatment can leave scars, while insufficient treatment may make it difficult to expect results,

making the clinician's experience and treatment planning very important.

07. Clinic's Approach to Fordyce Spot Treatment

① Individualized Treatment Design by Lesion Type

Energy settings, needle length, and insertion angle are precisely controlled

based on sebaceous gland depth, lesion cluster distribution, and mucosal thickness.

② Principle of Using Only Insulated Microneedle RF (Agnes)

Since the root cause is ectopic sebaceous glands,

treatment is carried out focusing solely on eliminating the abnormal structures.

Resurfacing lasers like CO₂ or Er:YAG are not used as they carry the following risks:

• Epidermal damage

• Hyperpigmentation

• Scarring

Therefore, we deem them not suitable for Fordyce spots.

③ Precise Targeting Without Unnecessary Tissue Damage

Instead of broadly diffusing energy,

RF energy is delivered specifically to the affected sebaceous glands of the lesion,

allowing for increased safety while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.