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284 Queen Street East, Suite 219
Brampton, Ontario L6V 1C2
Brampton, Ontario L6V 1C2
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No one’s skin stays the same forever. Many of us start to develop nevi, otherwise known as moles, as we reach young adulthood. We continue to accumulate moles, freckles, skin tags and other growths throughout the rest of our lives.
While some moles may be seen as beauty marks, others may affect a person’s appearance or display signs that make them a possible skin cancer. Dr. Haywood encourages patients to do frequent self-checks of moles on their bodies. If you find one that causes you concern for any reason, surgical mole removal can leave your skin looking better than ever and give you peace of mind.
Moles are brown, tan, pink or black lesions formed due to a proliferation of pigment cells called melanocytes. They may be present from birth or appear later in life, and can develop anywhere on the skin. Moles vary widely in size, shape and protrusion from the skin surface.
Most moles are benign, meaning they are harmless. But even if they don’t represent a health risk, there are reasons to consider removal. You may feel a mole is unsightly or detracts from the features that surround it. Moles can also be uncomfortable in certain areas or become irritated by things like shaving or friction from clothing.
Mole removal surgery is a quick and easy way to clear up your skin and restore balance to your best features. It is a low-risk outpatient procedure that typically has a short appointment time and minimal recovery period. Dr. Haywood uses surgical techniques that completely remove moles from any location and minimize scarring, so you’re left with a smooth, discreet finish.
Although skin lesions can seem small and insignificant, it’s critical to seek care from an experienced doctor like Dr. Haywood when pursuing mole removal. Do not attempt to remove a mole at home, which is ineffective, painful, risky and can lead to poor cosmetic outcomes.
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Mole removal can be performed for cosmetic or medical reasons, or a combination of both.
Any patient who dislikes the appearance of a mole is a candidate for mole removal. While those with fairer skin are more prone to moles, mole removal can be performed on any skin type and skin tone. Benign moles can be left untreated if they don’t bother you.
Any bleeding, color changes or associated symptoms should prompt an examination by your doctor. If there is the possibility of a pathology other than a benign mole, Dr. Haywood will biopsy the mole or remove it with an appropriate surgical margin.
Excision offers a permanent solution for unsightly or high-risk moles. It is generally a straightforward procedure that can be done in-office.
Dr. Haywood will cleanse and sterilize the area, then numb it with a local anesthetic. Using a scalpel, she will cut out the mole and a border of skin surrounding it. The size of the border depends on the condition of the mole. If there is concern that it could be precancerous or cancerous, Dr. Haywood will remove a larger border to ensure the mole is completely excised.
The depth of the mole will determine what suturing technique Dr. Haywood uses. Absorbable stitches may be placed deep in the skin, in which case they will not have to be removed, or in the surface of the skin, in which case they will be removed during a follow-up appointment.
You may notice mild redness and tenderness in the area for the first few days after your mole removal procedure. This is normal and typically short-lived. Keep the treatment site clean and protected according to Dr. Haywood’s instructions. Avoid touching or stretching the area as much as possible as it heals, and try to keep it out of sunlight, which can damage the healing area and worsen scarring.
You may return to work at any time, provided it does not involve heavy physical labor or significant sun exposure. Dr. Haywood will provide tips for scar minimization, such as massage techniques and the use of topical scar gel.
OHIP does not cover mole removal in Ontario unless the mole is cancerous. The patient is responsible for the costs of cosmetic mole removal. At Brampton Plastic Surgery, the cost of mole removal usually ranges from $400-800 per lesion. The price of your surgery will depend on the size and location of the mole you want removed. Our team will provide you with a detailed cost breakdown prior to your procedure.
Your skin will be numbed so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. You may experience some soreness or itching after the procedure, but most patients don’t have severe discomfort.
When a mole is completely surgically excised, including the portion that extends below the skin surface into the dermis, it should not grow back.
Mole removal may result in a scar. Dr. Haywood will align the incision with the normal lines of motion (called ‘relaxed skin tension lines’) in your skin to make the scar as inconspicuous as possible. She will also use fine sutures and special plastic surgery techniques to reduce scarring further.
While dermatologists can remove moles, many patients prefer to have the procedure done by a plastic surgeon. A plastic surgeon approaches mole removal like any other cosmetic procedure — with an eye for aesthetics and surgical techniques that minimize scarring. A plastic surgeon’s expertise can be especially desirable for facial moles due to their prominent location.
Throughout your life, you may see a variety of freckles, spots or moles appear on your body. Most of these are harmless, and many are barely noticeable, but others may be a cause for cosmetic or medical concern. Dr. Catherine Haywood frequently removes moles for her patients at Brampton Plastic Surgery. As a Royal College-certified plastic surgeon, she takes the utmost care in performing mole removal procedures so that her patients are left with the smallest possible scar.
If you have a mole that affects your appearance or that you’re concerned might be cancerous, contact our Ontario clinic to schedule a consultation with Dr. Haywood. She prides herself on her professional, compassionate service and enjoys helping patients from all walks of life renew their health and confidence.
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