Lesion Removal
Removal of benign lesions (moles, cysts, skin tags, etc.) is not covered under provincial health insurance plans. Removal of lesions for aesthetic purposes means trading lesions for a small, well concealed scar.
Treatment Time
30 minutes-1 hour; lesion removal is completed under local anesthetic and treatment time depends on the location and size of the lesion.
Incisions
Incision size depends on the size of the lesion. Whenever possible scars are hidden in natural skin folds to minimize visibility post-operatively.
Benefits
Lesion removal is a relatively quick and easy solution to unwanted or ugly lesions on the body. Patients are typically very satisfied for trading lesions for a small scar.
Technique
The lesion is marked to leave a small straight scar. Local anesthetic is infiltrated. The lesion is excised and may be tested in the lab to ensure there are no concerns for malignancy. The incision is closed in layers with fine stitches that generally need to be removed.
Recovery
Incisions are healed after 1-2 weeks and swelling and bruising persists for up to 3 weeks. Final result can be expected at 3-6 months.
Risks
Main risks include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, and patient dissatisfaction with the resulting scar.
Who are the best candidates?
Patients who are otherwise healthy, non-smokers, dislike existing benign moles, and are willing to trade a lesion for a scar. Lesion removal cannot be accomplished without leaving a scar.
Can mole removal be covered by OHIP?
Benign lesions are not covered for removal by OHIP as this is not considered a medically necessary service. If the mole is suspicious for skin cancer then a referral to Dr. McGuire is required for removal.