Moles and Benign Skin Spots (Lesions)

Lumps and bumps on the face or in other areas of the body that are bothersome are usually amenable to surgical removal. A thin, linear scar that is usually slightly longer that the length of the lesion itself results. In some areas of the body, this scar has the tendency to widen or thicken, requiring treatment with steroid injections or other methods. In most cases, a scar is favourable to the contour irregularity caused by the lesion as it can be masked by makeup, can be hidden within natural skin creases, and does not cause shadowing. Sunscreen is recommended for a year after lesion removal to avoid darkening of the scar.

The removal of these lesions is NOT covered by your provincial insurance plan:

• Benign nevi (moles)
• Cysts
• Seborrheic keratosis (rough wart-like dark spots, more common with age)
• Common warts
• Lipomata (fat lump)
• Uncomplicated benign dermal and/or epidermal cysts
• Telangiectasias and angiomata of the skin (i.e. dilated blood vessels, spider veins, red spots)
• Skin tags and polyps
• Papillomata (wart like growth)
• Neurofibromata (nerve tumour)
• Dermatofibromata (skin nodule)

Dr. Robinson may recommend that you see a dermatologist if laser removal may better address your concerns.

Summary