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Removal of Moles & Other Spots
Most moles and other blemishes are benign or harmless. But, because some spots may be malignant or cancerous, it is always best to get medical advice if you notice a spot that suddenly changes in size, shape or color, or that bleeds, itches or becomes painful.
Dr. Bertucci is a Board-certified expert in diagnosing and treating diseases of the skin. You can rest assured that prior to removing any lesions, he will first and foremost assess your skin lesion and discuss the diagnosis with you.
While most spots and moles are not dangerous or harmful, these lesions are often unsightly. Luckily, there is often a simple solution to remove such growths.
- What Types Of Spots Can Be Removed?
- How Will The Spots Or Growths Be Removed?
- How Will I Look After My Treatment?
- How Do I Take Care Of The Treated Area After The Spot Is Removed?
- Is It Safe To Remove Skin Spots Or Growths?
- What Are The Risks Of Removing Skin Spots Or Growths?
- How Much Does Removal Of Skin Growths Cost?
- Why Choose Dr. Bertucci To Remove My Spots Or Growths?
1. What Types Of Spots Can Be Removed?
Many spots or growths are often easily removed. At the time of your consultation, Dr. Bertucci will discuss the nature of your particular type of lesion with you. A partial list of some of the lesions we treat includes:
- Moles / Nevi. Moles, more properly referred to as nevi, represent a collection of pigment-containing cells. They often start out as tan or brown flat spots that sometimes become raised over a period of years. When moles are uniformly coloured, symmetric, stable in size and have a regular border, they are usually harmless. Moles with an irregular border, more than one colour, asymmetric shape or growth are best assessed by a physician.
- Seborrheic keratoses. These are typically rough spots whose colour may vary from brown or black to flesh-coloured. Some individuals refer to these growths as “barnacles”. Although there are exceptions, they are often hereditary in nature and typically occur after age 30 to 40. It is not uncommon to have multiple seborrheic keratoses on the skin, especially on the back, chest and abdomen.
- Skin tags. These extremely common, harmless growths look like small, soft, fleshy protrusions from the skin. They are most commonly located around the neck or underarms. They may also be seen around the eyelids, in the groin area or under the breasts.
- Epidermal Cysts. Although there are many kinds of cysts, the most common are epidermal cysts, a benign, balloon-like lesion which sometimes releases a cheesy, malodorous material, especially if squeezed. These lesions may be surgically removed if they become unsightly.
- Milia. These whitish, firm 1-2 mm bumps typically occur on the face, especially in individuals that use rich, “oily” products. They may also arise for no obvious reason.
- Cherry Hemangiomas. Also known as Campbell de Morgan spots, these harmless spots represent focal collections of small blood vessels. They often start out flat but may eventually become raised, dome-shaped, bright red to purple spots that can be seen anywhere on the skin, including the scalp. Individuals may develop single or multiple cherry hemangiomas. When questioned, family members may also be found to have similar lesions. While larger lesions may need to be removed surgically, most lesions are treated rapidly and effectively with either laser or electrodesiccation.
- Lentigines. Variably referred to as sun spots, age spots, liver spots and freckles, these lesions are typically tan or brown flat spots that develop in areas of repeated sun exposure. They have nothing to do with the liver or age. The most common locations include the face, chest, shoulders, forearms and backs of the hands. These lesions may be treated by one of a number of methods, including laser, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL), topical products and liquid nitrogen therapy. Intense Pulsed Light is the treatment of choice if there are more than just a few lesions.
- Lipomas. These harmless fatty growths often show up as solitary lumps under the skin. Rarely, some individuals have multiple such lesions.
- Sebaceous Hyperplasia. Sometimes referred to as “oil glands”, these harmless growths commonly appear on the face. Most common in individuals with “oily skin”, they are typically 2-3 mm yellow bumps with a subtle central dimple.
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2. How Will The Spots Or Growths Be Removed?
At the time of your consultation, Dr. Bertucci will assess you and provide you with a complete list of options to treat your particular type of lesion. A number of treatment options exist, including but not limited to the following:
- Shave removal. This technique is best suited for those lesions that are raised or protrude above the skin surface. It is not used to remove flat spots. With this technique, the raised portion of the lesion is shaved flat using a surgical instrument. This leaves an approximately flat mark where there was once an elevated spot. There is a small chance that the lesion may regrow using this technique, but, in most cases, the cosmetic result is excellent. The colour at the site of removal may sometimes be lighter or darker than the surrounding skin or may be the colour of the lesion. Any hair present within lesions may persist with this technique.
- Excision. This technique is used to completely remove a spot, including its roots. This greatly reduces the chances of regrowth. The wound is closed with stitches, also known as sutures. The end result is a permanent, often visible scar in the shape of a line at the site of treatment. Certain locations where there is a significant amount of skin tension or movement, such as the back or legs, tend to heal with wider scars.
- Electrodesiccation. Commonly referred to as “cautery”, this technique is used to remove small, superficial lesions such as the smallest skin tags.
- Laser. Laser is often used to remove lesions containing blood vessels, such as so-called “spider veins” or telangiectasias on the face. One may see some short-lived scabbing or, rarely, bruising with laser surgery.
- Cryotherapy. By using liquid nitrogen, we are able to remove multiple lesions such as warts, seborrheic keratoses and focal lentigines (“sun freckles”). This technique may be used to treat multiple lesions at the same visit. One should expect to see some redness and possibly some scabbing at the site of treatment. Rarely, one may see a blister, which typically resolves within a few days.
- Extraction. Using an extractor, milia and other lesions such as “blackheads” or “whiteheads” (known as comedones in medical terminology) are usually easily removed.
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3. How Will I Look After My Treatment?
At the time of your consultation, Dr. Bertucci and/or his staff will review the nature of the procedure, expected results and other instructions that pertain to your particular case. In most cases, one is able to return to normal activities immediately after the procedure.
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4. How Do I Take Care Of The Treated Area After The Spot Is Removed?
Taking care of the treated area is usually very straight-forward and simple. Depending on the nature of your procedure, the necessary care will vary. Dr. Bertucci and/or his staff will review precise care instructions with you at the time of your procedure.
With few exceptions, most individuals may immediately return to work or regular activities after the procedure. When a spot is removed by the shave technique or by excision, we generally recommend use of either white petrolatum (e.g. Vaseline Petroleum Jelly) or a topical antibiotic ointment (e.g. Polysporin ointment) twice daily to the affected area every day until the wound has healed or the stitches are removed.
In general, it is best not to wet the treated area on the day of your procedure; wetting and washing is permitted starting the day after the procedure, provided that it is done gently and with caution.
Make-up should not be applied to the treated area until the wound has healed and there is no crust or scab, which usually takes just a few days.
When stitches are used, it is important to avoid activity or exercise that may injure or stretch the treated area.
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5. Is It Safe To Remove Skin Spots Or Growths?
As a Board-certified expert in the diagnosis of skin diseases, Dr. Bertucci will diagnose your skin spot or growth and will advise you on appropriate treatment options at the time of your consultation. In general, removal of skin growths is a safe and harmless procedure.
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6. What Are The Risks Of Removing Skin Spots Or Growths?
In the vast majority of individuals, removal of skin growths or spots is extremely safe and there are no side effects whatsoever. As with any surgical procedure, there is a very small risk of bleeding, infection and scarring. Properly caring for the treated area will minimize these risks.
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7. How Much Does Removal Of Skin Growths Cost?
The cost depends on the nature of the procedure. A proper consultation with our clinic is required in order to determine which treatment option is suitable for you. Generally, the price ranges from about $100 and up. Removal of skin growths may be a tax-deductible medical expense (similar to dental and cosmetic surgery expenses), so make sure to keep your receipts.
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8. Why Choose Dr. Bertucci To Remove My Spots Or Growths?
As a Board-certified Dermatologist, Dr. Bertucci has spent years specifically studying the skin and skin diseases. This means that he is highly qualified in diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions. Thus, he will first and foremost diagnose the spot, ensuring that it is, in fact, harmless.
Only once the growth is diagnosed will he proceed to discuss the various treatment options available to you, along with the pros and cons of each technique.
Dr. Bertucci has a wealth of experience in the field of cosmetic skin surgery, having treated thousands of patients. Dr. Bertucci regularly attends advanced continuing education courses and he teaches other physicians the art and science of skin care. All of Dr. Bertucci’s staff has enjoyed the benefits of Dr. Bertucci’s cosmetic services.
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Please call our office at 905/ 850 4415 if you have any questions and to arrange your prompt, confidential consultation, or to schedule your treatment.
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