Skin Tag and Mole Removal

Mole Removal

Moles are common benign skin growth that are usually brown or tan and can be elevated (compound moles) or flat (junctional moles). They vary in shape, size, and can appear anywhere on your body. The number of moles you develop depend mainly on genetics, sun exposure, and repeated sunburn. Moles typically appear in the first year of life but can also be acquired over time with exposure to sunlight; shapes and sizes can also change with pregnancy.

Who Is Most At-Risk for Mole Formation?

According to Dr. Viera, you’re at a higher risk for mole formation (including benign non-dangerous and dangerous types that may lead to cancer) if the following factors apply to you:

• If you have a history of repeat sunburn
• If you’ve had one or more severe, blistering sunburns
• If you tend to freckle easily
• If you’re fair-skinned
• If you’re naturally blonde or red-headed
• If you have light eyes
• If your skin never “tans”
• If you have used (or are currently using) tanning beds
• If you live close to the equator or at a high-elevation
• If you already have 50 or more “ordinary” moles, this increases your melanoma risk.
• If you have one or more “unusual” moles (moles that match ABCDE’s of skin cancer⁠ – more below), this increases your risk of melanoma

You should also look out for bad moles with the following ABCDE traits:

• A is for Asymmetry (one half of the mole doesn’t look like the other)
• B is for Border (bad moles usually have an irregular or jagged border)
• C is for Color (very dark, black, or sometimes even multi-colored)
• D is for Diameter (often 6mm in size or larger)
• E is for Evolution (increasing in size unlike other moles that are not changing)

The usual suspects typically exhibit some of the signs above. More importantly, they stand out amongst other moles like an ugly duckling.

How Are Moles Removed?

Moles can be removed for various cosmetic reasons. They may be unsightly, irritating to the skin, interferes with clothing and jewelry, or affects your daily life (eg. It gets in the way of shaving). Benefits of mole removal include a better appearance, smoother skin, and boosted self confidence. Moles that has been examined to be not related to skin cancer can be removed safely. Flat moles are typically removed via laser while elevated moles are taken off surgically. Benign mole removal is not covered by OHIP in Ontario.

Even though there are many products in the market that promise to remove moles, it is not recommended to try them under any circumstances. It is not a good idea. You may run the risk of pain, infections, bleeding, and scarring. You should only get your moles removed with professionals. During consultation, our skin care experts will carefully assess your moles and provide a safe treatment. If you want to remove a mole that bothers you, give us a call.

What is Skin Tag Removal?

Do you find skin tags unsightly or irritating? Well, they are actually quite common and can be removed easily. Skin tags are essentially small flaps of flesh that pouch out by a thin stalk off your skin. They are most commonly found in areas where skin folds, rubs together, or where clothing rubs the skin.

Skin tags can grow in places including:

• Neck
• Eyelids
• Armpits
• Under the breasts
• Groin

Why do Skin Tags Form?

The formation of skin tags are determined by genetics. However, other factors including diabetes, overweight, and pregnancy may also increase chances of growth. Not wearing jewelry sometimes and minimizing frictions in repetitive friction-inducing sports may also help, according to Dermatologist Dr. Engelman.

What is the Treatment for Skin Tags?

Our skin experts will assess your skin tag conditions (size and skin type) and determine the best removal process. Smaller skin tags are typically removed by a fine scalpel or scissors. This method removes skin tags immediately and leaves no scars. Although your skin tags may not return, new ones may grow somewhere else. If the skin tags are larger in size, other methods including electrodessication (burning it with an electric probe) or cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen (freezing it) may also be considered. We do not recommend removing skin tags by yourself at home. It is a bad idea. If done incorrectly, it could cause pain, potential infections, and may even lead to significant bleeding.

We do not recommend removing skin tags by yourself at home. It is a bad idea. If done incorrectly, it could cause pain, potential infections, and may even lead to significant bleeding. During consultation, our skin care experts will carefully assess your skin tags, answer all your questions, and provide the best treatment. Give us a call to get started.

Let’s Get Started

If you have any questions about mole and skin tag removal, schedule a free consultation with us today. We understand how irritating and unsightly it can be and we’re here to help. With extensive experience and superior customer care, the procedure will be quick and painless. You will leave feeling refreshed and satisfied. Book an appointment today to look great and feel comfortable again!