These benign fat lumps are typically just a cosmetic nuisance, but one variant called an angiolipoma is more likely to be tender. In most cases, they can simply be left alone, but if removal is desired, this is typically done by making an incision directly over the palpable lump. If the lipoma is very large and the patient wishes to avoid a long scar, another option is to reduce the size of the lipoma by doing liposuction using a small metal tube (cannula) inserted through an incision only about 5mm long. However, liposuction never removes the entire lipoma, so it may gradually grow back.
The technique we use for removing moles depends on their size, location, whether they are pigmented or skin-toned, and raised or flat. Generally, I prefer to completely excise flat brown moles, because this is the most effective way to remove all the pigmented cells within the skin. In contrast, I find that skin-toned protruding moles can be effectively removed using a radiofrequency device to shave them flat (see example the photo gallery). Although there is a small recurrence risk if some of the mole cells are left within the skin, this is still a very popular technique because the wound often heals without a scar. Also, if the mole is in a cosmetically sensitive area like the tip of the nose, removing it with a shaving technique does not distort the shape of the nose.
These small, skin-toned growths are commonly located around the neckline, where they are not only unsightly but can also get caught on necklaces and collars, causing some discomfort. If a person has dozens of very small tags, sometimes we will simply recommend applying topical anesthetic cream to the area about an hour before coming to the clinic, and we can painlessly remove them with fine iris scissors. Larger tags are removed with our radiofrequency shave instrument, since this device prevents bleeding.
These benign but unsightly lesions have a waxy, rough surface and can look like they are “stuck on” the skin. I most often remove these with radiofrequency ablation (see example in the photo gallery) because typically the wound heals without a scar. Postoperative care is straightforward; a small amount of ointment and bandage is applied daily for about a week. After this time, there is freshly-healed, bright pink-red skin that needs to be protected from sun exposure by wearing clothing or applying sunscreen. However, over several months the skin colour will usually look similar to the surrounding skin. This can be a significant cosmetic advantage over full-thickness excision of the lesion, which always leaves a scar.
These are firm nodules that more commonly seen on females, particularly on the legs. They often are lightly pigmented. I find that the best cosmetic outcome is achieved by completely excising these lesions, because trying to shave them down would still leave part of the firm lesion behind.
These lumps grow downward from the undersurface of the skin, but sometimes they protrude outward as well (for example, on the scalp, where the skull bone prevents them from growing inward). Although many nonsurgical methods have been described to decrease their size (steroid injections, aspirating or squeezing out the contents, etc), surgically removing them has a very low risk of recurrence. In Dr. Andrade’s practice, less than 1% of excised cysts will recur. They are usually removed along with a thin strip of the overlying skin, to ensure the entire cyst and its small opening to the skin surface (punctum) is removed. The risks of surgery are low but include bleeding or bruising, infection, delayed healing, or poor scars. In addition, if a cyst is removed from the scalp, hair follicles do not grow back to the scar tissue, so there could be a focal area of hair loss (alopecia).
Since 2015, we have removed thousands of benign skin lesions at The York Plastic Surgery Centre. Patients seek care at our clinic because it is a fully-certified and inspected clinic registered with the CPSO, meaning very high standards of cleanliness, equipment sterility, and staff credentialing are maintained. Clinics that are not part of the CPSO Out of Hospital Premises (OHP) program are not routinely inspected and do not necessarily conform to these same standards. Dr. Andrade has over 20 years of surgical experience, reflected by his meticulous technique and commitment to excellent patient care. He uses the latest equipment, sutures and dressings to maximize the cosmetic outcome of any procedure.
In some cases, the mark or scar left after mole removal can be barely noticeable. However, the degree of scarring depends on several factors, including the mole’s location and size, an individual’s race and genetics, the technique used, and the care regimen followed after the procedure.
Lipoma removal usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes for small lumps measuring up to 3 to 4 cm. However, larger lipomas may require significantly more time to remove.
Cysts are usually removed with local anesthesia, which involves an injection to numb the skin. This injection may be uncomfortable or painful for about 30 seconds, after which the area becomes numb.
It is uncommon for lesions to regrow, but the likelihood depends on the type of lesion and the method used for removal. For instance, if a cyst is completely excised, it is very unlikely to return. However, if a prominent mole is shave-excised instead of being completely removed from the deeper layers, there is a higher chance that it may regrow. In Dr. Andrade’s practice, this risk is estimated to be about 2-3%.
For moles located in areas with low skin tension, such as the face, the wound typically heals within a week. If non-dissolving sutures are used, they are usually removed at this time.
In contrast, lesions on high-tension areas, such as the back, take about two weeks to fully heal. The freshly healed scar becomes significantly stronger until approximately six weeks post-surgery, after which it changes very slowly over the next 12 to 18 months. In most cases, it gradually softens and fade
