Mole Removals in a Single Appointment
Mole removals are often completed during the first visit. Depending on whether the mole is suspicious or simply unwanted, our surgeon may opt for shaving or surgical excision. Surgical excision involves a direct incision over the mole, a surgical extraction, and then stitching the skin back together. Local anesthetic is used to numb the area, so beyond a brief sting from the injection, the procedure is entirely painless.
Important: It’s dangerous to remove moles at home on your own.
What to Expect at Your Toronto Appointment
When you arrive at our clinic for mole removal, the surgeon will measure, map, and photograph the mole, as well as perform a complete skin exam. Before beginning, the area is sterilized with alcohol and numbed using a local anesthetic. You might feel a slight sting, but that’s all. Most procedures finish within an hour—though the exact timing depends on the mole’s size, color, whether it’s flat or raised, its location, and the removal technique.
Mole Removal Method Comparison
Select a method to learn more about your options
Punch Excision
A cylindrical tool removes the mole and a thin margin of skin. Small wounds may heal naturally; larger ones get 1-2 stitches.
Best for: Flat moles
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Procedure time: A few minutes
Note: The circular punch creates a small round wound that may require stitches for larger moles.
Shave Excision
After numbing, a scalpel shaves the mole flush with the skin. Bleeding is controlled with cauterization; stitches are rare.
Best for: Raised, light-colored moles
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Procedure time: Quick, with minimal downtime
Note: Since the mole is shaved at skin level, there's a small chance some cells remain, which could result in regrowth.
Surgical Excision
An elliptical cut removes the mole and a safety margin, closed with sutures. Tissue is sent for biopsy.
Best for: Deep or potentially cancerous moles
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Procedure time: 15-30 minutes
Note: This method ensures complete removal with margins, essential for suspicious moles. Our surgeons use advanced techniques to minimize visible scarring.
Laser Removal
A laser disintegrates the pigment. No stitches needed, though multiple sessions may be required.
Best for: Small, superficial, non-cancerous moles (cosmetic removal)
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Procedure time: Fast and painless
Note: Laser treatment is ideal for cosmetic concerns but unsuitable for potentially cancerous moles as it doesn't allow for tissue analysis.
Punch Excision
If the mole is flat, the surgeon may perform a punch excision. A small cylindrical device is placed over the mole to remove a round plug of tissue. If the mole is less than 1mm, it may be left to heal on its own. For larger moles, stitches might be used to close the area.
Shave Excision
For raised, light-colored moles, a shave excision (also called shave removal) might be chosen. Using a sharp scalpel, the surgeon removes the outermost layers of the mole, possibly going deeper depending on the purpose and location. There is a roughly 50/50 chance the mole could regrow over several years. Although slight bleeding can occur, stitches are usually not required. A small bandage helps the area heal quickly.
Elliptical Excision for Potentially Cancerous Moles
If the mole appears bumpy, dark, or possibly cancerous, the surgeon will use a scalpel to remove it in an elliptical shape, including some surrounding tissue. Our board-certified surgeon aims to minimize visible scarring, then closes the site with sutures. Research shows this method is both cost-effective and less likely to result in post-operative hypopigmentation.
Scarring
Some level of scarring is unavoidable with any mole removal procedure. However, at TMSC, our board-certified surgeons work meticulously to keep scars as small and inconspicuous as possible. Initially, scars may look pink or red but often fade to a thin, light mark that’s barely noticeable. In the rare event a patient is unhappy with the scar’s appearance, we also specialize in scar improvement treatments.
Our Approach at TMSC
Our board-certified surgeons are both highly trained and deeply committed to patient care, performing each procedure with attention to safety, precision, and aesthetics. Rest assured, our modern, sterile environment is equipped to provide a smooth and comfortable experience—from consultation through recovery.
