Common Skin Lesions & Removal Options
Dr. Mona Khurana, founder of Shine MD, brings a strong procedural background shaped by her years in emergency medicine. Her precision, efficiency, and attention to detail translate seamlessly into performing mole removal and skin lesion removal procedures in Vancouver.
At Shine MD, she applies her extensive clinical expertise with a thoughtful, individualized approach—ensuring each patient receives a thorough assessment and a clearly defined skin lesion treatment plan.
Shine MD is widely regarded as one of Vancouver’s leading skin care clinics, offering physician-led lesion removal in Vancouver in a setting that is convenient, accessible, and prioritizes patient safety. Patients and referring providers trust our clinic for expert management of benign lesions and suspicious lesions, with a strong focus on minimizing scarring and reducing the risk of hyperpigmentation, particularly in patients with skin of color.
Types of Skin Lesions
Skin Tags
Skin tags are small flaps of excess skin that can occur anywhere on the body. They are generally harmless but may become irritated from friction. Many patients seek skin tag removal in Vancouver for cosmetic reasons.
Moles (Pigmented Lesions)
Moles are common pigmented lesions that vary in color and size. While most are benign, any mole that changes in color, shape, or size should be assessed. Suspicious lesions are evaluated using dermoscopy and, when indicated, removed and sent for pathology. We offer both cosmetic and medically indicated mole removal.
Seborrheic Keratoses
Seborrheic keratoses are common benign lesions that appear waxy and scaly and may be brown, black, or tan. Many patients seek seborrheic keratoses removal due to their appearance or irritation.
Sebaceous Hyperplasia
Sebaceous hyperplasia presents as small, flesh-colored bumps caused by enlarged oil glands. These benign lesions are often treated for cosmetic improvement.
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN)
Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a common condition characterized by multiple small, dark pigmented lesions, typically found on the face and neck. It is more frequently seen in patients with skin of color. These lesions are benign but often removed for cosmetic reasons.
At Shine MD, we use precise techniques such as radiofrequency removal, electrocautery, and laser lesion removal to safely treat DPN while minimizing the risk of hyperpigmentation and scarring.
For more detailed information on treatment options and what to expect, please visit our dedicated DPN page.
Types of Moles & Methods of Removal
Moles are a common form of pigmented lesions and can vary in appearance, depth, and behavior. At Shine MD, each mole is carefully assessed to determine the safest and most appropriate mole removal method based on its characteristics and your treatment goals.
Pigmented Flat or Raised Moles
Pigmented moles, whether flat or raised, often extend deeper into the skin. For complete and definitive removal, these lesions typically require a surgical punch excision.
Moles larger than 6 mm may require a more extensive elliptical surgical excision, which involves removing the lesion with a margin of surrounding tissue and closing the area with sutures. In some cases, particularly for larger lesions or cosmetically sensitive areas, referral to a plastic surgeon may be recommended to optimize cosmetic outcomes.
Surgical excision remains the gold standard for removing pigmented moles, suspicious lesions, or when a specimen is needed for pathology.
Skin-Coloured Raised Moles
Skin-coloured, raised moles that protrude from the surface of the skin may be treated with a more conservative approach using the Ellman device with electrocautery.
This method gently shaves and flattens the mole, offering a low-downtime option with a reduced risk of scarring, making it an attractive choice for patients seeking cosmetic improvement. However, this technique does not remove the deeper base of the mole, and recurrence may occur over time.
Moles with Worrisome Features (Atypical or Changing Lesions)
Some moles may demonstrate clinically concerning features. While these lesions are not always cancerous, they require careful assessment and may need to be biopsied based on clinical judgment, dermoscopic evaluation, and personal medical history.
At Shine MD, all pigmented lesions are evaluated for atypical features before any cosmetic or surgical decision is made.
Worrisome Features of Moles (ABCDE Criteria)
- Asymmetry – one half does not match the other
- Border irregularity – jagged, blurred, or uneven edges
- Color variation – multiple shades within one lesion
- Diameter > 6 mm – or lesions increasing in size.
- Evolution – changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms such as itching or bleeding
Moles that display these features can be considered suspicious lesions and should be properly evaluated prior to removal. In some cases, a skin lesion biopsy or surgical excision may be recommended.
Not all lesions with these features are cancerous. Each mole is carefully evaluated, and the most appropriate next steps are determined based on your individual assessment.
Choosing the Right Mole Removal Approach
The only definitive way to completely remove a mole that originates deeper within the skin is surgical excision. However, many patients prefer electrocautery or radiofrequency removal for cosmetic improvement with minimal downtime.
At Shine MD, we tailor every treatment based on the type of lesion, your skin type, and your cosmetic goals to ensure the best possible outcome.
- Skin tags and seborrheic keratoses are most commonly removed with electrocautery, offering quick, precise treatment with excellent cosmetic results.
- Moles may be treated with either electrocautery or surgical punch excision, depending on depth and clinical features.
- Sebaceous hyperplasia is treated using a combination of Potenza radiofrequency ablation and Erbium laser, allowing for targeted treatment of oil glands with minimal skin disruption.
- Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is treated using a low-energy electrocautery technique, specifically designed to reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation—especially important for patients with skin of color.
For patients with multiple lesions, we offer treatment of larger surface areas, including the face, neck, and back. Our physicians have extensive experience treating widespread skin tags, seborrheic keratoses, and DPN efficiently and safely, with a strong focus on cosmetic outcomes.
During your consultation, Dr. Khurana will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your individual needs, helping you balance effectiveness, healing time, and cosmetic results.
Advanced Lesion Removal Techniques at Shine MD
At Shine MD, we offer multiple advanced techniques for lesion and mole removal in Vancouver, including:
- Electrocautery for precise tissue destruction and coagulation
- Laser lesion removal using advanced technologies such as the Erbium laser
- Surgical excision for pigmented or suspicious lesions.
Electrocautery removal allows for precise shaving of lesions with minimal thermal damage, helping reduce scarring and optimize healing. Electrocautery is an effective method for treating various benign lesions with excellent control and safety.
The Erbium laser is a highly precise tool used in laser lesion removal, allowing for controlled vaporization of tissue with minimal damage to surrounding skin—ideal for improving cosmetic outcomes and reducing downtime.
For larger or more complex lesions, surgical excision may be required, particularly when treating suspicious lesions to ensure complete removal and accurate diagnosis
What is Recovery Like After Skin Lesion Removal?
Recovery following skin tag removal is typically quick and straightforward. Most patients experience initial healing within 5–7 days, during which mild redness, slight swelling, or light scabbing at the treated areas is completely normal.
Your skin’s response during recovery will vary depending on your skin type, as well as the size, depth, and location of the treated lesion. It’s important to understand that temporary skin changes—such as redness or pigmentation—are expected side effects of the treatment, not complications.
If multiple or larger areas are treated, you may prefer to plan your schedule accordingly, as visible healing may impact social or professional activities for a short period.
What to Expect Based on Skin Type
- Darker skin tones: Temporary post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening of the treated area) may occur. This can be minimized with diligent sun protection, including sunscreen and sun avoidance. Targeted skincare and advanced laser treatments can help accelerate fading.
- Lighter skin tones: You may notice temporary redness or pink discoloration (post-inflammatory erythema) at the treatment site. This is a normal part of healing and gradually resolves over time. The improvement can be accelerated with Broad Band Light (BBL) laser or Aerolase treatments.
Supporting Optimal Healing
To enhance your recovery and achieve the best possible results, Dr. Khurana may recommend:
- Medical-grade skincare tailored to your skin type, specifically targeting pigmentation pathways
- Laser treatments such as BroadBand Light (BBL) or Aerolase to reduce redness or pigmentation
- Silicone gel sheets to support smooth healing and minimize discoloration
Long-Term Healing
While the surface of the skin heals quickly, deeper healing and collagen remodeling continue for up to one year after treatment. During this time, you’ll notice ongoing improvements in skin texture, tone, and overall appearance.
Before & After Care
Before Treatment
- Avoid sun exposure on the area to be treated in the weeks leading up to your appointment
- Inform your physician of any medications or medical conditions.
After Treatment
- Keep the treated area clean and follow all wound care instructions provided by your clinician
- Use recommended products, such as silicone gel sheets, to support healing and minimize redness or pigmentation
- Protect the treated area from UV exposure using a broad-spectrum sunscreen once the skin has healed.
What is a Skin Lesion Removal Treatment Like?
The approach to skin lesion removal is tailored to both the type of lesion and your individual preferences. At Shine MD, every procedure is designed to be comfortable, precise, and focused on optimal cosmetic results.
Before the procedure begins, the area is numbed with a local anesthetic (lidocaine) to ensure a completely comfortable and painless experience.
If you are nervous about the procedure or have a fear of needles, the team will offer you Ativan and/or laughing gas. The physicians will gently inject numbing in the area of treatment. Once the area is numb, the lesion will be removed with the electrocautery machine.
Many benign skin lesions can be removed using an advanced device called the Ellman Surgitron, which is used to gently and precisely shave the lesion. This technique minimizes trauma to the surrounding skin, helping to support faster healing and improved cosmetic outcomes.
Following the procedure, a small superficial wound will be present where the lesion was removed. Over the next 3-7 days, the area forms a protective scab as it heals. Once the scab resolves, you may notice some temporary redness, which gradually fades over time. Many patients choose to use silicone gel sheets to enhance healing and reduce redness.
Dr. Khurana also utilizes the Erbium laser, a highly precise technology that gently vaporizes tissue to refine the skin’s surface. This is particularly effective for improving the appearance of moles, skin tags, and sebaceous hyperplasia. For larger lesions, a shave excision may be performed first, followed by Erbium laser refinement to optimize the final cosmetic result. Healing from this approach is typically smooth, with minimal scarring.
In some cases, certain moles—especially those with suspicious features—require surgical excision. This involves removing the lesion more deeply and closing the area with sutures. This method is considered the gold standard when a specimen is needed for accurate diagnosis and complete removal.
What this means for you
At Shine MD, our goal is not just to remove the lesion—but to ensure the best possible cosmetic outcome long-term. Every treatment plan includes guidance on healing, prevention of pigmentation, and options to enhance your final result.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Healing typically takes 1–3 weeks, depending on the size and method used. Some redness may last longer.
Minimal scarring is expected when performed by experienced physicians using advanced techniques.
A referral is required for medically necessary assessments covered under MSP. Cosmetic removals do not require a referral.
Treatments for Skin Lesions and Moles at Shine MD
Moles and other skin lesions can be diagnosed and removed by our physicians at Shine Md. If any concerning features are present, your skin lesion removal and biopsy will be covered by the Medical Services Plan of British Columbia. More information is available on our MSP Referral page. Moles that are removed purely for cosmetic reasons are not a covered benefit by the Medical Services Plan.
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Before & After Gallery
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*Individual results may vary.
