Common Skin Lesions & Removal Options

Many common skin lesions, including seborrheic keratoses, skin tags, dermatofibromas, and moles, are entirely benign and do not carry a risk of becoming cancerous. However, because some lesions can occasionally resemble more serious conditions — including melanoma or pigmented basal cell carcinoma — a physician’s assessment is essential before any treatment is undertaken. At Shine MD, all lesions are evaluated clinically by a physician prior to removal.

No. All skin lesion removal procedures at Shine MD are performed under local anesthesia (lidocaine), which fully numbs the treatment area before any instrument is used. Once the numbing is injected, patients do not experience discomfort during the procedure. A brief stinging sensation from the anesthetic injection itself is the most commonly reported experience.

If you are certain that the lesion is benign, no referral is required to book a consultation at Shine MD. You may contact the clinic directly to arrange an assessment with with a physician. The clinic team will ask you to send photos of the areas to ensure that you can be booked in for an elective lesion removal appointment. The physicians at Shine MD will assess your lesion, confirm the diagnosis, and recommend the most appropriate removal approach based on your individual presentation and skin type. Consult and removal fees apply. If a biopsy is clinically indicated, the associated pathology costs will be covered by the Medical Services Plan of British Columbia (MSP).

Skin lesion removal performed for cosmetic reasons is not covered by the Medical Services Plan of British Columbia. The starting cost for a single lesion is $500, with additional fees per lesion or area. For larger areas where multiple lesions are present, your pricing will be determined by our team after an in-person or photo assessment.

Multiple lesions can often be treated in a single session. Patients presenting with clusters or more widespread lesions across the face, neck, chest, or back are routinely treated in one visit. The number of lesions addressed is determined during your consultation, based on their size, location, and distribution.

Once a lesion has been fully removed, it does not typically recur in the same location. However, individuals who are predisposed to developing certain skin lesions may continue to develop new ones over time. This reflects a natural tendency of the skin rather than a result of the treatment.

The risk of scarring is low when appropriate techniques are used. At Shine MD, methods such as electrocautery are selected to minimize trauma to surrounding tissue and support smooth healing. Post-inflammatory skin changes such as redness or pigmentation are a common and expected part of the healing process. Permanent textural scarring is unlikely.

Yes. Shine MD has particular expertise in treating patients with skin of color. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (darkening of the treated area) is a temporary known and expected response in most patients with skin of color. This occurs as the skin heals and is a response to the treatment energy. While this is not harmful, it may take time to fade.

We take specific precautions to minimize pigmentation changes and support optimal healing. For patients who want faster improvement, we also offer optional post-treatment skincare and laser therapies to help even out skin tone. These additional treatments are elective and not included in the initial lesion removal fee.

In the weeks leading up to your appointment, avoid sun exposure and tanning in the areas to be treated. Inform your physician of any medical conditions or medications. On the day of your procedure, arrive with clean skin, free of makeup, lotions, or heavy creams in the treatment area.

Recovery 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. The scab gradually resolves as the skin heals beneath. Temporary post-inflammatory changes — such as redness in lighter skin tones or darkening in patients with skin of color — are expected and typically improve over several weeks to months. Medical-grade skincare and, where appropriate, laser treatments may be used to support and accelerate resolution.

You will receive a post care kit containing skin care, skin balm and written post care instructions. Keep the treated area clean and follow the wound care instructions provided by your clinician. Daily cleansing and the use of Aquaphor will improve your wound healing. Once the skin has fully healed, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect the area from UV exposure and minimize post-inflammatory pigmentation. Avoid picking at or disturbing any scabs that form, as this can delay healing and increase the risk of scarring.

Most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities immediately or within 24 hours following treatment. Skin lesion removal involves minimal to no downtime. To support proper healing, we recommend avoiding swimming, hot tubs, and saunas until the skin is fully healed, and minimizing prolonged moisture, friction, or sweating — especially in areas where skin folds are present. Mild tenderness or sensitivity at the treated sites for a few days is completely normal and typically resolves quickly.

While the initial healing period is typically up to seven days, the skin continues to remodel for up to one year following treatment. Most patients notice a significant improvement once the scab resolves, with continued refinement in texture, tone, and overall appearance over the following months.