Moles & Skin Lesions — What You Need to Know
Understanding Moles
Moles and skin lesions are incredibly common, and most people will develop some form of mole during their lives. Many of the most common moles are completely harmless and do not require any medical intervention. However, other moles should be assessed by a physician.
While most moles are harmless, some require evaluation by a medical professional — especially those that change in appearance over time, cause symptoms, or look different from surrounding moles. Changes in size, colour, texture, or border irregularities can sometimes indicate a risk of skin cancer, and prompt assessment can be vital to ensuring safety and peace of mind.
Causes & Contributing Factors
Moles are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors:
- Genetic predisposition: Many moles are hereditary.
- Sun exposure: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is associated with increased mole formation and changes over time.
- Hormonal changes: Moles can change or appear during puberty or pregnancy.
Types of Skin Lesions We Treat
At Shine MD, we evaluate and treat a variety of skin lesions in addition to moles:
- Common Moles: Usually benign and may be removed for cosmetic reasons or medical evaluation.
- Skin Tags: Small, soft bumps connected by a thin stalk; medically harmless but often removed for comfort and appearance.
- Seborrheic Keratoses: Wax-like, scaly growths that tend to increase with age.
- Sebaceous Hyperplasia: Enlarged oil glands that form tiny bumps, most often on the face.
Each lesion type has distinct characteristics. Our physicians can differentiate these during clinical assessment and recommend suitable treatment approaches.
How Mole & Lesion Removal Works
Medical Evaluation Before Removal
Before proceeding with removal, it’s important for a physician to evaluate a mole or lesion. If the mole appears asymmetrical, irregular, rapidly changing, itchy, bleeding, or otherwise concerning, further assessment or biopsy may be recommended. In cases where an abnormal mole is suspected, your family physician or a walk-in doctor can provide a referral before your clinic visit.
Treatment Options at Shine MD
At our Vancouver clinic, mole and skin lesion removal is performed by experienced physicians using techniques that are safe, precise, and patient-centred:
- Ellman Surgitron Radiofrequency:
This technology uses radiofrequency energy to gently shave or remove the lesion with minimal trauma to surrounding skin — often resulting in faster healing and reduced scarring compared to traditional methods. - Erbium Laser Ablation:
Ideal for refining the treatment area, lasers can precisely vaporise tissue for cosmetic improvement after removal. They’re particularly effective for flattening surface irregularities and fine textural enhancement. - Biopsy & Pathology:
If there are features of concern, the removed tissue can be sent for laboratory analysis (pathology) to rule out skin cancer. This additional diagnostic step is covered by the Medical Services Plan of British Columbia when medically indicated.
Anaesthesia & Comfort
All mole removal procedures at Shine MD are performed with local anaesthesia so you remain comfortable throughout the treatment. Most patients experience minimal discomfort.
Before & After Care
Proper pre- and post-treatment care can help optimise healing and aesthetic outcomes:
Before Treatment:
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning on the area.
- Discuss medications affecting bleeding (e.g., aspirin, NSAIDs) with your physician.
After Treatment:
- Keep the area clean and follow wound care instructions from your clinician.
- Use recommended products (e.g., silicone sheets) to support healing and minimise redness or scarring.
- Keep the treated area protected from UV exposure with sunscreen once healed.
Book a mole removal consultation at our Vancouver clinic.
At Shine MD, we understand that moles and skin lesions can be irritating and aesthetically bothersome. That is why we offer both medical and aesthetic skin lesion removal treatments.
Learn More About Moles
Skin lesions can be caused by a wide variety of factors, depending on the type of lesion. Some of the most common skin lesions can be hereditary, like moles and birthmarks. Moles form when melanocytes, skin cells that produce melanin, grow in clusters.
While many skin lesions are completely harmless, others can be cause for concern, especially those that can become cancerous. If you have a mole or skin lesion that is changing quickly, or is irregular in pigment and borders, it will require a medical assessment by one of our physicians.
A referral is required from your family physician or a walk in physician for assessment by one of the physicians at Shine MD. Abnormal appearing moles will be removed as a medical biopsy and sent for pathology assessment. This is a covered benefit by the Medical Services Plan of British Columbia. Moles that are deemed to be benign with no worrisome features can be removed by our physicians.
Some common forms of skin lesions include:
- Moles can occur anywhere on the body, and many moles are harmless. However, moles that grow in size or change shape or color should be examined by a physician. Moles can also be cause for concern if they start to itch, flake, or bleed.
- Skin tags can appear anywhere on the body, and look like small flaps of excess skin that are attached to the skin by a thin stalk. These lesions are usually harmless.
- Seborrheic keratoses are common lesions that can appear flat or raised and have a waxy or scaly texture. These lesions are more likely to develop as you get older.
- Sebaceous hyperplasia is a condition that causes small, skin-toned bumps on the skin. They occur when sebum gets trapped under the skin, enlarging the skin glands. These lesions are harmless but can be aesthetically bothersome. While these lesions are easily treated with Erbium Laser, sebaceous hyperplasia is a recurring issue and lesions may not resolve with a single laser treatment.
Treatments for Moles and Skin Lesions 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.
Discover Our
Before & After Gallery
Want to see real patient results from our innovative skin treatments? View our impressive before and after images in our photo gallery.
*Individual results may vary.
