Seborrheic keratoses are entirely benign and do not carry a risk of becoming cancerous. However, because they can occasionally resemble other lesions a physician’s assessment is important before any treatment is undertaken. At Shine MD, all lesions are evaluated clinically by a physician prior to removal.

If you are certain that the lesion is a seborrheic keratosis, then no referral is required to book a consultation at Shine MD. You may contact the clinic directly to arrange an assessment with Dr. Khurana. 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. On treatment day, your physician at Shine MD will assess your seborrheic keratoses, 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 may be covered by the Medical Services Plan of British Columbia (MSP).

Seborrheic keratosis removal performed for cosmetic reasons is not covered by the Medical Services Plan of British Columbia. The starting cost of a single seborrheic keratosis 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 members after an in person or photo assessment.

Multiple seborrheic keratoses 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 seborrheic keratosis has been fully removed, it does not typically recur in the same location. However, individuals who are predisposed to developing seborrheic keratoses may continue to develop new lesions 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. As outlined above, 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 following seborrheic keratosis 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.

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.

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, to 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. Seborrheic keratosis removal involves minimal to no downtime, making it a convenient option for even the busiest schedules.

To support proper healing, we recommend avoiding swimming, hot tubs, and saunas in the days following your procedure until the skin is fully healed. It’s also important to minimize prolonged moisture, friction, or sweating—especially in areas where skin folds are present—to reduce irritation and promote optimal recovery.

You may experience mild tenderness or sensitivity at the treated sites for a few days. This is completely normal and typically resolves quickly as your skin heals.

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.