Clients that come in to see us for laser hair removal or laser vein treatments often show us other moles or skin tags that are bothersome to them and that they would like removed. If you have other skin lumps or bumps that you wish to have removed, please inform us of them during your initial consultation so that we may evaluate them for removal. If you are in for a follow-up treatment, you can just let our laser technician know and she will book you another consultation appointment with our physicians.

Skin tags

These are flesh coloured small “tags” of skin that frequently appear around the neck, waist, or in the armpits. They can occur anywhere on the body and are benign growths (they do not become cancerous). Sometimes these tags can catch on clothing and become irritated (red and sore).

We often remove skin tags by simple excision, cryotherapy (freezing) or by using a Hyfrecator.   Skin tag treatment is not a covered service by Manitoba Health so a fee would apply.  

Moles

Moles are can come in many different forms, colours, shapes, and sizes. The most common moles we are asked to remove is a dark or black mole or one that is changing and may be suspicious for pre-cancerous changes. Not every mole turns into cancer but any mole that has the following changes should be evaluated by your doctor:

• A - Assymetrie
  
  When the mole starts to become irregularly shaped
• B - Border changes
  
  Borders of a melanoma tend to be uneven.  The edges of the mole changes in thickness, colour, or gets wider.  The edges may be scalloped or notched
• C - Colour changes
  
  A variety of colors is a warning signal.  A mixture of 2 or more shades of brown, tan or black may appear on one mole. A melanoma may also become red or blue
• D - Diameter increases
  
  A warning signal is when a mole gets larger in size.  Melanomas are usually larger than the size of an eraser on a pencil (1/4 inch or 6mm) but sometimes can be smaller when first detected
• E - Evolving
  
  Any change in size, shape, color or or when the mole enlarges to become more of a bump on the skin or any other symptom such as bleeding, itching or crusting points to danger
• F - Feels funny
  
  When the mole just starts feeling different

We will need to evaluate your mole to know if removal fees would be covered by Manitoba Health. Manitoba Health does not cover the cost of mole removal for cosmetic purposes. Our fees vary depending on the size of the mole and where it is.

Seborrheic Keratosis

Seborrheic keratoses (SK) are often tan brown to black coloured, are raised above the skin, and have a rough and sometimes greasy appearance. They often appear to be “stuck on” the surface of the skin. You tend to grow more SK as you age. The most common site for SK to appear is on the back and chest, but it can also grow on the limbs, face, and scalp.

Seborrheic keratoses do not become cancerous and are usually harmless unless you catch them on your clothing and they bleed a little bit. It is still important to have your doctor evaluate any growths of this sort because sometimes a skin cancer like melanoma can first appear like the SK.

For people that want their SK removed, we can offer a couple options – cryotherapy (freezing) or shave excision. Manitoba Health does not cover the cost of cosmetic removal of SK's.