DR. MARTIN J. GIUFFRE (B.MS., MD., F.R.C.S.(C))

Lesion Removal

Lumps & Bumps

 Face & Body Lesions,scars, Facial & body moles, and birth marks:

What can be done to remove moles and birthmarks from my face and body?

There are numerous different types of marks, moles, birth marks and other lesions that may occur on the face and body.

  • Cosmetically unattractive marks and lesions can be removed surgically under local anaesthetic.

  • Lesions that are suspicious of being a skin cancer can also be removed under local anesthetic.

The minor surgery procedure involves removing the unwanted mark, and its underlying deeper root. It is then sutured with small sutures that are removed at 5 to 7 days, depending on the location of the surgery.

This leaves a small scar in place of the mark or lesion.

  • These lesions can be a “lump” which may require a larger incision to remove the entire mass under the skin. Again, this will leave a small scar.

These lesions and marks are sent to pathology to ensure they are not premalignant or malignant.

  • Alberta Health Service (AHS) does not cover these lesions or marks unless they are premalignant or malignant. If there is a recurrent history of infection in a “lump”, AHS will also cover the removal of a recurrently infected lump.

What if the mark is a skin cancer?

  • Skin cancer must always be ruled out when dealing with a mole, mark, lesion or lump.

  • Any suspicious mark, mole, or ulcer on the skin should be biopsied to rule out a malignancy.

  • Any biopsy tissue removed from a patient is sent to a pathologist to insure it is not premalignant or malignant.

  • Alberta Health Service (AHS) covers any lesions that are premalignant or malignant.

risks:

Risks for Facial resurfacing, or filler enhancement for facial creases:

  • Scarring 

  • Stitch tracks if the sutures are left in too long

  • Infection

  • Temporary Bruising and Swelling

  • Pigmentation change which can be darker or lighter pigmentation to the area treated

  • Prolonged redness (erythema)

  • Recurrence of the lesion

  • Contour deformity in the skin

  • Prolonged irregular surface of the skin 

  • Skin damage (necrosis)

  • Asymmetry

  • Expense if not covered by Alberta Health care 

(AHS will cover scars that create a functional problem and lesions or marks that are precancerous or cancers).