Discover
Contact Our Skin Experts
Have a question or want to book an appointment? Contact our skin experts today.
Mole removal and skin tag removal
There are different types growths that appear on the skin as we age: moles, skin tags, cherry angiomas, etc. Removal of a mole or other skin growth should be determined by a physician after careful assessment and diagnosis. The physicians at Healthy Skin Centre are dermatologists and skin care specialists who can help you make the right decision.
After obtaining a medical history and doing a skin exam, Dr. Nasseri will determine the best and safest treatment options should you choose to have your skin growths removed. Some of these treatments are considered cosmetic and not covered by MSP, while others are covered by MSP or by private insurance.
Moles, skin tags, and other skin growths are extremely common and often increase with age. At Healthy Skin Centre, we provide physician-led assessment and removal of benign and suspicious skin lesions using safe and effective techniques designed to minimize discomfort and scarring.
Book a consultation by calling us at 604.553.7546 (SKIN) or by booking your appointment online.
What Are Moles & Skin Tags?
Moles are clusters of pigment-producing cells that can appear anywhere on the body. They may be flat or raised and vary in colour, size, and texture.
Skin tags are soft, flesh-coloured growths that commonly develop in areas where skin rubs together, such as the neck, underarms, eyelids, and groin.
While most lesions are harmless, some growths should be evaluated to rule out skin cancer or other concerning changes.
When Should a Mole Be Evaluated?
A mole should be assessed if it changes in:
- Size
- Shape
- Colour
- Border appearance
- Texture
- Symptoms such as bleeding or itching
New moles appearing later in adulthood or rapidly changing lesions should also be examined.
Common Lesions We Treat
Moles (Nevi)
Moles are growths that are very common and that can appear at any age. They are typically brown or flesh-colored and they can be raised or flat. Mole removal will be done by one of our experienced physicians after a complete skin assessment. The surgical technique offered will depend on the size and location of the mole.
If you notice a change in a mole or if a mole looks unusual – not symmetric, irregular borders, very dark colour or multiple colours, or greater than 6 mm in size – it could be cancerous and should be examined a physician.
Having your mole removed at a salon or spa, or trying to remove it at home is not recommended as a correct diagnosis must be made before any removal and treatment with an experienced physician will decrease your risk scarring.
Skin Tags
Skin tags are small growths that are brown or flesh-colored and occur in areas where clothing usually rubs, such as around the neck, underarms, breasts and groin; they may also be found around the eyelids. They are often numerous and catch on clothing or jewelry and can be removed easily and safely by one of the physcians at Healthy Skin Centre using a variety of techniques. Home or self- skin tag removal is not advised as we have observed scarring, infections, significant pain and generally poor results. For skin tag removal, trust our experienced dermatologists.
Cherry Angiomas
Cherry angiomas are harmless, small red or purple growths that are in fact a collection of tiny blood vessels. They can appear anywhere on the body and can be removed easily and safely by our dermatologists using laser or cautery, and occasionally by surgical excision.
Seborrheic Keratoses
Seborrheic keratoses occur with aging and are benign, waxy, warty-looking growths that can be yellow, brown or black. They occur on the face, scalp, trunk and extremities. They can easily and safely be removed by our dermatologists using a variety of techniques (depending on size, location, thickness). Given that these growths are benign (harmless), removal is not covered by MSP.
Sun Spots
Sun spots, also known as lentigines, age spots or liver spots, are tan or brown flat spots occurring on sun exposed areas such as the face, chest, back of the hands, forearms and shins. They can be safely and effectively treated by our dermatologists with a variety of techniques depending on their size and location.
Lipomas and Cysts
Lipomas and cysts are collections of fat or oil underneath the skin. If they are red, swollen and painful, then injection with cortisone can be helpful. Otherwise, in most cases, surgical excision is required to remove them. Our dermatologists can safely and effectively remove your cyst or lipoma.
Milia Cysts
Milia cysts are tiny white bumps that look like deep whiteheads that typically appear on the face and most often around the eyes. They are benign and can be quickly and painlessly removed or extracted by our dermatologists with great cosmetic results.
Spider Veins
Spider veins, also knowns as telangiectasias, on the face appear as we age due to sun damage and trauma. The most popular methods of spider vein treatment are laser or intense pulsed light, or sometimes by electrocautery. Spider vein removal on the legs on the other hand are best treated with sclerotherapy (injections of medication). Our dermatologists can safely and effectively clear up these blood vessels for you.
How Removal Works
Consultation & Assessment
The dermatologists and skin care specialists at Healthy Skin Centre are happy to assess any skin lesion and provide education and counselling. Common questions are is the skin growth benign or malignant? Is this growth going to go away on its own? What is the cause of these growths and how can we prevent future lesions. Treatment and removal of all benign (non-cancerous) skin lesions are generally not covered by the provincial health plan (MSP), but may be covered by some private insurance companies (ex. Blue Cross, Great West Life, etc.).
Treatment Options
Depending on the lesion, removal may involve shaving, excision, cautery, or other minor procedural techniques.
Comfort
Local anesthetic is typically used to maximize comfort during treatment.
Pathology Testing
Suspicious lesions may be sent for laboratory analysis when medically indicated.
Aftercare & Healing
- Keep the area clean and protected
- Follow wound care instructions carefully
- Avoid picking or scratching the area
- Protect healing skin from sun exposure
- Attend follow-up appointments if recommended
Healing time depends on the size and location of the lesion removed.
Why Choose Healthy Skin Centre
- Physician-led assessment and treatment
- Expertise in skin lesion evaluation
- Focus on minimizing scarring
- Modern procedural techniques
- Safe and personalized care
Frequently Asked Questions
Can skin tags be removed permanently?
Treated skin tags generally do not return, though new ones may develop elsewhere over time.
Will mole removal leave a scar?
Any skin procedure can leave a scar, but techniques are selected to minimize visible scarring whenever possible.
Are suspicious moles tested?
Yes. If medically indicated, tissue may be sent for pathology analysis.
Can I remove moles or skin tags at home?
At-home removal is not recommended due to risks of infection, scarring, and missing potentially dangerous lesions.
Mole & Skin Tag Removal in New Westminster
Healthy Skin Centre provides mole and skin tag removal for patients from New Westminster, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Surrey, and Vancouver.
Book Your Consultation
If you are concerned about a mole, skin tag, or other skin growth, our team can assess your skin and recommend the safest treatment approach.