Toronto, ON: (416) 663-9649
The Centre for Minor Surgery
5109 Steeles Avenue West – Unit 300
Toronto, ON M9L 2Y8
Phone: (416) 663-9649
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Our Royal College-certified plastic surgeons at the Centre for Minor Surgery (CFMS) understand that something as simple as a facial mole can be a cosmetic concern. We perform mole removal, often at the initial appointment, to give patients from Barrie, Mississauga, Kitchener, Oakville, and nearby Ontario communities peace of mind and enhanced confidence. Our surgical approach is always laser-focused on leaving the least noticeable scar possible, so we choose the best mole removal techniques for our Toronto patients’ individual needs.
Moles, also called nevi or beauty marks, are generally harmless brown, tan, pink, or sometimes blue spots that can develop anywhere on the skin. Some are present from birth, while others may develop later in life. Moles may grow and slightly change in appearance over time.
Your doctor should check any changing or new mole to ensure there are no signs of skin cancer. Moles often change in response to hormonal fluctuations, such as during puberty and pregnancy. Benign moles can be left untreated or removed for cosmetic reasons. Removal of harmless moles is not covered by OHIP.
At our clinic in Ontario, Canada, removal of a benign nevus will depend on the size and location of the mole you want removed. We will provide you with a specific price prior to your procedure, but you can get a general figure on our pricing page.
Mole removal is a safe procedure when performed by an experienced and qualified doctor who has the mole screened for cancer and other diseases after removing it. At-home mole removal is risky for a variety of reasons, which include:
For more information about why you shouldn’t remove a mole yourself, review this blog post.
Your surgeon will carefully examine your unwanted or suspicious mole to plan the best way to remove it with the least noticeable scar. First, your doctor will inject local anesthetic to numb the area. There is a slight sting with this injection, but after the freezing has taken the procedure is completely painless.
Depending on the features of the mole, shave excisions or excision with stitching will be used to remove your mole. Your surgeon will choose the technique that will leave you with the most minimal, inconspicuous scar possible. At CFMS, it is our policy to send all moles for biopsy.
The healing period varies with the removal technique, size and depth of the removal, and individual patient factors. Typically, it takes 2 to 3 weeks for the area to heal after mole removal. While no significant downtime is required, you will need to keep the area clean and dry and prevent it from being stretched or irritated. For more information, read our blog post Top Tips for Mole Removal Aftercare.
To avoid an infection after mole removal, follow your post-op instructions carefully. Be on the lookout for any of the following signs that you may have an infection:
If you have any of these signs or other concerns, contact our office at (416) 663-9649.
If some of the cells from a mole are left behind, it is possible for it to grow back. While shave excision is typically effective, mole regrowth is more likely with this technique.
Unfortunately, there is no way to remove a mole without leaving some degree of evidence behind. Whether the area heals on its own or is stitched, the mark is usually pink or red at first. Over a period of months, scars usually fade to a fine light mark that is often hard to see at all. At CFMS, we will use the best techniques to minimize scarring. We are also experts in scar improvement should a rare case of unsatisfactory scarring occur.
If you are prone to keloids, it is more likely you will develop one after mole removal. It is even more likely if a mole is removed on your back, shoulder, or another keloid-prone area. Our surgeons have extensive experience treating keloids and can advise you on whether it’s worth it to remove your mole or leave well enough alone.
Patients typically find that the renewed confidence and peace of mind that come with removing an unsightly or potentially cancerous mole make this minimally invasive procedure well worth the time and money.
If a mole changes in size, shape, colour, or sensation (pain, itching) or does not seem to heal, you should consult a medical professional to discuss removal options.
Removing a healthy mole will not cause cancer. However, if the mole was malignant prior to the removal, you may need further treatment. To be sure, we have all moles tested regardless of whether they look suspicious.
The procedure is typically well tolerated. We use local anesthesia to numb the area and keep you comfortable.
Sun exposure, hormonal changes, or genetic predisposition can contribute to the appearance of moles.
The best method for mole removal depends on the mole’s size, type, and location. We will discuss your options and recommend the right approach for your needs.
Visit our FAQs page for more information about minor surgery at our centre.
To meet with one of the plastic surgeons at The Centre for Minor Surgery in Toronto, book a consultation using our online form or by calling
(416) 663-9649.
No referral is needed.
Easy online appointment request – no referral needed
Same day procedures save you time
Get back to your life without missing a beat
At The Centre For Minor Surgery our goal is to provide excellence in surgical treatment for benign and cancerous growths. We strive to overcome the problem of long waiting times. No referral is needed to be seen by one of our Royal College-certified plastic surgeons.
