A mole, medically termed a nevus, is a common skin growth also known as a beauty mark or pigmented lesion. These growths arise from clusters of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes, which give skin its color. Moles can vary widely in appearance and may be present at birth (congenital moles) or develop over time (acquired moles). By age 50, most individuals have between 10 to 40 moles, though this number varies. Moles can fade, change, or persist throughout life, and while the vast majority are benign, monitoring them for signs of skin cancer—especially malignant melanoma—is critical.
Moles are clusters of pigment cells called melanocytes. They can appear anywhere on the body and come in various colours, including brown, tan, pink and even blue.
Types of Moles
Moles come in several forms, each with distinct characteristics:
Congenital Moles: Present at birth, these range from small (less than 1.5 cm) to giant (over 20 cm). Larger congenital moles have a slightly higher risk of developing into melanoma.
Acquired Moles: These emerge after birth, often during childhood or adolescence, and are typically harmless unless they change significantly.
Atypical Moles (Dysplastic Nevi): Larger than average (over 6 mm), with irregular shapes and colors, these moles may mimic melanoma and carry an elevated cancer risk.
Junctional Moles: Flat and usually brown, these form at the junction of the epidermis and dermis.
Compound Moles: Slightly raised and tan to dark brown, these span both the epidermis and dermis.
Intradermal Moles: Raised, often flesh-colored or light brown, these reside solely in the dermis.
Moles can appear anywhere on the body—face, arms, legs, or even hidden areas like the scalp—and come in colors like brown, tan, pink, black, or blue. Some even sprout hairs, which is normal. Understanding your mole type can guide decisions about monitoring or removal, especially if you’re in Toronto seeking expert care.
Symptoms of Moles
Moles present a range of physical traits:
Appearance: Typically oval or round, they may be smooth, wrinkled, flat, or raised.
Size: Most are under 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), though congenital moles can be much larger.
Color: Commonly brown, but also red, pink, tan, or black.
Location: Found anywhere on the body, from visible areas like the face to less obvious spots like the back.
Additional Symptoms: Some moles grow hairs, a benign trait unless accompanied by other concerning changes.
Warning Signs
While most moles are harmless, certain symptoms signal the need for professional evaluation:
Rapid growth in size
Color shifts, especially darkening or variegation
Irregular, jagged, or blurred borders
Itching, bleeding, or crusting
Pain or tenderness
If you notice these in Toronto or nearby areas, The Minor Surgery Center offers rapid consultations to assess your moles with expert precision.
Causes of Moles
Moles result from melanocytes clustering rather than spreading evenly across the skin. Several factors influence their formation:
Sun Exposure: Excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly in childhood, can increase mole counts and alter existing ones. Toronto’s variable climate means sun protection is key year-round.
Hormonal Changes: Puberty, pregnancy, or hormonal therapies can trigger new moles or modify existing ones due to fluctuating melanin production.
Genetic Predisposition: A family history of moles or skin cancer heightens your likelihood of developing them.
Protecting your skin with sunscreen (SPF 30+), protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds can reduce mole formation and cancer risk—advice we emphasize at The Minor Surgery Center.
Monitoring Moles for Cancer
Regular self-checks are vital for early detection of skin cancer, especially melanoma, the most dangerous form. Use the ABCDE guide:
Asymmetry: One half differs from the other in shape, size, or color.
Border: Edges are irregular, notched, or scalloped rather than smooth.
Diameter: Exceeds 6 mm, though melanomas can be smaller.
Evolving: Changes occur in size, shape, color, height, or symptoms like itching or bleeding emerge.
Note: Not all melanomas fit this pattern. Any new, changing, or unusual mole warrants a visit to our Toronto clinic, where our board-certified surgeons provide thorough evaluations.
Mole Removal Options: Laser vs. Surgery
At The Minor Surgery Center, we offer two primary mole removal methods, tailored to your needs:
Laser Mole Removal
Best For: Small, superficial, non-cancerous moles removed for cosmetic reasons.
How It Works: A precise laser targets and breaks down the mole’s pigment, vaporizing it layer by layer.
Advantages:
Minimal scarring
Quick healing (often within days)
No stitches required
Painless, ideal for visible areas like the face or neck
Limitations:
Unsuitable for deep or cancerous moles
No biopsy possible, limiting its use for suspicious growths
Surgical Mole Removal
Best For: Larger, deeper, or potentially cancerous moles.
Methods:
Punch Excision: A cylindrical tool removes flat moles and a small margin of skin.
Shave Excision: A scalpel shaves off raised moles at skin level.
Surgical Excision: An elliptical incision removes the mole and surrounding tissue, followed by sutures.
Advantages:
Complete removal, including roots
Biopsy capability for cancer screening
Precise, effective for all mole types
Limitations:
Minor scarring (minimized by our skilled surgeons)
Requires local anesthesia and possibly stitches
Our Toronto-based surgeons assess your mole during a free consultation to recommend the best approach, balancing cosmetic outcomes with medical necessity.
Advantages of Surgical Mole Removal
Comprehensive Removal: Ensures the entire mole and surrounding tissue are excised, critical for suspicious moles.
Biopsy Capability: Tissue analysis confirms or rules out cancer, offering clarity and peace of mind.
Precision: Advanced techniques allow targeted removal, even for irregular or large moles.
Minimal Pain: Local anesthesia numbs the area; only a brief sting from the injection is felt.
Expertise: Our board-certified plastic surgeons in Toronto use cutting-edge methods to reduce scarring and speed recovery.
Detailed Mole Removal Procedures
Punch Excision
Target: Flat moles
Process: After numbing, a small cylindrical tool removes the mole and a thin margin of skin. Small wounds may heal naturally; larger ones get 1-2 stitches.
Time: A few minutes
Shave Excision
Target: Raised, light-colored moles
Process: Post-anesthesia, a scalpel shaves the mole flush with the skin. Bleeding is controlled with cauterization; stitches are rare.
Time: Quick, with minimal downtime
Surgical Excision
Target: Deep or potentially cancerous moles
Process: An elliptical cut removes the mole and a safety margin, closed with sutures. Tissue is sent for biopsy.
Time: 15-30 minutes
Laser Mole Removal
Target: Cosmetic removal of small, benign moles
Process: A laser disintegrates the pigment. No stitches needed, though multiple sessions may be required.
Time: Fast and painless
At our Toronto, Oakville, and Vaughan clinics, these procedures are performed with state-of-the-art equipment by surgeons with over 2000+ procedures under their belts.
Post-Procedure Care and Healing Stages
Aftercare Guidelines
Proper care ensures optimal healing:
First 24 Hours: Keep the site clean and dry.
Ointments: Apply prescribed treatments as directed.
Avoid Disturbance: Don’t pick at scabs or sutures.
Sun Protection: Use SPF once healed to prevent scar darkening.
Follow-Up: Attend scheduled visits to monitor progress and remove stitches if needed.
Our team provides personalized instructions tailored to your procedure.
Mole Removal Healing Stages
Immediate Post-Procedure: Redness and slight swelling occur.
First Week: A scab forms, shielding new tissue.
Weeks 2-4: The scab falls off, revealing pink skin.
Months 2-3: The scar fades and flattens.
Up to a Year: The scar blends into surrounding skin, becoming nearly invisible.
Scarring is minimal thanks to our surgeons’ expertise, though healing varies by individual.
Post-Procedure Care:
Scarring: Scarring is inevitable, but our surgeons work to make it as minimal and unnoticeable as possible. The scar typically fades over time from pink or red to a thin, light mark.
Aftercare: Keep the wound clean and follow our aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing. Protect the area from sun exposure to avoid darkening the scar.
Mole Removal Healing Stages:
Immediate Post-Procedure: The area may be red and slightly swollen.
First Week: A scab forms over the site, protecting the healing tissue underneath.
Weeks 2-4: The scab falls off, revealing new pink skin.
Months 2-3: The scar begins to fade and flatten.
Up to a Year: The scar continues to lighten and blend with the surrounding skin.
Mole Removal at The Minor Surgery Center in Toronto
Why Choose Us?
The Minor Surgery Center is Toronto’s premier destination for mole removal, offering rapid, expert care across our clinics in Toronto, Oakville, and Vaughan. Serving Southern Ontario—including Mississauga, Scarborough, Markham, and beyond—our board-certified plastic surgeons specialize in removing moles, skin lesions, and dark spots with precision and care.
Safety First: Our state-of-the-art facilities adhere to rigorous sterilization standards.
Fast Access: Many patients have their mole removed on their first visit, avoiding long wait times.
Expert Surgeons: Leaders in minor surgery, our team ensures minimal scarring and maximum comfort.
No Referral Needed: Book directly for convenience.
Advanced Technology: We use the latest tools for effective, efficient procedures.
Out-of-Hospital Care: Avoid hospital risks in our dedicated clinic environment.
With over 2000 successful procedures and 300+ Google reviews averaging 4.8/5, we’re a trusted choice for mole removal in Toronto.
What to Expect
Consultation: Discuss your concerns with a surgeon who examines your mole and suggests a method.
Preparation: The area is cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia.
Procedure: Removal takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the technique.
Aftercare: Receive detailed instructions and a follow-up plan.
Follow-Up: We monitor healing and address any questions.
Cost of Mole Removal
Starting at $500, costs vary by mole size and location. We offer free consultations to provide a personalized quote, ensuring transparency.
How much does it cost to have a mole removed?
The cost to remove a mole starts at $500 at our clinics in Toronto and Oakville. However, the cost varies based on factors such as the mole’s size and location. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed cost estimate.
FAQs
Can Removing a Mole Cause Cancer? No, removing a mole does not cause cancer. In fact, removing suspicious moles can prevent the development of skin cancer by enabling early detection and treatment.
Cancerous Mole Removed - What Now? If a mole is found to be cancerous and removed, follow-up care and monitoring are essential. Your surgeon will provide guidance on how to monitor your skin for any new changes and may recommend regular dermatological check-ups.
How to Remove Moles Naturally? While there are many home remedies claimed to remove moles naturally, these methods are not recommended due to the risk of infection, scarring and incomplete removal. It’s safer and more effective to have moles removed by board certified surgeons.
When should a mole be removed? Moles should be removed if they are suspicious for cancer, cause cosmetic concerns, or get irritated by clothing or jewellery. During your consultation at TMSC, our surgeons will examine your mole and recommend the best course of action.
What is mole removal surgery? Mole removal surgery involves removing moles through punch excision, shave excision, surgical excision, or laser removal. The method depends on the mole’s size, location and characteristics.
Why do people choose mole removal surgery? People choose mole removal for cosmetic reasons, to eliminate discomfort, or to biopsy suspicious moles. Early removal of a cancerous mole can be life-saving.
What are the risks associated with mole removal surgery? Risks include minor scarring and potential infection. Our surgeons minimize scarring and provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.
Who is a good candidate for mole removal? Anyone concerned about the appearance or health of a mole is a good candidate. If you have a history of blood clotting or healing issues, discuss these with your surgeon.
How do you tell if a mole is cancerous? A cancerous mole often has asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, a diameter larger than 6mm and changes over time.
Can you remove a mole yourself? No, mole removal should not be a DIY project. Professional removal ensures safety, reduces infection risk and prevents scarring.
What is mole removal downtime? There is minimal downtime. Follow your surgeon’s instructions, avoid irritating the area and protect it from sun exposure to ensure proper healing.
How soon will you see the results? Results are immediate, but scarring may take up to a year to fully heal and fade.
About The Minor Surgery Center
Founded by Dr. Kunaal Jindal and Dr. Roberto Tutino, The Minor Surgery Center bridges the gap in minor surgery care, addressing long wait times with a modern, patient-focused approach. With three locations and Ontario’s largest team of minor surgery specialists, we’ve served thousands across Toronto and beyond since our inception five years ago. Our mission: deliver safe, swift, and effective solutions for skin and hand conditions.
Contact Us
Ready to address your mole concerns? Book your free consultation today: 📞 (647) 614-1611 🌐 www.minorsurgerycenter.com 📍 Locations: Toronto, Oakville, Vaughan
Let The Minor Surgery Center provide you with expert mole removal in Toronto—where your safety, comfort, and satisfaction come first
