Mole Removal in Canada: The Definitive Guide

Introduction

Facial moles are common — some are genetic, others acquired over time — but they aren’t always welcome. Whether due to aesthetics, irritation, or concern over skin cancer, many Canadians seek mole removal each year. And yet, what seems like a simple request is anything but simple when it involves the face.

Dr. Kristina Zakhary, a facial surgeon in Canada, who is an Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgeon with special focus in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery , sees mole removal cases serval times weekly. Her approach is defined by two priorities: removal with precision and aesthetic preservation of the face. “It’s not just about taking it off,” she explains. “It’s about planning the outcome — what the face will look like when it heals.”

This definitive guide outlines what Canadians need to know before removing a facial mole: from diagnosis and treatment options to aftercare, recurrence, and costs.

Why People Choose Mole Removal

Not all moles require medical intervention. However, people choose removal for two main reasons:

1. Medical concern

• Change in colour, shape, size
• Bleeding, itching, or ulceration
• Suspicion of basal cell carcinoma or melanoma
• Physician referral for biopsy or excision

2. Cosmetic reasons

• Visibility on high-profile areas: lips, nose, cheeks
• Asymmetry or texture irregularities
• Interference with makeup, shaving, or facial hair
• Personal discomfort with facial balance

“Even small moles can be psychologically significant,” Dr. Zakhary explains. “When patients say, ‘This is the first thing people see,’ I take that seriously.”

What Is a Mole?

Moles — clinically called melanocytic nevi — form when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) group together in the skin. They can be flat or raised, pigmented or flesh-toned, and vary in texture.

Common types:

Only histopathological analysis (laboratory tissue examination) can determine if a mole is benign or pre-cancerous.

How Mole Removal Works in Canada

Mole removal in Canada falls under two categories: medically necessary and cosmetic.

Medically necessary removals:

Covered by provincial health care (e.g., OHIP) when the mole:

• Is changing or symptomatic
• Is suspected to be malignant
• Is referred by a physician or dermatologist for suspected malignancy

Cosmetic removals:

Paid out-of-pocket and not covered by provincial insurance. Facial mole removal is considered cosmetic when:

• The mole is stable and benign
• There are no symptoms
• The patient wants it removed purely for aesthetic reasons

At Facial Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Zakhary performs both types of removals — but always with a cosmetic surgeon’s eye.

Techniques Used for Facial Mole Removal

Each technique carries different outcomes in terms of healing, scarring, and recurrence risk. Dr. Zakhary selects the approach based on mole depth, texture, location, and skin type.

1. Surgical Excision with Sutures

This is the gold standard, especially when:

• The mole is deep-rooted
• A hair is growing from the mole
• The patient wants complete removal with the lowest risk of regrowth

The procedure:

• Mole is excised with a safety margin
• Wound is closed in multiple layers to reduce tension
• Initial Healing usually takes 7-14 days, with suture removal as required
• Scar fades over several months and is minimized with precise closure techniques and after care

“Facial suturing isn’t just functional — it’s aesthetic,” Dr. Zakhary says. “Incisions must align with natural skin folds and contours.”

2. Shave Excision (Scarless Technique)

In this technique:

• The mole is shaved flush with the skin using a scalpel
• No stitches are required
• Healing occurs by secondary intention (skin regenerates over the area)

Best for:

• Small, raised moles
• Areas where stitches would cause unnecessary tension
• Cosmetic removal when the mole appears benign

Downsides:

• Slight risk of pigment shadow or regrowth
• Risk of regrowth

3. Laser Mole Removal

Rarely used in clinical mole excision unless the lesion is clearly benign. Laser vaporizes pigment cells but destroys tissue, making biopsy impossible.

Not suitable for:

• Suspicious or changing moles
• Deep moles
• Patients with darker skin tones (higher risk of hypopigmentation)
• Also high risk of regrowth of mole

Risks and Recovery: What Patients Should Expect

Immediate Aftercare

• Minimal bleeding, controlled with pressure or dressings
• Instructions for cleaning, topical ointment, and sun protection
• Downtime: Most patients resume daily activities same or next day

Scar Expectations

• Redness, swelling, and firmness for 2–3 weeks
• Scar typically softens and fades by 3–6 months
• Scar gels, taping, and laser touch-up (if needed) can improve results

Recurrence

• Possible in 100% of shave cases
• Very rare in full-thickness excision

“We aim for total removal — but healing is a biological process,” Dr. Zakhary explains. “The follow-up matters just as much as the initial cut.”

Cost of Mole Removal in Canada

Private mole removal is based on:

• Location (face vs. body)
• Technique (shave vs. excision)
• Need for histopathology
• Provider expertise