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Lesions | Moles

Lesions/Mole Removal in New Westminster, BC | MacDonald Plastic Surgery

Skin lesions are growths under the skin (sebaceous cyst or lipoma) or on the skin surface (moles and skin cancers), usually only involving the full thickness of the skin layer.

Skin lesions cover a broad group of moles, cysts, and lipomas (fatty tissue lumps). Moles are considered benign and non-cancerous and are often removed for cosmetic reasons.

Epidermal or sebaceous cysts are firm lumps under the skin that can sometimes drain a white, thick material, and can be foul smelling. These can become infected if they continue to drain. They are often due to ingrown hair follicles or some minor scrape to the skin that causes the external skin layer to be trapped under other skin. This skin continues to produce the normal skin oil which gets trapped and forms a cyst. Some areas are more prone to developing these cysts such as the scalp (pilar cysts) or back.

Lipomas are a collection of fatty tissue under the skin that forms firm lumps. It’s not known why these form and you can’t do anything to prevent them. They are benign, but large lipomas or those in sensitive areas can be bothersome. 

Learn more about lesion or mole removal at MacDonald Plastic Surgery by scheduling a consultation.

What Can I Expect During Lesion/Mole Removal Treatment?

Cyst/lipoma/mole excision is done under local freezing while you are awake. The sutures are dissolving, except in highly noticeable areas such as chest or face. If non-dissolving or removable stitches are used, they need to be taken out in 5-6 days in the face and all other areas 7-10 days. You will have a light dressing or Band-Aid with ointment applied.

You can eat and drink before the surgery.

Unless you have had hand surgery, you can drive after the surgery. You can shower 48 hours after surgery. Incision care is simply washing then applying ointment and a light dressing every one or two days. Normally no time off work is required for these surgeries unless it is in an area that may be come soiled while working or bothered by the job (i.e. hand surgery). You need to avoid activities that may increase your blood pressure for a minimum of 48 hours but ideally 1-2 weeks to allow optimal scar results.

Your Consultation

Your first step will be to have a detailed consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr.  Jeannie MacDonald. She will listen to your goals and concerns and complete a careful examination. Then, Dr. MacDonald will discuss the treatment options that best address your concerns and particular situation.

Dr. MacDonald and her staff will:

  • Give you detailed information about the surgery and what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure
  • Discuss any concerns or questions that you may have
  • Discuss potential risks of the procedure

True Beauty Starts Today

Look as good on the outside as you feel on the inside

Ready to Get Started?

Combining her unique surgical expertise with her artistic understanding of balance and proportion, Dr. Jeannie MacDonald brings out the most naturally beautiful you. Meet Dr. MacDonald today to learn more.