Benign Skin Growths

Benign Skin Growth

Skin Tags

Skin tags are benign, fleshy skin growths that are brown or flesh-coloured and occur in warm, moist areas where clothing usually rubs, such as around the neck, underarms, breasts and groin areas; occasionally they are also found around the eyes.

Skin tags become increasingly common with age, are more common if there is a family history of them, and are more common with weight gain, diabetes and pregnancy. Skin tags are often numerous and catch on clothing or jewelry and can be removed easily and safely here at TDC using a variety of techniques (e.g. laser, electrosurgery, or excision depending on size & location & skin type). Some people are also prone (due to genetics & weight most commonly) to new skin tags developing periodically and thus require some degree of maintenance treatments in subsequent years. Home or self- skin tag removal is not advised as we have observed scarring, infections, significant pain and generally poor results. 


Before & immediately after removal of large skin tag

Seborrheic Keratoses

Seborrheic Keratoses (SKs) are brown or black (sometimes flesh-coloured, grey or yellow) raised spots or wart-like growths that look like they were stuck on the skin surface (there is no root to them). There may be just one growth or many which occur in clusters.

Seborrheic Keratoses are not cancerous and not contagious. They may be unsightly, and occasionally itchy, and many patients request their removal. Creams, ointments, or other medication can neither treat nor prevent seborrheic keratoses.

Seborrheic keratoses can be safely and easily removed at TDC with laser, cryosurgery, curettage, or electrosurgery. Depending on the technique and size and thickness of the lesion, 1-4 treatment sessions are typically required to clear these lesions, though new lesions will continue to appear with age and as a result of genetics. Sun is not a factor in the development of seborrheic keratoses.

Before & after removal of seborrheic keratosis 

“Age Spots” or “Liver Spots”

These flat, brown areas are called lentigines. In fact “liver spots” have nothing to do with the liver (they are named as such because they are the colour of our liver!) – they are caused by the sun as well as the aging process, and usually appear on the face, hands, & upper back/shoulders.

Age spots are generally harmless. They may look like melanoma and therefore may require evaluation. Commercial “fade” creams will not make lentigines disappear. To remove age spots or brown spots, trust our experienced team of health care providers. 

Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy and laser therapies can help fade these spots. 1-4 treatment sessions are typically required to clear age spots, though new lesions may continue to appear with age over time.

Cherry Angiomas

Cherry Angiomas are harmless, small, bright red raised bumps created by dilated blood vessels. They occur in more than 85 percent of middle-aged and elderly people, usually on the trunk.

Electrocautery, laser (e.g. Excel-V), or other surgical therapies safely and effectively remove cherry angiomas. 1-2 treatment sessions are often needed to clear these lesions, though new lesions may continue to appear with age.

Broken Capillaries or Telangiectasia

These dilated facial blood vessels may be related to sun damage. They respond to the same treatments as other broken blood vessels (angiomas).

2-6 electrocautery or laser treatment (e.g. Excel-V) sessions are typically required to clear these lesions. Trust our experienced team for a safe and effective treatment for your broken blood vessels.

Read more about Excel-V –  Click here 

For the assessment and removal of any skin lesion, trust the true skin experts at TDC. Our expert health care providers are happy to assess any skin lesion and provide education and counselling (e.g. is the lesion benign or malignant? might it go away on its own? the cause and prevention of future lesions), as well as a variety of treatment options to work within your budget. Treatment of some skin lesions may be covered by the provincial OHIP plan or by private (e.g. work) insurance.

If you have any benign lesions, a referral from a doctor is not required for assessment. Contact us today.

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Toronto Dermatology Centre is located in Toronto, Ontario, and serves men and women in North York, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, York, Aurora, Thornhill, Mississauga, Scarborough, Brampton, Etobicoke, Pickering, Peterborough, Guelph, Kitchener, Oakville, Barrie and all of Greater Toronto (GTA).

Thinking of visiting Toronto’s premier skin clinic soon?

Fill out the inquiry form below and let us know your area of interest.

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Call us today @ 416.633.0001

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