Frequently Asked Questions

Will OHIP cover my procedure?

The Ministry of Health classifies treatment for most benign lesions, such as:

  • lipomas,
  • skin cysts,
  • dermatofibromas,
  • xanthelasmas,
  • pyogenic granulomas,
  • moles that are not suspicious for cancer,
  • skin tags and,
  • warts,

as non-essential procedures, meaning they are not covered by OHIP.
It’s important to note that OHIP coverage decisions are made by the Ministry of Health, not by your physician or family doctor.

All Mole Institute procedures are eligible for financing through Medicard by iFinance. You simply need to fill out a quick and simple application form online. You will be notified of your application outcome and Medicard will work with you to finalize the process. Once you’ve been approved you can go ahead and book your procedure. Medicard will pay the Mole Institute directly.
For more information you can read their FAQ and if you want to get an idea of how much the monthly installment could be, check out their calculator.

Every patient will meet with one of our physicians for a consultation, during which your medical history will be reviewed and the skin lesion will be carefully examined.

A small needle is used to deliver local anesthesia. At the Mole Institute, we specialize in techniques that make injections virtually painless. Our experience with a large number of similar procedures allows us to provide a comfortable and gentle experience for our patients.

You will remain awake during the procedure, as all treatments at the Mole Institute are performed safely under local anesthesia. This approach avoids the risks of general anesthesia while keeping you comfortable throughout the process.

Some procedures require stitches, while others can heal naturally without them. Whether stitches are needed depends on factors such as the type and depth of the skin growth.
However, in most cases treated at the Mole Institute, stitches are typically used to ensure proper healing and the best cosmetic outcome.

It’s important to understand that any cut, scrape, or incision on the skin will leave a scar. Completely “scar-free” surgery doesn’t exist. At the Mole Institute, our physicians use advanced, precise techniques to help reduce scarring as much as possible.

Everyone heals differently. While our physicians can control the placement and length of an incision, the way a scar heals varies from person to person. Even when two patients undergo the same procedure, their scars may look different because of individual healing patterns. At the Mole Institute, our physicians use careful, advanced techniques to minimize scarring.

You can usually drive yourself home after your procedure, except in cases where surgery is performed on or near the eyes, or on the hands.

After your procedure, the timing of your return to work depends largely on the type of job you have and whether your duties could put strain on the incision site. Physical stress on the area can cause stitches to reopen, which may increase the risk of infection and lead to less favorable scarring.

Each situation is evaluated individually. To make recovery easier, we never perform procedures on both hands or both feet on the same day. We also carefully monitor the total amount of local anesthesia used to ensure it stays within safe, recommended limits. For these reasons, having multiple areas treated in a single visit may not always be recommended.

Continue taking your regular medications unless you’ve been specifically advised to stop them.
If you’re unsure about any medication, please contact our office ahead of your procedure for clarification.

Yes, we recommend that you eat beforehand, as it can help prevent feelings of light-headedness or shakiness before and during your procedure.

A referral is not required. To schedule a consultation with one of our physicians at the Mole Institute, you can book an appointment through our online form or call us at (905) 906-7546.

We generally suggest waiting a few days before taking long trips or flights. Traveling too soon can increase the risk of swelling or infection, and flying may raise the chance of complications such as blood clots. However, recovery timelines vary from person to person, so it’s best to consult your physician for travel advice specific to your procedure.

If you’re feeling unwell or currently have an active infection, please reach out to our office to talk about your symptoms. While mild illnesses don’t always require postponing a procedure done under local anesthesia, it’s best to be cautious. Our goal is for you to be in your best condition on the day of your procedure, helping ensure a smooth recovery and a more comfortable overall experience.

Although allergic reactions are uncommon, they’re still possible. Be sure to mention any past reactions to anesthesia, medications, or topical products during your consultation. If needed, your physician will carefully assess your situation and may recommend an allergy test before continuing with treatment.

The timing for returning to work varies depending on your procedure and the type of job you have. If your work is mostly sedentary, you may be able to go back the next day or within a few days. However, if your job involves physical activity, you might need additional time off to prevent strain on the treated area. Your physician will provide personalized guidance during your consultation.

The number of follow-up visits depends on the type of procedure and your individual healing process. Some patients require only one post-procedure appointment, while others may need a few check-ins to monitor progress and ensure proper healing. We’ll create a follow-up plan tailored to your needs to support a smooth recovery.

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