Sometimes, you have a new bump or lump that needs attention, and we can inject or biopsy some of those after a consultation. Common ones include sebaceous cysts, ganglion cysts, and skin tags. If it's more complex, they may need imaging or referral elsewhere.
Sebaceous cysts are harmless bumps under the skin, which can slowly grow and occasionally get infected and cause pain and discharge. The cysts are suggested to be removed if they cause any symptoms
Lipoma is a harmless lump that grows under the skin or sometimes between muscles. Lipoma can grow slowly and, depending on the location, can occasionally cause pressure and pain. Lipoma removal is usually a noninsured service unless it causes pain.
An abscess is an infected tissue that contains pus and can affect any part of the body. The main management of an abscess is drainage of the pus, or the infection would not respond to the antibiotic treatment.
The superficial abscesses can be drained in the clinic with a local anesthetic.
Skin moles are usually harmless. If a mole grows rapidly, changes colour, has an irregular border, gets crusty or bleeds, and needs to be biopsied or removed.
The removal of a mole that does not have any warning signs is not covered by public health.
When healing a skin wound leads to a dysmorphic scar, we can consider removing the scar and repairing the skin in a more aesthetic fashion. Scar revision management is an uninsured procedure.
Sun exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer. Precancerous skin lesions are usually crusty patches on the top layer of skin and, if left untreated, can gradually turn into skin cancer. These lesions are treated with Cryotherapy.
Wart removal is done in the office over a few sessions with cryotherapy (liquid nitrogen). Alberta Health covers genital and foot warts, but common warts on hand are not covered by Alberta Health.
Skin tags are small skin growths that usually look unpleasant but do not cause problems. Skin tags can be removed with Cryotherapy or Radiofrequency. Skin tag removals are considered uninsured services.
Women who experience abnormal bleeding may need a biopsy of their endometrium (lining of the uterus) to investigate further.
Circumcision is a surgical procedure in which the foreskin (the skin covering the end of the penis) is
removed. Some scientific studies show a number of medical benefits for circumcision. However, it is
mostly done for religious, social, or cultural reasons.
When circumcision is not advised for medical reasons, it is not covered by Alberta Health, and it
should only be provided if the patient is in good health. We offer this procedure for patients of 8 years or older.
Vasectomy is a permanent birth control method for those who plan never to have a child in future.
Vasectomy is a safe and effective procedure which is done by cutting and sealing the tubes that carry sperm to the semen and is usually performed in the clinic.
Vasectomy should be considered a permanent form of male birth control. Although vasectomy reversals are possible, they are considered major surgery with a low success rate and would not be covered by Alberta Health.
Our doctors are qualified to diagnose and treat minor skin diseases and to perform biopsies and excisions of medically necessary lesions. We do all these procedures in our clinic, usually in half an hour or less. We are excited to announce that Dr. Mitra Arjang has joined our practice with her experience in general surgery.
If you have any skin lesions that you are concerned about or have lumps or bumps, your family doctor can refer you to a consultation appointment if intervention is necessary. We are happy to help you book a consultation appointment if you have other conditions. Most appointments are usually booked within 2-3 weeks time.
While Alberta Health pays for most medically necessary procedures, certain ones are not covered. Such as Circumcision, most scar revisions, and cosmetic mole removal require direct payment. Additional information and associated costs will be discussed during your consultation appointment with Dr. Arjang. Please see our uninsured services page for more information.
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