“Reveal Before & Afters (May Contain Nudity)”
Minor Surgery Before & Afters
Minor Surgery at Valespring
Minor surgical procedures are minimally invasive with fast recovery times and are usually superficial, affecting the outermost parts of the body. At Valespring, we specialize in offering rapid access to many plastic surgery-related minor procedures. Book a free consultation with Dr. Stephanie Dreckmann and your minor surgery can often be performed on the same day of your initial appointment. They are typically done with local anesthesia (freezing) and do not require any sedation. Cosmetic-related minor procedures often do not require a referral from your doctor. Please see our list of minor procedures below.
Why Choose Dr. Dreckmann for Your Minor Surgery?
Dr. Stephanie Dreckmann is one of the top plastic surgeons performing in Ontario, known for her specialized training in breast and body contouring and extensive experience in Minor surgical procedures. At Valespring, we adhere to strict safety protocols and use advanced surgical techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure patient safety and enhance surgical outcomes. Dr. Dreckmann employs innovative methods to maximize both safety and results, making your breast lift experience as safe and comfortable as possible.
Our Minor Procedures
Skin Tag Removal
Removing skin tags is a fast (usually less than 30 minutes) and straight forward procedure. Small skin tags are unlikely to leave behind any noticeable scars when removed by a plastic surgeon. Multiple skin tags can safely be removed during a single appointment.
Mole Removal
Cosmetic mole removal is typically performed using a method called “elliptical excision” which involves removing the entire mole and underlying skin and stitching the edges of the incision back together. Some patients may be candidates for alternative forms of excision, such as a shave of the lesion. Usually dissolvable stitches can be used to close wounds on the body. If non-dissolvable stitches are recommended, they are typically removed 7 to 14 days after the lesion removal. If you have any medical concerns about your mole, please consult your family physician beforehand.
Lipoma Removal
A lipoma is a harmless growth of fat tissue under the skin and are usually removed for cosmetic reasons. A local anesthetic is administered to the area and an incision is made over the lipoma, smaller than the lipoma itself. The lipoma is then extracted and the incision is sutured closed. Lipomas usually occur in the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, thighs and forehead.
Cyst Removal
Sebaceous cysts form when a sebaceous gland becomes blocked, causing the oils it produces to build up underneath the skin, within the gland. Pilar cysts form in a similar way when a hair follicle gets clogged. Depending on the type, size and location of the cyst, it may require draining, surgical removal or may be able to be left alone to go away on its own. Surgical removal involves a tiny incision over the cyst to remove it, and suturing the incision closed to leave a small scar.
Keloid Removal
A keloid scar is a harmless but prominent, enlarged and raised scar relative to the surrounding skin. Patients can become self-conscious if the keloid is located in a highly visible area on the body and may seek to have it surgically removed, as they will not go away on their own. Keloid removal typically involves surgically excising the keloid and following up with cortisone injections to reduce the chance of recurrence, however it is possible the keloid scar will return as part of your body’s healing process. There are many options for scar management, and it is best to book a free consultation to see whether surgical excision is the best option for you.
Skin Cancer Removal (OHIP-Covered)
Surgical excision can be used to treat non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Local anesthetic is used to numb the area and an incision is made to remove the cancer from the skin and the incision is stitched shut. Often a surrounding margin of unaffected tissue must be removed as well. The tissue will be sent to a lab to ensure that the cancer has been removed. Some skin cancers are better treated in an alternative setting, such as a hospital, and are unable to be treated at Valespring. All skin cancer consultations require a referral from your healthcare provider.
Xanthelasma Treatment
Xanthelasma are raised yellow patches of cholesterol that form under the skin around the inner corners of your eyes. It can be an indicator of high cholesterol or heart disease so it is recommended you see also see your family physician. The patches themselves are painless and harmless and are usually removed for cosmetic reasons. Local anesthesia is administered and the patches are surgically removed and incisions are stitched closed. Removal of these lesions is sometimes combined with a blepharoplasty (eyelid rejuvenation surgery). Usually the scars can be mostly hidden in the eyelid creases.
Dermatofibroma Removal
A dermatofibroma is a harmless, pigmented, benign skin growth which is usually firm or hard to the touch. Typically these lesions are chronic and do not resolve on their own. Surgical excision is a reliable way to remove a dermatofibroma. Local anesthetic is applied for painless excision and the skin is sutured closed after the dermatofibroma is removed.
Scar Revision
Areola Reduction
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, age and genetics can all contribute to larger areolas or asymmetry. An areola reduction involves an incision around the outer perimeter of the areola to remove a donut shaped section of skin on the outside of the areola. The incision tends to conceal well since it is made on the edge of the areola where the colour naturally transitions. This procedure is often combined with a breast lift or breast reduction since they usually involve similar incisions.
Nipple Reduction
Nipple reduction surgery is a cosmetic procedure that reduces the size and projection of the nipples for patients who may be self-conscious about the appearance of their nipples in or out of clothing. Local anesthesia is administered and a portion of the nipple is removed to reduce the projection to the desired amount. Dr. Dreckmann will select the best technique for your anatomy and explain the procedure in detail during a free consultation
Inverted Nipple Surgery
Inverted nipples can be due to multiple underlying causes. If your nipples have always appeared inverted, it is unlikely to be due to an underlying medical issue. However, if you have new onset inverted nipples, it can be due to underlying disease such as breast cancer, and it is important to see your primary care provider for an assessment. Inverted nipples may be due to shorter than average milk ducts which connect to the nipple, pulling it inwards and causing it to appear inverted. There are a multitude of options for the treatment of inverted nipples, some more invasive than others. It is best to book a free consultation to discuss which options may be best for you.
Earlobe Surgery
Earlobe surgery (or earlobe repair) seeks to correct split earlobes, ripped earlobes, torn earlobes and stretched earlobes. These conditions can be caused by heavy earrings, large ear gauges or by accident and injury. Local anesthetic is applied and holes or tears can be sutured closed to restore a more natural earlobe shape.
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Cosmetic Minor Procedure Pricing
Please be advised that these refer to starting prices and serve as a guideline only. Fees will be adjusted based on each patient’s individual anatomy, the location and size of the lesion, and the complexity of the case.
Skin Tag Removal
$500+
(Includes up to 5 skin tags in one session)
Xanthelasma Treatment
$500+
(per eyelid)
Mole Removal
$500+
(May have up to 3 lesions removed in one session, price for add-on lesions: $150+)
Dermatofibroma Removal
$500+
Lipoma Removal
$600+
Scar or Keloid Revision
$500+
Areola Reduction
$4750+
Cyst Removal
$600+
Nipple Reduction
$600+
Earlobe Surgery
$600+ (per earlobe)
(per earlobe)
Inverted Nipple Correction
$2000+/nipple
Consultations are free with no obligation
If you have any questions about our pricing or have specific needs, do not hesitate to contact us
Prices serve as a guideline only. Fees will be adjusted based on each patient’s individual anatomy and the complexity of the case.
Prices do not include HST
Get your procedure now, make payments later!
Minor Procedure FAQs
What are skin tags and what causes them?
Skin tags (acrochordons) are small, noncancerous skin growths that usually have a small stem and are similar in colour to the skin. They are more commonly found in skin folds or in areas where the skin rubs against itself during natural movement. Risk factors for developing skin tags include age, diabetes, pregnancy, genetics and obesity.
Can you safely remove skin tags yourself?
The safest method for removal of skin tags is to see a professional, such as a plastic surgeon. At home remedies may lead to excess bleeding, excess scarring or infection due to a lack of a sterile environment or proper technique. It is also important to ensure your skin tag is not actually a misidentified cancerous growth.
How are moles removed?
Two alternative methods can be used. One method is called “elliptical excision“ which involves removing the entire mole and underlying skin and stitching the edges of the incision back together. The other method is called a “shave excision” which involves shaving the the mole off to be flush with the surrounding skin. Sometimes electrocautery is also used as an adjunct to provide additional benefits such as bleeding control and shrinkage of the wound. Dr. Dreckmann will recommend the best excision method depending on your personal needs.
Is mole removal painful?
Local anesthetic is used so that the mole removal procedure will not be painful. There might be mild soreness or itching as the area heals. Prescription-grade pain killers are not required after the procedure.
What causes lipomas?
What causes lipomas is not entirely understood. There may be a genetic influence. Lipomatosis refers to the presence of multiple lipomas and is thought to often be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. The presence of multiple lipomas has also been associated with several other conditions. A few examples include Dercum’s disease, Gardner Syndrome, and Madelung disease.
Should lipomas be removed?
Generally lipomas are harmless and require no treatment. If you have a bothersome, painful or growing lipoma, you should consult your physician.
Your breasts may be bruised for 2-3 weeks, and likely sore around the incisions. Pain medication will be provided.
Immediately following surgery, you should avoid strenuous activity, bending and lifting and you should sleep on your back to avoid pressure on your breasts.
Your doctor will provide comprehensive post operative instructions which will describe when normal daily activities can be resumed.
The results from a breast lift should be immediately noticeable, and it will take several months for swelling to completely resolve and for their shape to settle. Scars will likely fade over time.
How painful is a cyst removal?
Your surgeon will use local anesthesia so that when your cyst is excised, you will not feel pain. Tenderness or mild pain after the excision can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication recommended by your doctor.
What can happen if a cyst is left untreated?
If a cyst is left untreated, there is a possibility it can grow over time or become infected. There is also the possibility that it can resolve on its own, depending on its size and other factors. A cyst (or any unusual lump for that matter) should always be assessed by a physician due to a number of risks. One potential risk is that the growth under the skin is not actually a cyst, but a cancerous growth requiring urgent treatment.
What causes keloids?
Keloids are raised scars and are largely influenced by genetics, location, age and ethnicity. Keloids are more common in Asian, African and Hispanic populations. There is approximately a 30 percent chance of experiencing keloids if a first degree relative experiences keloids. People between the ages of 10 to 30 have a higher likelihood of developing keloid scars.
Do keloids go away?
Keloids are unlikely to resolve or go away without some form of treatment. Even after treatment, it is possible for the keloid to return.
Can xanthelasma go away?
The patches of cholesterol deposits known as xanthelasma usually will not regress on their own and may grow larger without treatment.
Does a dermatofibroma ever go away?
A dermatofibroma is a harmless growth that develops on the skin, but is not likely to go away on its own. An individual can opt for surgical removal if they want to get rid of their dermatofibroma.
Do scar revisions work?
A scar revision assists in making a scar less noticeable, but cannot fully erase a scar. Sometimes it is possible to reposition a scar to a more hidden or camouflaged area. It also might be possible to improve flexibility where scarring previously occurred.
How can I reduce the size of my areolas?
Areola reduction surgery is a minor surgery that can assist with this. A ring of tissue can be removed from your areola with an incision made along the border of your areola to hide scarring.
How long does earlobe surgery take to heal?
Earlobe repair surgery recovery depends on the complexity of the procedure performed. It is done under local anesthesia and patients go home right after the procedure. Stitches are typically removed after about 1 week. It is typically not recommended to re-pierce the area for 3-6 months.