Specialized Skin Care Clinic in Toronto

A skin specialist is a qualified medical professional who specializes in the treatment of skin, hair and nail conditions. They could also be called dermatologists, skin doctors or skin experts.

If you're seeking a skin specialist in Toronto, The Minor Surgery Center (TMSC) is a leading skin clinic with highly trained and experienced plastic surgeons specializing in skin and hand pathology. While we are not dermatologists, we have expertise in minor skin surgery and surgical procedures, making us an excellent resource for skin-related treatments.

Our team of board-certified skin doctors performs treatments and surgeries for various skin issues, ranging from age spots and moles to lipoma and keloid scars. We ensure minimal scarring with maximum patient comfort and detailed attention on aesthetics.

What Does a Plastic Surgeon in Skin and Hand Pathology Do?

  • Hand Surgery. This type of specialized surgery can treat diseases that cause pain and impair the strength, function and flexibility of the wrist and fingers. Surgeons can treat conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger.
  • Skin Pathology. Plastic surgeons can diagnose and treat skin conditions, including skin cancers. They may perform procedures like excisions and reconstructions, particularly after Mohs surgery.
  • Reconstructive Procedures. After trauma or injury, a plastic surgeon can perform reconstructive procedures to restore function and appearance. They may use microsurgical techniques, which involve the use of a microscope to repair tiny blood vessels and nerves.
  • Cosmetic Procedures. In addition to treating medical conditions, these surgeons may also perform cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of the skin and hands. This can include treatments for aging, such as skin rejuvenation and resurfacing.
  • Treatment of Congenital Conditions. Some plastic surgeons specialize in treating congenital hand conditions, meaning conditions that are present at birth.
  • Post-Surgical Care. After surgery, these specialists provide care instructions and follow-up care to ensure proper healing and recovery.

What Skin Conditions Does TMSC Treat?

Our skin care clinic in Toronto offers a wide range of treatments for various skin conditions, such as:

Benign Skin Conditions

Age Spot Treatment and Removal

Age spots or brown spots are small, dark areas on the skin commonly caused by sun exposure and aging. Our skin specialists use advanced techniques such as cryotherapy and laser therapy to remove age spots and restore a more youthful appearance.

Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand and arm. Our skin specialists perform minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve and alleviate symptoms.

Dermatofibroma Removal

Dermatofibromas are small, benign skin growths that can appear on the arms and legs. Our skin specialists offer surgical excision to remove these growths and prevent them from recurring.

Hair Loss (Alopecia) Treatment

Hair loss can be a distressing condition for both men and women. Our skin specialists offer various treatments for hair loss, including platelet-rich plasma therapy and hair transplantation, to help restore full and healthy hair.

Inverted Nipple Surgery

Inverted nipples can be a source of discomfort and self-consciousness for some individuals. Our skin specialists perform minimally invasive surgery to correct inverted nipples and improve nipple projection.

Keloid Scar Removal

Keloid scars are raised, thickened scars that can be caused by injury or surgery. Our skin specialists use a combination of surgical excision and other treatments to remove keloid scars and prevent them from returning.

Pyogenic Granuloma Removal

Pyogenic granuloma is a benign skin lesion that can bleed easily and grow in size. Our skin specialists use cryotherapy or laser therapy to remove this growth and prevent it from recurring.

Sebaceous Cyst Removal

Sebaceous cysts are noncancerous, fluid-filled lumps that can develop under the skin. Our skin specialists use surgical excision to remove sebaceous cysts and prevent them from coming back.

Seborrheic Keratoses Removal

Seborrheic keratoses are common, benign skin growths that often appear as brown, black or tan waxy patches. Our skin specialists use cryotherapy and laser therapy to remove seborrheic keratoses and improve the overall appearance of the skin.

Skin Tag Removal

Skin tags are small, soft growths that often appear on the neck, underarms or groin. Our skin specialists use cryotherapy, surgical excision or laser therapy to remove skin tags and prevent them from returning.

Split Earlobe Repair

Split earlobes can occur due to trauma or heavy earrings. Our skin specialists perform surgery to repair split earlobes and restore a natural appearance.

Toronto Mole Removal & Surgery

Moles are common skin growths that can be raised or flat, and range in color from flesh-colored to dark brown. Our skin specialists perform mole removal surgery to remove suspicious moles for biopsy or cosmetic reasons.

Trigger Finger Treatment

Trigger finger is a condition where the fingers get stuck in a bent position and then snap straight when trying to straighten them. Our skin specialists offer trigger finger release surgery, which involves releasing the tendon sheath to allow smooth movement of the affected finger.

Venous Insufficiency Treatment

Venous insufficiency is a condition where the veins in the legs have difficulty returning blood to the heart. Our skin specialists offer various treatments for venous insufficiency, including sclerotherapy and endovenous laser therapy, to improve circulation and alleviate symptoms.

Malignant Skin Conditions

Basal Cell Carcinoma Removal

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, typically appearing as a waxy bump or scaly patch. Our skin specialists use Mohs surgery and other advanced techniques to remove basal cell carcinomas and prevent recurrence.

Melanoma Surgery

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, often appearing as an irregularly shaped mole or dark spot. Our skin specialists are experienced in performing melanoma surgeries, including wide local excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma Surgery

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer, typically appearing as a red or scaly bump or sore. Our skin specialists use surgical excision and other treatments to remove squamous cell carcinomas and prevent them from spreading.

The surgeon does surgery to remove the mole on the patient's back.

When Is It Necessary to Visit a Plastic Surgeon for Skin and Hand?

  • Advanced Cases of Skin Cancer. Plastic surgeons may be preferred for surgical reconstruction in very advanced cases of skin cancer where the tumor extends into deeper tissues.
  • Non-invasive Procedures. Consumers should always seek plastic and reconstructive surgeons for noninvasive procedures, given their vastly superior knowledge of facial anatomy.
  • Skin Cancer Excisions. Surgical excision carries the highest cure rates for all skin cancers and is the first-line treatment for melanomas and high-risk non-melanoma cancers.
  • Repair, Reconstruction, or Replacement. Plastic surgery deals with the repair, reconstruction, or replacement of physical defects of form or function involving the skin, musculoskeletal system.
  • Mohs Surgery. Considered the most effective technique for treating the two most common types of skin cancer.
  • Skin Cancer Removal Procedure. In some cases, your plastic surgeon may use frozen sections during the removal of your skin cancer to discover and define the borders of the cancerous area.
  • Correcting or Improving Body Imperfections. Cosmetic surgery aims at correcting or improving body imperfections. These may be congenital, acquired, due to aging or lifestyle.
  • Diagnose and Treat Skin Cancer. Board-certified plastic surgeons can diagnose and treat skin cancer and perform subsequent reconstruction.
  • Reconstruction of Large Defects. Other common conditions that can require plastic surgery include reconstruction of large defects; pressure sores and other chronic wounds; venous and other leg ulcers.

What You Can Expect During Your Treatment

Minor surgery in hand and skin pathology typically involves outpatient procedures, which means you can go home the same day. Here's a general idea of what you can expect throughout the process:

Before Surgery

1. Consultation

Our plastic surgeon will discuss your medical history, current medications, allergies and the reason for the surgery. Wewill also explain the procedure, its benefits and potential risks.

2. Preparation

Depending on the procedure, you may be asked to fast for a few hours before surgery or stop certain medications. You should also arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. 

During Surgery

3. Anesthesia

For minor surgeries, local or regional anesthesia is commonly used, which numbs only a part of the body. In some cases, mild sedation might be used to help you relax.

4. Procedure

Our surgeon will perform the necessary surgical procedure. This could involve removing a skin lesion, performing a skin graft or repairing a hand injury.

5. Duration

Minor surgeries typically last less than an hour, but this can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure.

After Surgery

6. Recovery Room

After the operation, you will be taken to a recovery room where your vital signs will be monitored as the anesthesia wears off.

7. Discharge Instructions

Before sending you home, we will provide instructions for care at home, including wound care, pain management and when to resume normal activities.

8. Follow-Up

We will schedule a follow-up appointment to remove sutures (if not dissolvable), check healing progress and address any concerns.

It's important to note that each patient's experience can vary depending on the specific procedure and their health condition. Our approach may be different depending on individual needs, and we will always prioritize your safety and comfort throughout the process.

How to Prepare Skin During a Checkup With a Skin Specialist

Preparing for a check-up with a hand and skin pathology plastic surgeon involves several steps to ensure the most accurate assessment of your skin health. Here's what you can do:

  • Self-Check. Examine your skin prior to your appointment. Look for any new or changing moles, spots, or lesions.
  • Prepare Questions. Write down any questions or concerns you have about your skin health to discuss with your surgeon.
  • Remove Nail and Toe Polish. Your plastic surgeon may need to check your nails for signs of skin cancer, so remove any polish before your appointment.
  • Let Your Hair Down. Skin cancers can hide in the scalp, so come to your appointment with your hair down and ready to be examined.
  • Skip the Makeup. Avoid wearing makeup on the day of your check-up so your surgeon can thoroughly examine your skin.
  • Cleanse Your Skin. Ensure your skin is clean. If you are having a biopsy or surgery, this can help reduce the risk of infection.
  • Do Not Apply Any Creams or Ointments. Unless specifically instructed by your surgeon, avoid applying any creams or ointments to the skin to be examined.

Remember, it is essential to communicate openly with your plastic surgeon during your check-up. This will allow them to provide the best care possible.

How Long Is the Recovery Time After a Minor Skin Surgery?

The duration of recovery for minor skin surgeries varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, the size and location of the incision,and the individual's overall health. Generally, a surgical incision heals in about two weeks. The sutures or stitches used during the surgery start to dissolve or fall out within a week or two.

However, it's important to note that while the wound may close within this period, the healing process continues beneath the skin. Surgical wounds can take 9–12 months to fully mature. Scars from the incision will change over time, going from thick, red and raised to thinner and paler over a period of 6 months to 2 years.

In terms of returning to normal activities or work, it might be a good idea to take 2-3 days off for a minor procedure, but this can vary based on the advice of your surgeon and the nature of your work.

Keep in mind that these are average timelines and each individual's recovery can vary. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions for post-operative care and attend all follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.

Post-Surgery Care Tips After a Minor Skin Surgery

Taking care of yourself at home after surgery is crucial for a successful recovery. Here's what we generally advise:

  • Wound Care. Keep the surgical site clean and dry. Your doctor will provide specific instructions on how to clean the wound, change dressings, and when you can start bathing.
  • Pain Management. You may be prescribed pain medication. Take it as instructed by your surgeon. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be recommended.
  • Rest and Activity. Rest is essential after surgery. Gradually increase your activity level based on your surgeon's advice. Avoid strenuous activities until cleared by your doctor.
  • Hand Elevation. If you had hand surgery, keep your hand elevated above heart level as much as possible to help reduce swelling.
  • Physical Therapy. You may need to perform exercises or attend physical therapy sessions to regain strength and mobility in your hand.
  • Avoid Smoking. Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of complications. It's best to quit smoking before surgery and avoid it during recovery.
  • Follow-Up Appointments. Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments so your surgeon can monitor your healing progress and address any concerns.
  • Watch for Complications. Contact your doctor if you experience excessive bleeding, increased pain, redness, swelling, fever or any signs of infection.

Consult With an Experienced Toronto Skin Specialist at The Minor Surgery Center (TMC)

If you have concerns about your skin and hair, it's crucial to consult with a qualified and experienced professional. At The Minor Surgery Center (TMC), we have a team of board-certified plastic surgeons who are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. We specialize in minor surgeries, which are often treated on the same day as your initial consultation.

What makes us stand our is that we strive hard to reduce wait times, which you normally have to wait for up to a year. This means we can perform your surgery in a month or less to ensure your condition is treated promptly. In most cases, there is no referral required to visit our clinic, so we may perform your surgery on the same day of your consultation.

Our skin clinic in Toronto is equipped with advanced technology and we have a friendly staff who are well-trained and happy to assist you with any questions or concerns.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation for skin treatment in Toronto!

March 28, 2024