Skin Procedures

Skin Cancer Removal

A skin cancer is removed surgically, with a margin of healthy skin taken around it. The wound is then closed carefully, so the cancer is gone and the scar is as fine as the site allows.

  • Office or operating room
  • Local anesthetic
  • 30 to 60 minutes
  • Desk work in 1 to 3 days
Skin Cancer Removal at Barrie Plastic Surgery

Concerns it addresses

What skin cancer removal treats

Moles & Skin Lesions

Moles & Skin Lesions

A suspected skin cancer is examined, usually biopsied, and removed with a margin of healthy skin and a closure planned for the site.

Treatments+

Also considered for this concern: Mole Removal, Rhinophyma, Skin Tag Removal and Xanthelasma Removal.

Causes+

Skin lesions come in several kinds, and the kind decides how it is removed. Moles, Skin tags, Lipomas and cysts, Skin cancers and xanthelasma.

Read about the concern
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What to expect

From consultation to final result

The stages below are typical for this procedure. Your own timeline is confirmed at the consultation.

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The first week

What is normal

Most patients have mild soreness, swelling and bruising at the site for a few days. The dressing stays dry for the first two days. Sutures come out between five and fourteen days, depending on the site.

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Weeks two to six

Getting back to normal

Most patients are back at desk work in one to three days, longer for a flap or graft on the face. Avoid exercise that stretches the site for two to three weeks. Follow the dressing routine exactly as instructed. Keep the sun off the scar for the first year, and wear sunscreen daily from now on.

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The result

How long it lasts

With clear margins, basal cell and squamous cell cancers are cured by removal in the great majority of cases. The scar matures over a year, and regular skin checks continue because a skin that has made one cancer can make another.

Dr. Kamal Tumi, plastic surgeon, Barrie Plastic Surgery

Who performs it

Assessed and performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon

Dr. Kamal Tumi performs this procedure. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon, M.D., F.R.C.S.(C), with more than 28 years in practice and over 3,500 surgeries performed.

Dr. Kamal Tumi, M.D., F.R.C.S.(C), is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada as a specialist in plastic surgery. He completed his specialist training at McMaster University and a plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Toronto. More than 28 years in practice, over 3,500 surgeries performed.

Consultant plastic surgeon at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie since 2004. A hospital appointment means credentials reviewed by peers and the ability to manage complications directly.

You will not meet one person at the consultation and find someone else in the room. In his own words: "I will not do a surgery on you if you do not need it."

Google reviews

What patients say

Patient reviews from Google, names attached. 4.3 average across 67 reviews.

I had my first consultation with Dr. Tumi, and he was beyond fabulous. From the jump, he shook my hand and introduced himself to my daughter and I. He included her in the conversation and even had some laughs with her. This made the situation alot less vulnerable given the reason I was there. He is the second surgeon that I have met with, and wasn't going to be my last, until I decided he was the last. It is because of his honesty, integrity, authenticity and professionalism, that made my choice. I saw some comments in the reviews where people stated he made them feel uncomfortable while getting undressed and for me that did not happen. He was respectful of my space and was sure I was covered appropriately. I went to see him for a breat augmentation and Dr. Tumi did not think an augmentation would be required. I really appreciated that about him, because the first surgeon I met, insisted this procedure, despite me only wanting a lift with fat transfer. This is a huge cost savings for me, and more natural for my body type, and in my opinion. Dr. Tumi did not make me feel rushed with any questions and time was not ever an issue for him. He wanted to be sure I knew all that I needed. His office manager Karyn, was absolutely wonderful and easy to connect with. She took her time to discuss things that I did not think of and even called me over the weekend when I emailed her some more questions. This is above and beyond care. My surgery is April 20th and I know I am in good hands. I will follow this up with further reviews in the future and have no doubt it will be 5 stars across the board. One last thing... of all the reviews, I paid attention to the ones where the patients actually had surgery, not the ones who were disgruntled about the office staff or OHIP issues. After all, it is the surgeon we want precision with, isn't it? Thanks Karyn and Dr. Tumi, for making me comfortable and content.

SL

Stephanie Leblanc

Google Review

I had a great experience with Dr. Tumi and Karyn throughout my entire surgical journey. They were both incredibly kind, patient, and always took the time to answer all of my questions. From my first consultation to my follow-up appointments, they made me feel comfortable, supported, and well cared for. I would highly recommend this clinic to anyone considering.

C

Claire

Google Review

I had a great experience from start to finish. The service was professional, everything was explained clearly, and the overall experience was positive. I would definitely recommend this place to others.

V

Victoria

Google Review

What happens, in order

Skin Cancer Removal, start to finish

What skin cancer removal involves at each stage, from the first consultation through to the result.

Step 01 · Consultation

The consultation

A consultation is an assessment and a conversation, and you are not committing to anything by having one.

  • Assessment of what is actually causing what you see
  • What can be done, what cannot, and what it involves
  • A written quote once the assessment is done
Skin Cancer Removal treatment process
The in-office procedure room at Barrie Plastic Surgery
Before and Afters

Patient Transformations

Most cases here are patients of this practice, shown with consent. Cases marked “Clinical case” are supplied by the manufacturer. Each practice case followed an assessment by Dr. Tumi and a plan built around that person's anatomy. Results vary by individual.

  • Patients of this practice and labelled clinical cases
  • Assessed and treated by the same surgeon
  • Results that look like you, only rested

For educational purposes only. Individual results may vary. Patients consent for photos obtained.

An assessment and a conversation.

You do not need to arrive knowing which procedure you want. Describing what bothers you is enough. You are not committing to surgery by booking a consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Skin Cancer Removal questions,
answered

Removal of a skin cancer is a medical procedure, and coverage is confirmed when you are seen. Any part that is not covered is quoted at the consultation rather than before it. Not covered by OHIP. Financing is available through Beautifi, Medicard and Credit Medical.

Typically thirty to sixty minutes, longer for a flap or graft, and you go home straight afterwards.

Local anesthetic in the office procedure room for most removals. A large removal or a complex closure is done under sedation or a general anesthetic in an operating room. Which one you need is decided at the consultation.

One to three days to desk work, longer for a flap or graft on the face. Sutures come out at five to fourteen days depending on the site, and the scar matures over a year.

The numbing stings for a few seconds; after that most patients feel pressure rather than pain. The site is sore for a few days, managed with ordinary pain relief.

Yes. The line is placed along the skin's natural lines and closed as finely as the site allows. Where a flap or graft is needed, the scar follows its edges instead. It typically fades over a year to a pale mark.

With clear margins, the common skin cancers are cured by removal in the great majority of cases. Skin checks continue afterwards.

A diagnosed or suspected skin cancer on the face, the hands or anywhere the closure matters is exactly what this is for. A spot that has not been looked at yet is examined first, and usually biopsied. The diagnosis sets the margin, so it comes before any plan. Some cancers are better treated another way, and that referral is made rather than avoided. ---