Dermatofibroma Removal

If you’re wondering what that small pink, red, or brown growth on your arms or legs is, you might have what’s called a dermatofibroma also known as a benign fibrous histiocytoma.

Dermatofibromas are generally harmless and don’t usually need to be treated. Although they typically appear in exposed areas like the arms and legs they can occasionally grow elsewhere on the body that is harder to cover up. Sometimes they can also be tender or itchy.

Whatever the reason you may want your dermatofibroma removed, you can now have it removed by one of our expert doctors at The Plastic Surgery Clinic without a referral from your family doctor.

What are Dermatofibromas?

The reason for why dermatofibromas appear on the skin is unknown. Sometimes they’re the result of a tiny scratch, cut, or bug bite, and other times they just appear on their own.

Dermatofibromas are harmless, benign growths that are typically no more than half an inch in width, and are considered to be a combination of different cells present in the second layer of the skin or dermis that overgrow.

They can vary in color from pink, red, brown and gray and are usually only bothersome for cosmetic reasons. In rare cases they can be tender, itchy, or painful.

Dermatofibromas or benign fibrous histiocytomas are more common in adults than children, and more common in women than men. Although they tend to grow on exposed areas of the body such as the arms and legs they can grow in most places. Some people can develop several dermatofibromas at a time in different areas.

The Dermatofibroma Removal Procedure

We will first book an appointment for you for a free consultation with one of our doctors. The consultation will involve a physical examination of your dermatofibroma and a medical history. Following your consultation, you will have an appointment scheduled for the removal of your dermatofibroma if necessary.

Our goal at The Plastic Surgery clinic is to make any minor procedure as pleasant and painless as possible. Your doctor will administer a local anesthetic, you may feel a small sting, and then you will feel nothing at all. Your dermatofibroma will be surgically removed and then stitched up.

Because the dermatofibroma cells can be deeply embedded in the skin, you may have some scarring as a result. The scarring should be minimal and our doctors will  teach you how to care for your scar in order to ensure that it heals correctly and is eventually barely noticeable.

Dermatofibroma removal requires minimal downtime. You can return to work and your regular activities immediately following your procedure. Your doctor may ask you to avoid strenuous exercise for about a week in order to ensure that you don’t injure the treated are.

The Cost of Dermatofibroma Removal Procedure

The cost of dermatofibroma removal is dependent the complexity of your procedure. You will receive a firm quote once you have had your consultation with a doctor.

Some minor procedures are covered by OHIP, though dermatofibroma removal is typically not a procedure that OHIP will pay for.

How Long Does the Dermatofibroma Removal Procedure Last?

If entirely removed a dermatofibroma should not grow back in the treated area.

To find out more, please contact us by phone or e-mail or by filling out the Request for Information form below.