Do you have a bump that appeared after you nicked your skin and now won’t go away? If it’s raised, pink or brown, and less than a centimetre in diameter, there’s good news: It’s likely harmless, and you can get rid of it in a snap with dermatofibroma removal at our Toronto clinic.
What are dermatofibromas, and what is it like to have them removed at The Centre for Minor Surgery? Read on to learn more.
1. Dermatofibromas Sometimes Appear After a Minor Skin Injury.
Dermatofibromas are small, firm lumps or nodules on the skin, ranging in colour from pink to dark brown. They most commonly appear on young women’s arms and legs, although men and women of all ages can experience them.
Sometimes, they appear as a reaction to a cut, scrape, prick, or even a bug bite. As your skin works to heal the injury, some cells in the dermal layer overgrow, leaving behind a raised mark on the skin that is often permanent.
2. They Aren’t Dangerous or Cancerous.
If you’ve noticed a dermatofibroma on your skin, you don’t have to worry about rushing to get it treated. These nodules are harmless, noncancerous, and don’t need to be removed for any medical reasons. However, you can choose to have them removed for cosmetic purposes if a certain bump or spot is bothering you.
3. You Can Take a Quick Dermatofibroma Pinch Test.
If you have what you think may be a dermatofibroma but don’t have an official diagnosis, it’s a good idea to have it evaluated to rule out other conditions. Your doctor may do a quick dermatofibroma pinch test by squeezing the bump. Dermatofibromas will appear as a depression when pinched; a mole will protrude from the skin when squeezed. They may also examine the spot using a dermatoscope.
Dermatofibromas don’t usually change in shape or size, and they don’t typically hurt or itch. If your spot is changing or itching, it’s important to have a health care provider examine your skin. When it comes to new growths or spots on your skin, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and have them checked just in case.
4. Surgical Removal Is Often Best
Some physicians choose to treat dermatofibromas via shave excision, a technique our surgeons often use for mole removal. Shaving off the raised portion may leave deeper tissue behind, allowing the bump to return. Surgical removal is generally more reliable because it removes the affected tissue beneath the skin’s surface.
At The Centre for Minor Surgery, our Royal College-certified plastic surgeons inject a local anesthetic to numb the area, remove the dermatofibroma, and close the incision with sutures. The injection may briefly sting, but the area should be numb during the procedure. General anesthesia is not needed.
5. Dermatofibroma Removal Cost Is Affordable.
Because removal is not considered medically necessary and is done for cosmetic purposes, OHIP does not usually cover it. At our Toronto clinic, dermatofibroma removal costs $545 and is generally a one-time procedure. The price may vary depending on the size and location of the dermatofibroma. When you visit us, you can count on exceptional results delivered by Royal College-certified plastic surgeons, often on the very same day of your consultation.
6. You’ll Have a Tiny Scar.
Because the surgery involves a small incision, it does leave behind a minimal scar. Our surgeons specialize in meticulous techniques designed to disguise scarring and create as little visible change to the area as possible.
7. Recovery Is Quick & Easy.
You can typically drive home and return to your usual activities right after your procedure. However, it’s best to avoid very strenuous activities that may strain your incision for a week or two until it has fully healed.
If you would like to learn more about your Toronto dermatofibroma removal options, please request a consultation or call us at (416) 663-9649.
This blog post was originally published in January 2022 and updated in September 2026.
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