What To Expect
In your Appointment
From check-in to consultation, learn how we guide you through every step of your appointment with comfort and clarity
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our clinic, services, and appointments.
General Questions
Does mole mapping hurt?
No
Where are you located?
100 Charles Street West, Yorkville Toronto - in-between TTC Museum and Bay stations.
Do I need a referral for a mole mapping appointment?
No. You can schedule an appointment directly-Use our “Book Appointment” button.
How do I get my results?
Your mole mapping and/or dermoscopy images will be reviewed with you that day.
How often should I schedule a mole mapping session?
Most people it is recommended once a year, although sometimes your doctor will recommend more frequent depending on your skin type, personal history, and other risk factors.
What happens if a suspicious mole is found?
Our team is equipped to evaluate suspicious moles and will discuss the most appropriate options with you. In many cases, our FotoFinder technology allows us to safely monitor certain lesions with follow-up imaging in 90 to 120 days, helping avoid unnecessary biopsies. This is one of the key advantages of digital mole mapping. In other situations, we may recommend a biopsy during the same visit, schedule it for a later date, or refer you to a trusted partner clinic. These decisions are always made in discussion with you during your appointment.
Is it safe for pregnant women?
Yes
How long does a mole mapping session take?
Typically, a session takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on how many moles you have.
Will my photos be kept confidential?
Yes. All images captured with the FotoFinder system are encrypted and can only be viewed using their proprietary software-the images are unreadable and unusable outside the FotoFinder system. Our clinic is fully PHIPPA-compliant, and access to your images is strictly limited to authorized clinical staff. Your data remains secure and is never shared without your consent.
Is parking available?
Limited street parking is sometimes available in from of our clinic. Various paid parking is available nearby, including the Manulife Centre. See our CONTACT PAGE for more options.. We recommend allowing extra time during peak hours.
Is your clinic easy to reach by TTC?
Yes. We’re located between Museum Station and Bay Station, both just a short walk away. Please note that the north entrance of Museum Station is currently under construction, so allow a few extra minutes if you're walking from the south exit. Our central location makes us easy to access from anywhere in the city.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Avoid wearing makeup or nail polish
Yes. Please avoid wearing foundation or other makeup on your face, as it can interfere with accurate skin imaging. Nail polish can also prevent clear imaging of the nail beds, which are important in full-body mole mapping. For the best results, come with bare skin and nails so we can capture the most precise images possible.
Do not wear black socks or sandals
They may leave stains or lint on your skin, which could be mistaken for moles.
Shave or clip body hair
If you have significant body hair, trimming or shaving can help us get a clearer view of your moles during imaging. If you’re concerned about a specific lesion, it’s especially helpful to remove hair in that area so we can capture the best possible image using dermoscopy and photography.
Bring a hairband
Tie your hair up to expose your neck and shoulders for a complete assessment.
Avoid self-tanner
Refrain from using self-tanner for at least six weeks before your imaging session.
Remove jewelry
It’s best to leave your jewelry at home to make the process smoother.
Rash
Rebook your appointment if you develop a new rash, which can happen with common viral infections, because the rash will interfere with the mapping process.
You will undress to a level you’re comfortable with
As the camera cannot capture moles or detect changes hidden beneath clothing. We do provide disposable underwear if needed.
Mole Mapping - What To Expect
Initial Consultation
We begin by reviewing your skin concerns, including any personal or family history of skin cancer.
Full-Body Digital Imaging
During your 30–45 minute initial appointment, we capture high-resolution images of your entire skin surface. This creates a crucial baseline that helps us monitor for changes over time.
Doctor Review & Dermoscopy Analysis
Dr. Chris Culligan conducts a detailed examination of any moles or lesions using a handheld dermoscope and the FotoFinder Medicam, which can magnify up to 140x under polarized light.
Biopsy & Referral If Needed
If a biopsy is performed, the sample is submitted to a certified pathologist for histological analysis in a medical lab. Once we receive the pathology report, we use that information to determine whether follow-up care or referral is necessary. If the results confirm a skin cancer, we’ll coordinate timely access to the most appropriate specialist, whether that’s Carlton Skin Clinic or a melanoma-focused clinic in the GTA, to ensure you receive the care you need without delay.
Follow-Up & Ongoing Monitoring
Once you’ve had mole mapping, you’ve established an important visual baseline of your skin. This gives us a reliable point of comparison for any future visits. Whether you return for your annual skin check or come in with a concern about a new or changing spot, we can compare it directly to your baseline. This makes it easier to spot subtle changes and reduces uncertainty, helping you stay in control of your skin health with confidence.
