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Common
Conditions - Mole
Removal
Moles are dark spots or irregularities found in
the skin. They come in various shapes and sizes.
Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, from the
nose and other facial area, as well as arms and
chest areas, in groups, or by themselves. They
can be present at birth, or can begin to appear
over time. Some moles go unnoticed, and some,
like facial “beauty marks,” are actually
considered attractive. However, moles are
bothersome to some people, and can even lead to
dangerous health risks. Mole removal, whether by
laser or other surgery procedures, is a cosmetic
surgery procedure that provides a solution to
people wanting to improve their appearance and
reduce associated health risks.
With the increasing popularity of various
cosmetic surgery procedures, including mole
removal, it is important that the prospective
patient research and understand different issues
like what the procedure can and cannot treat,
inherent risks, costs, and other factors. Keep
in mind, cosmetic surgery is just that – a
surgical procedure whose results cannot simply
be erased. While the information contained in
this website will provide you with a good
introduction to mole removal, when considering
this or any other cosmetic procedure, we
recommend that you consult a qualified provider
with significant experience.
Benefits of Mole Removal
There are various benefits to this procedure,
including:
-
Removing
protruding moles that get in the way of
shaving.
-
Reducing skin
irritation when certain moles rub against
clothing or jewelry.
-
Achieving
smoother, clearer skin.
-
Enhancing
appearance and improving self-esteem.
Most importantly, if
a mole is suspected to be pre-cancerous early
on, it can often be completely removed before it
causes a serious health risk.
Who would best represent an Ideal
Candidate for Mole Removal?
Those people who can physically and emotionally
benefit from having their mole removed would be
considered a good candidate for the procedure.
However, people must remember that there are
limitations to what cosmetic surgery can do. It
is meant for improvement, not perfection and is
important to have realistic goals and
expectations about mole removal.
Where do I begin?
Those considering mole removal should first find
a qualified dermatologist to perform the
procedure. Before consulting with a
dermatologist about having the mole removed, it
is strongly recommended that patients have their
mole examined by a doctor who has experience in
treating moles, related skin conditions and skin
cancer to help determine if the mole is
cancerous. However, the majority of moles are
benign (non-cancerous) and pose no threat to
one’s health. To determine if a mole is
cancerous, a small portion is examined through a
biopsy or microscope analysis. This piece of
tissue is usually examined at a pathology lab.
How is the Mole Removal Performed?
Before the mole is removed, the area is cleansed
and then an anesthetic is applied to numb the
area. The type of mole being removed determines
what technique is used. Depending on the
technique, stitches may or may not be used.
For excision of the mole, the dermatologist uses
a scalpel to cut the mole and a border of good
skin surrounding it. The dermatologist will
determine the size of this border. Stitches are
placed either deep within the skin, or on the
upper surface, depending on the depth of the
excision.
For the procedure that involves no stitches, a
scalpel is used to shave the mole allowing it to
be flush with the surrounding skin. Then using
an electrical instrument, the doctor cauterizes
the area to stop any bleeding. Topical
antibiotic is applied to reduce risk of
infection. Shaving removes the protruding
surface of the mole, but it can leave mole cells
beneath the skin and may grow back.
Mole removal typically takes less than an hour
to perform, depending on the amount of moles to
be removed.
What should be expected after a mole is removed?
The amount of discomfort afterward varies on the
method used. If there is discomfort, it can be
relieved with prescribed pain medication. A scab
usually will develop, and then heal within a
week or two. Also any redness that occurs will
disappear within two to four weeks. Most scars
that do appear slowly fade over time
What Are the Risks and Limitations of Mole
Removal?
While risks are minimal, a possible risk that
can occur is infection. The risks associated
with mole removal also depend upon the technique
used.
A common condition that can occur after the
excision procedure is scarring. Some scars fade
away, but some can be permanent. Scars can be
eliminated through skin resurfacing or other
scar revision procedures.
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