If you have moles on your face or body which aren’t changing their appearance or bothering you, it would be best to let them stay. However, if they change their size and form, or you’re not satisfied with how they look, it is your cue to consider mole removal options.
Whether your dermatologist has recommended it or you are doing it for cosmetic reasons, you might wonder what a mole removal procedure entails. If you are scouring the web for mole removal 101, look no further. We have curated an exciting guide which covers all you need to know about the process. So let’s get straight into it:
What are Moles
Moles are common growths on the skin caused by specific pigment cells in your skin. These cells can cluster in your skin and manifest as black or brown spots on your face or body. Typically, moles develop during your childhood or teenage. It is common to have multiple non-cancerous moles by the time you reach adulthood. The average mole count on your body can vary from 20 to 40.
Why Choose Mole Removal
Moles are harmless skin growths but many people are not satisfied with the appearance or position of their moles. That’s when they consider mole removal techniques.
In contrast, moles could also pose risks of skin cancer. Therefore, if you notice any unusual change in your moles, it would be best to seek guidance from a dermatologist to ensure it is benign or non-cancerous. Here are following telltale signs to seek help from a dermatologist:
- Your mole appears after the age of 25
- Recent changes in height, size, shape or color of your mole
- Asymmetrical mole
- Irregular mole borders
- Diameter of your mole is bigger than a pencil eraser
If your dermatologist suspects a cancerous mole, he will instantly recommend a biopsy. Once your biopsy is performed, the mole is further evaluated to determine if it is skin cancer.
What are Mole Removal Options
The list of mole removal options goes way too long, but here are some of the most common techniques used by dermatologists:
1. Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery involves using a small quantity of liquid nitrogen to remove your benign moles. Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze moles and kill the cell clusters that cause moles. Within a period of 1 to 6 weeks, your moles withers off on their own. This technique is generally used on flattened “sun spots”.
2. Surgical Excision
Surgical excision is one of the long-term solutions to wipe off moles from your skin. This process employs stitches and trades, and is used to remove raised moles to ensure that they are not recurring. Various dermatologists might also recommend surgical excision if your mole is cancerous.
3. Shave Excision
Shave excision is another common mole removal technique to shave off the mole from the skin’s surface by using a single or double-bladed razor. Your dermatologist could also cauterize your skin around the removed mole to enhance the appearance of scar after recovery. This technique is mostly used for thin moles but moles removed using this procedure might come back.
4. Laser Treatments
Laser treatments help to tone down flat moles by absorbing mole-causing cells called melanocytes and treating skin pigmentation. The heat released during the process causes these cells to die.
Risks and Recovery After Mole Removal
Regardless of the technique, mole removal is relatively a safe and quick process. However, some people may experience minimal risks which involve bleeding, infections or unexpected scarring. You could avoid these risks by closely following your healthcare provider’s post-treatment advice.
While many patients recover right away, recovery of an individual after a mole removal procedure largely depends on the size of the mole removed, his health and age.
Final Verdict
All in all, mole removal involves safe techniques. For many people, regaining self-confidence and averting the likelihood of developing skin cancer is well worth a little risk.
If you are looking for a mole removal solution, talk to professional dermatologists at Care dermatology. Care Dermatology provides an in-house team of cosmetic dermatologists to tackle your skin woes. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!