Mole removal is usually non-invasive. It can be performed in the doctor’s office with a local anesthetic. There are several options available to you, depending on whether you want to remove the mole for cosmetic reasons, skin cancer suspicion, irritation, or because of skin cancer. It will all depend on how large the mole is and the reason for its removal.
Cosmetic Procedures
Shave excision is a method that removes skin moles for cosmetic purposes. This will remove the mole from the skin’s surface, leaving it smooth and with minimal scarring. The procedure starts with an injection of a local anesthetic. This will numb and elevate the area for easier removal. For a smoother cut, a small, sharp blade is used to remove the mole. The mole is removed without the need for stitches. Proper healing will give you a smooth, even surface.
The scraping excision procedure is not without risks. Sometimes, the process leaves a rough contour. This may require additional cosmetic treatment. Other cases involve melanocytes being left below the skin’s surface to cause mole growth. These cases often require a second procedure, which is typically done using a different method.
How to Get Rid of Irritation
Other situations may warrant skin mole removal. For example, if the mole is in an area that is frequently irritated by clothing rubbing against it, The mole could also be located in the area that needs to be shaved, making it more difficult. These situations may call for a combination of scrape and elliptical removal. This involves removing a portion of the skin around the mole and sewing it back together. The procedure should result in a smooth joining without any puckering around the incision. However, this procedure is more prone to bleeding and infection.
The Benefits of The Mole Removal Intervention
Moles can be described as colored spots or unaesthetic growths found in different parts of the skin. Moles vary in number, and each person may have fewer or more. Some moles are a sign of beauty or personal charm. Others can be unsightly and cause discomfort.
A mole should not be removed if it is not causing any aesthetic problems to the patient’s body. However, some moles can be carcinogenic, so it is important to treat them immediately.
Moles can be considered cancerous if they are:
- You can change the color of your surface over time.
- Asymmetrical and part of the moles larger
- Modify dimensions – Moles with a diameter of 6 mm or more are considered to be dangerous.
- You can suddenly evolve
- Have intense pigmentation spots from the inside.
- Be symptomatic
There are many ways to remove moles. These moles can be removed by electrocautery, laser therapy, or excision. Flat moles are best treated with the first type of surgery. This is the best option if the mole is believed to be cancerous. The incision is made approximately 1 cm from the mole’s edge to remove all cancerous cells. This mole removal procedure is performed using a local anesthetic, which poses fewer risks to the patient.
Electrocautery excision may be chosen in the case of prominent moles that are disturbing for the physical aspect. The procedure uses electricity to burn the affected cells. It does not require a suture. The wound will not bleed, and the scars will be small and almost indistinct depending on how large the mole is. The risk of electric shock is eliminated. All energy generated is safe and does not cause any complications.
Laser excision is the most modern method for removing moles. However, it is not recommended for small ones. The laser beam can only penetrate small moles, so it is vital to keep them superficial and not deep. The scar left is star-shaped (edge tooth).
There are very few risks associated with mole removal surgery. However, they can cause allergies, infections, mild anesthesia, and nerve damage, depending on the area. Most moles are removed with a single result: a scar. This can be easily treated later. Read more here