Mole Removal

Moles (also called Melanocytic or Pigmented naevi) are areas of pigmented skin. Moles are dark spots or irregularities found in the skin. They come in various shapes and sizes. Raised or flat, moles can be present from birth or can appear later in life. 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. Laser hair 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. Most moles are harmless, but you may wish to have a mole removed for cosmetic reasons. Sometimes a mole has to be removed because there is a risk it has become malignant (cancerous) or because it has become a nuisance (for example catching on clothes or a razor).

There are various benefits to this procedure, including:

Removing protruding moles that get in the way of shaving.
Reducing skin irritation that can occur 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.

Various methods are used to remove moles. Raised moles can be treated with shave excision, where the mole is cut down to the level of the surrounding skin, either using a scalpel or electro-surgery. Flat moles or moles that are suspected to be malignant (cancerous) are cut out entirely and then the wound is closed up with stitches.

The procedure

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 surgeon uses a scalpel to cut the mole and a border of good skin surrounding it. The surgeon 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.

Laser hair removal typically takes less than an hour to perform, depending on the amount of moles to be removed.

Laser treatment is another method of Laser hair removal. While scarring is not an issue for this technique, it is important to know this is not a method used for treating deep moles because the laser does not penetrate deeply enough.

All procedures carry risks as well as benefits. The chance of complications following Laser hair removal depends on the type of procedure and other factors such as your general health.