Mole removal

Overview

During a mole removal procedure, a dermatologist will shave or cut the mole from the skin. Dermatologists are specialized medical doctors who focus on diagnosing and treating skin conditions. This procedure is typically quick and done on an outpatient basis, allowing the mole to be tested for skin cancer. Moles may also be removed for cosmetic reasons.

Moles commonly appear during childhood or teenage years and can vary in color from your natural skin tone to shades of pink, brown, or black. People with darker hair or skin often have darker moles compared to those with lighter hair or skin. Moles can be flat or raised, and doctors may refer to a single mole as a nevus, or a group of moles as nevi. It is normal for adults to have between 10 to 40 moles. Some moles grow slowly and may lighten or disappear over time. While most moles are harmless, it’s important to consult your doctor if you notice any changes in a mole, such as changes in color or shape, itchiness, or bleeding.

In some cases, moles can be cancerous or precancerous. If a mole becomes itchy, bleeds, has an irregular shape, or changes in appearance, seek medical advice promptly.

Reasons for undergoing the procedure

Mole removal is often performed to address atypical moles on areas such as the face, neck, arms, legs, or torso. Your doctor might recommend removing an atypical mole to conduct a biopsy and assess whether it is cancerous (malignant) or precancerous. If the mole is removed with clear margins—meaning the surrounding healthy tissue is also taken—this procedure can potentially serve as a curative treatment for localized skin cancer.

In addition to medical reasons, moles may be removed for cosmetic purposes if their location or appearance is bothersome to you. Although most moles do not require treatment, you might choose to have one removed for aesthetic reasons or if it causes discomfort. It’s important to discuss any concerns you have about a mole with your doctor. Generally, moles are removed either due to concerns about cancer or for cosmetic reasons.

Atypical mole removal

Typical moles are usually round, flat or slightly raised, evenly colored, and remain consistent in shape and size over time. However, if a mole appears atypical (dysplastic), your doctor may recommend removing it to conduct tests and determine if it is cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign).

Cosmetic mole removal

Whether you were born with a mole or it appeared later, you might find its appearance or texture bothersome. If a mole is causing you concern, it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider about your options. Avoid attempting to remove a mole at home, as professional removal is safer and typically results in a better outcome during the healing process.

Risks

Removing a mole in your dermatologist’s office is generally a low-risk procedure, but, like any surgery, it carries some potential risks. These may include:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Nerve injury
• Recurrence of the mole
• Scarring (which may or may not be visible)

Before the procedure

Before a mole removal procedure, your doctor will examine your skin and may take photos of your moles for future reference. They might use a dermoscope, a specialized tool, to closely examine the mole and determine the best removal approach.

The doctor will mark the areas of skin to be removed and then clean the area. You will receive numbing medication, which could be applied topically, injected at the surgical site, or both, to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible.

During the procedure

The two main techniques for removing moles are shave excision and surgical excision. Each method has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to consult with your dermatologist to determine which approach is best suited for your specific situation.

Surgical excision

Excision is a commonly used method for mole removal. Once the area is cleaned and numbed, your surgeon will use a scalpel to cut the mole from your skin. They may also remove a small margin of healthy skin around the mole to ensure that all atypical cells are removed. The surgeon will lift the mole from the skin using forceps. Bleeding during the procedure is normal; the surgeon may apply pressure or cauterize the area to control bleeding before stitching the wound closed.

Shave excision

Shave excision is another common method for mole removal. In this technique, your doctor shaves the mole off at skin level rather than cutting it out. This approach allows for tissue analysis and typically results in satisfactory cosmetic outcomes. However, shave excision is less effective for examining deep tumor margins and cannot distinguish between different types of skin cancer.

During shave excision, your doctor uses a single or double-bladed razor to carefully shave off the mole. They may lightly cauterize the area to improve the appearance of the scar after healing. Moles removed through shave excision are somewhat more likely to recur compared to those removed by surgical excision.

Other methods, such as lasers, electric current (cautery), or liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy), are generally not recommended for mole removal. These techniques do not provide a sample of the mole for analysis, making it difficult to determine its type. Additionally, moles removed with these methods are more likely to recur and may sometimes display features similar to skin cancer if they return.

After the procedure

Your doctor will remove your mole, bandage the area, and then apply petroleum jelly. You should clean the area every day and keep it moist (with the jelly) for a few days.

Outcome

The healing time after mole removal depends on your general health and the size of the mole. Typically, it takes about two to three weeks for the area to heal. During this time, you can continue with your usual activities, though you might experience some soreness. Following the wound care instructions provided by your doctor is crucial for promoting healing and preventing infection.

After the mole is removed, you will have a wound that needs to be kept clean, moist, and covered. Be sure to change the dressing daily or as instructed by your doctor. Once you have fully recovered, apply sunscreen to the area to protect it.

Most mole removal procedures are short, outpatient treatments. You should be able to drive yourself home and resume work or school immediately after the appointment.