Even, Smooth, Flawless Skin
What is Mole Removal?
Occasionally, moles are cause for concern and may become cancerous. In many cases, they are completely benign, and patients may simply prefer to remove certain moles for cosmetic reasons. When this is the case, there are a few different approaches that can be used for removal.
Excision
With mole excision, moles are removed by surgically cutting away the mole using a scalpel or other surgical tools, including any part of the mole that sits below the surface level. If the mole is deep, sutures may be needed to close the incision. This method is typically permanent and an injection of local anesthetic is used for comfort.
Shave Removal
For certain moles, mole shaving pares it down to the same level as the surrounding skin in an ideal and sufficient manner. Your surgeon will use a scalpel to delicately shave off the mole layer by layer until it is completely flat. Local anesthetic is used for this technique, but stitches are typically not necessary.
Laser Mole Removal
In some cases, laser mole removal can be used especially with flatter moles. A laser will be applied precisely to the mole, avoiding surrounding skin, and works by destroying the mole tissue. Sometimes it takes more than one treatment for the mole to fade and new skin cells to regrow.
Freezing
Another minimally invasive option for mole removal is freezing the mole with liquid nitrogen. Typically, only one treatment is needed for this method, but you may have a small blister at the mole site that takes a few days to heal.
