A person's skin provides a shield of protection against the elements and potential infections. The skin is covered with various marks, spots, grooves and wrinkles that may or may not be desirable. Moles are found on the skin of many people, although some individuals have large numbers of moles while others have very few. Moles may need to be removed for cosmetic purposes or as a form of medical treatment.
Moles
A mole is a spot found on the skin that has a pigment different from the surrounding skin color. Moles, also called nevi, are made up of melanocytes, which are the cells that produce melanin. Melanin is responsible for skin pigmentation, the tanning of skin from sun exposure and the color of a person's hair. Clusters of melanocytes form in the skin and can vary in appearance from a small, flat spot to a large, raised area.
Moles appear on the skin during childhood and young adulthood, and most people do not develop new moles after the age of 50. There are also types of moles called congenital nevi that have developed in utero and appear on a baby's skin at birth. Most moles are harmless, but because of their potential for change with sun exposure, some may develop into melanoma, a potentially life-threatening form of skin cancer. For this reason, removal is necessary. Many people also choose mole removal for cosmetic reasons due to the location of a mole.
Shave Excision
A shave excision is a form of mole removal that can be used to cosmetically treat a mole that extends above the line of the skin. A shave excision involves shaving off the upper layers of the mole so that it is at the same level as the skin. The procedure requires a small amount of local anesthetic applied to the site. An excision tool shears each layer down to the skin line. If there are pigmented cells below the skin line, they remain. There is also the chance that leftover cells will darken or that the excised area will grow back.
Deeper Moles
Some moles require removal with a more extensive process; in particular, if the mole is large or deep within the skin or if cells within the mole are identified as being cancerous. A type of mole removal called an elliptical excision involves anesthetizing the skin around the mole, followed by cutting out the mole and some of its surrounding skin. The depth of the cut depends on how deep the melanocytes are as well as including margins of tissue if cancer cells are found. Mole removal by elliptical excision leaves a larger scar, depending on the size of the mole.
Lasers
The use of lasers to remove moles is used in various situations, particularly those for cosmetic purposes. An example of this is the removal of a mole that is found on the face. This type of treatment is used for superficial moles and not for those that are raised above the skin line. Laser treatment of moles is less invasive, causes less pain, and leaves little scarring. It can be more costly than other forms of mole treatment.
Aftercare
After any removal of a mole, precautions should be taken to protect the skin, and dermatologists will provide some instructions for skin care. Monitoring the skin for changes such as redness, swelling or drainage guards against the development of infection. The site may need to be cleaned daily and if a bandage is applied, antibiotic ointment may be prescribed. A scab may form at the site, followed by a scar that fades over time. Each physician should thoroughly explain what to expect and clarify skin care requirements following mole removal treatment.
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