Moles, or nevi, are collections of pigmented skin cells known as melanocytes. They may appear flat or raised, and vary in color from pink to dark brown. Moles may be removed for cosmetic reasons, when skin cancer is suspected or in cases where the mole is irritated from rubbing against clothing or shaving. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that moles only be removed by a doctor, such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, and never at home.
The Procedure
Mole removal in a doctor's office is a safe and quick procedure. There are several methods available by doctors to remove moles. Your doctor will determine which one is best by the type of mole you have. It is generally painless and in most cases can be done in less than an hour. First, the area is cleaned using an antiseptic and then local anesthesia is injected into the mole to numb it. After the mole is removed, your doctor may send it to a lab to determine if it is cancerous. If the mole is found to be cancerous, it requires removal by surgical excision.
Shave Excision
Shave excision may be used to remove moles that are raised above the skin surface. The doctor uses a blade to shave the mole off, producing a wound similar to an abrasion. The wound is then covered with a band-aid. A scab will form and falls off in about one to two weeks.
Surgical Excision
Surgical excision may be used for flat moles or when melanoma is suspected. The doctor uses either a scalpel to cut out the mole or a punch tool with a circular blade similar to a cookie cutter to punch out the mole. An electrocautery instrument may be used to cauterize blood vessels and stop any bleeding. Several stitches are then placed in the skin to close the wound and it is covered with a band-aide. The stitches are removed in about a week.
Laser Removal
Laser removal is not commonly used for mole removal, but is beneficial because there is no risk for scarring. It should not be used to remove deep moles as the laser is not able to penetrate deep enough into the skin to remove all the pigment cells.
Risks
There is a slight risk of infection and temporary or permanent scarring with shave and punch excisions. To minimize scarring, stay out of the sun, apply sunscreen to the area and use a scar fading lotion or gel. There is also a small risk that moles may grow back when shaved if pigment cells are left behind.
Warning
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that moles only be removed by a doctor. Shaving a mole at home can result in infection and scarring. Also, if pigment cells are left behind then the mole may grow back. Most importantly, you are not able to determine if a mole is cancerous when it is removed at home. If you remove the mole yourself and it is cancerous, the cancer may not be fully removed and can spread to other areas of the body.
