Moles, also known as nevi, commonly develop during childhood, but they can be present at birth or develop any time throughout life, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Moles vary in shape, size and appearance. They can appear skin-colored or darkly pigmented. They can develop in clusters or singularly. Some are flat, others are elevated from the skin. Moles can develop anywhere on the body.
Considerations
Since new moles or changes in existing moles can indicate cancer, all new moles and mole changes must be evaluated by a medical professional. Inspect your existing moles for changes in size, shape, color, crusting and bleeding.
Candidates
Laser mole removal works best on small, brown or black colored moles that do not protrude from the skin. Deep moles, large moles or clusters of moles cannot be removed with a laser, according to MolesNoMore.com. However, other removal options exist for the various types of moles.
Benefits
The benefits of mole removal vary according to the type of mole involved. Depending on the location, raised or protruding moles can become irritated by clothing, jewelry and movements of the body. Removing a visibly prominent mole can increase self-esteem by improving the appearance of the skin. Removing moles early on can also prevent skin cancer later in life.
Procedure
Laser mole removal involves the use of a high-intensity laser light to break up the pigment, or color cells, of the mole. The laser, which feels like the snap of a rubber band against the skin, penetrates the skin and is absorbed by the color pigment cells located in the mole, according to MolesNoMore.com. The pigment breaks apart and is carried away from the mole area during the body's natural healing process.
Outlook
It takes approximately three laser treatments to completely remove a mole, according to MolesNoMore.com. The mole temporarily grows darker after the last treatment. After about a week, the scab and what is left of the mole falls off, revealing smooth, clear skin. In some cases, scarring at the mole site occurs. Scarring associated with laser removal is often minimal and much less than that associated with other mole-removal procedures.
