Moles are bunches of pigmented cells that can appear almost anywhere on the surface of your skin. The medical term for moles is nevi. Moles are harmless in most cases and but in rare instances your moles can develop into skin tumors. Moles can be removed if there is suspected tumor growth or for cosmetic reasons.
Step 1
See your dermatologist. She will examine your mole and decide which method is best for removing it and what risks it may entail. Moles are removed by shave excision or excisional surgery.
Step 2
Be anesthetized. Local anesthesia is used for numbing the area of the mole so you don't feel pain during the procedure.
Step 3
Remove the mole. The doctor either uses a small knife to cut around and beneath the mole. This technique requires no stitches and is used for small moles. In the case of larger moles, a scalpel is used and the area is sutured after the procedure.
Tips and Warnings
- Regularly check your moles for changes in their composition for early detection of skin cancer.
- Sun exposure at peak times can cause the development of cancerous moles. Do not expose your unprotected skin to the sun during peak sunlight hours.
