Basics
According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, the medical term for a mole is nevus (plural: nevi), which is Latin for the word "spot." Moles that appear at birth are called congenital nevi; those that form later in life are referred to as acquired nevi. Nevi appear in the form of fleshy skin that is made up of different kinds of cells. While most facial moles are congenital nevi, they often don't appear until later in adulthood. Many congenital facial moles darken over time from exposure to the sun, after a person has been taking steroids or following pregnancy. Congenital nevi rarely become malignant. Moles that appear after the age of 50 are cause for concern and may need to be removed. Moles typically stay about one-quarter inch in size and have a wide range of appearances. Moles can be dark or light, alone or in groups. Some moles have hair growing out of them. If moles suddenly change in shape, color or size, they may need to be removed.
Shave
Small moles can be shaved off in a doctor's office. The doctor injects the face with an anesthetic to numb the area. Using a sharp instrument, he lightly shaves off the small skin protrusion. Shaving small moles rarely leaves much of a scar. The tissue removed from a small mole is typically sent to a laboratory for testing as a precaution. Small moles that are believed to be cancerous usually require the doctor to remove surrounding healthy skin to make sure all the cancer cells are removed. The opening left from the procedure may be closed with a cauterizing instrument or self-absorbing stitches placed deeper in the skin.
Laser
Doctors at the San Francisco Plastic Surgery and Laser Center report that laser treatment is usually used for flat, dark moles. The physician uses a mild anesthetic to minimize the discomfort created by the burning sensations the laser produces. Laser removal of moles typically takes at least two or three sessions to completely remove the spot.
Surgery
All moles that could possibly be cancerous should be removed, report doctors at the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Most mole removal surgery can be done as an outpatient procedure in a doctor's office. The physician cuts out the offending nevus and closes the opening with stitches. Very large mole removals may require a skin graft to cover the opening on the face left by the surgery. Skin grafts can be taken from any part of the body. The skin grafted on the face may remain slightly lighter than the rest of the face.
Member Comments