Moles
Moles are growths on the skin that vary in size, depth and color. Also known as a nevi, moles develop when too many melanocytes develop in one area. Melanocytes are responsible for creating melanin, the substance that gives your skin its pigment (color). When melanocytes are too close together, they produce concentrated areas of melanin, resulting in darkened circular areas of skin that becomes a mole. Many moles are harmless, but some could be a sign of skin cancer. If cancer is found, or if the mole is in an inconvenient or prominent location on the skin, a doctor can remove the mole. Mole removal is done in three main ways.
Shaving
The first way a mole can be removed is through shaving it off. This is done on noncancerous raised moles. For this procedure, the doctor injects a local anesthetic into the area where the mole is located. The doctor then uses a sharp razor to shave the mole from the skin, making the skin even with the surrounding tissue. Some mole cells may remain, meaning that there is a higher chance of the mole returning. However, the procedure is less invasive than other mole removal methods.
Excision Surgery
To insure complete removal of the mole, especially if the mole has been found to be cancerous, your dermatologist will most likely perform excision surgery. Excision surgery involves the use of a sharp scalpel, or a punch device, to completely remove the mole and its surrounding tissue. This insures that all mole cells have been removed. The doctor will then use sutures to sew up the wound to let it heal.
Laser
A newer method on the market for mole removal is laser surgery. Laser mole removal involves the use of a specialized laser that targets melanin in the skin. The laser energy penetrates the melanin-affected areas of the tissue and uses the energy to break up the melanin so that it can be reabsorbed by the body. As the melanin breaks up, your normal skin color returns. Laser surgery is typically reserved for flat moles, as raised moles present too thick of a surface for the laser energy to penetrate and still be effective. Laser mole removal may also take several sessions to be effective, and it may take several weeks for the results to become apparent.
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