Moles are a common skin blemish that occurs when groups of melanocytes form too close together beneath the surface of the skin. Melanocytes are cells responsible for producing melanin, the substance that gives your skin pigment (color). When these cells are too close together, melanin production is concentrated in one location, resulting in a dark spot on the skin. In most cases, moles are more of a nuisance than a medical problem. However, moles can be a warning sign of a form of cancer called melanoma. Whether you want to remove the mole for cosmetic reasons, or because of health reasons, there are several options available.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor about a shave excision. For removal of moles that rub against clothing or are in an unappealing area of the body, shave excision is a popular option for mole removal. During this process your doctor will use a sharp razor blade to cut the mole from the skin at the skin surface. Although this is an effective way to remove the mole, it may leave mole cells behind, which can form into a new mole at a later time.
Step 2
Schedule a laser mole removal treatment. Laser mole removal is a relatively new procedure that specifically targets areas of the skin with higher concentrations of melanin. As the laser targets the mole, its laser energy breaks up the melanin, allowing the melanin to be reabsorbed back into the skin. Laser mole removal is reserved for flat cosmetic moles, and may require several treatment for full results.
Step 3
Have the mole removed through excision. The most effective form of mole removal is to cut out not only the exposed mole tissue, but also some of the surrounding tissue. To do this your doctor will use a scalpel or a sharp punch device to cut the mole, as well as some of the surrounding tissue, away from the skin. The doctor will then close the remaining tissue with sutures or other closing medium to allow the skin to heal. Excision can be performed on any mole, but is the only method used for moles that are cancerous or pre-cancerous.
Member Comments