Mole Removal Surgery

Moles are dark spots or irregularities found in the skin. They come in various shapes and sizes. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, from the nose and other facial areas, as well as arms and chest areas, in groups, or by themselves. They can be present at birth or can begin to appear over time. Some moles go unnoticed, and some, like facial “beauty marks” are actually considered attractive. However, moles are bothersome to some people, and can even lead to dangerous health risks. Mole removal, whether by laser or other surgery procedures, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that provides a solution to people wanting to improve their appearance and reduce associated health risks*.

Benefits of Mole Removal

There are various benefits to this procedure, including:

• Removing protruding moles that get in the way of shaving.
• Reducing skin irritation that can occur when certain moles rub against clothing or jewelry.
• Achieving smoother, clearer skin.
• Enhancing appearance and improving self-esteem.
• Most importantly, if a mole is suspected to be pre-cancerous early on, it can often be completely removed before it causes a serious health risk. At Tucson Cosmetics and Surgery ALL of our mole excisions are sent to pathology where a Physician, who specializes in analyzing biopsy specimens under a microscope, can look at the mole and let us know if it is benign or not.

Who would best represent an Ideal Candidate for this procedure?

Those people who can physically and emotionally benefit from having their mole removed would be considered good candidates for the procedure. However, people must remember that there are limitations to what cosmetic surgery can do. It is meant for improvement, not perfection, and is important to have realistic goals and expectations about mole removal. It is realistic to expect that a scar may replace the unsightly mole.

How is the Mole Removal Surgery Performed?

Before the mole is removed, the area is cleansed and then an anesthetic is applied to numb the area. The type of mole being removed determines what technique is used. Depending on the technique, stitches may or may not be used.

For the excision of the mole, the surgeon uses a scalpel to cut the mole and a border of good skin surrounding it. The surgeon will determine the size of this border. Stitches are placed either deep within the skin or on the upper surface, depending on the depth of the excision.

For the procedure that involves no stitches, a scalpel is used to shave the mole allowing it to be flush with the surrounding skin. Then using an electrical instrument, the doctor cauterizes the area to stop any bleeding. A topical antibiotic is applied to reduce the risk of infection. Shaving removes the protruding surface of the mole, but it can leave mole cells beneath the skin and may grow back.

Mole removal typically takes less than an hour to perform, depending on the number of moles to be removed.

Note*: Laser treatment is another method of mole removal. While scarring is not an issue for this technique, it is important to know this is not a method used for treating deep moles because the laser does not penetrate deeply enough.

What should be expected after a mole is removed?

The amount of discomfort afterward varies on the method used. If there is discomfort, it can be relieved with prescribed pain medication. A scab usually will develop, and then heal within a week or two. Also, any redness that occurs will disappear within two to four weeks. Most scars that do appear slowly fade over time

What Are the Risks and Limitations of Mole Removal Surgery?

While risks are minimal, a possible risk that can occur is an infection. The risks associated with mole removal also depend upon the technique used.

A common condition that can occur after the excision procedure is scarring. Some scars fade away, but some can be permanent. Scars can be eliminated through skin resurfacing or other scar revision procedures.