Mole removal is a surgery procedure to remove moles (dark spots or irregularities found on the skin in various shapes and sizes). These moles can appear at birth or appear over time, the latter of which could be a dangerous health risk if ignored, especially in regards to skin cancer. They appear on the nose and other facial areas as well as arms and chest areas. Moles are not always regarded as unsightly; some are considered as ‘beauty marks’. This procedure can, by removing the undesired mole, enhance your appearance and self-esteem.
About the Procedure
First, the targeted area surrounding the mole is cleansed, and an anesthetic is applied to numb it. Depending on the actual mole itself, the technique of removing it as well as the need for stiches will differ.
Procedure with stitches
Your surgeon will first, with the use of a scalpel, cut the mole and some of the skin surrounding it. He will access the size of the ‘border’ and depending on the how deep the incision is, insert stitches on each side either inside the skin or on the upper surface.
Procedure without stitches
Your surgeon will first with the use of a scalpel shave the mole so that it is flushed into the skin. Then, he has the area stop bleeding using a special electronic instrument and applies anti-biotic to reduce the possibility of infection. With this technique it only leaves the mole under the skin so there is the chance that it will grow back in the future.
Laser treatment
Your surgeon will remove the mole using a laser but only if it is not a deep one. This technique does not leave scarring.
Length
This procedure should take around 20-30 minutes.
Benefits
First and foremost, this procedure can protect moles that may be a health hazard. In fact, all moles can be totally removed if desired. The benefits of this surgery include: ridding,a person's face of a mole that interrupts shaving or cause skin irritation, enhances both your appearance and self-esteem.
Who is an ideal candidate?
An ideal candidate would have a history of skin cancer, have a very suspicious looking mole which could become a health hazard, be irritated by the mole and self-conscious about it.
Recovery
When you arrive home, you ought to apply antibiotic salve (not including neomycin) and a bandage on the treated area. You should cleanse the treated area once or twice per day with plain water or diluted hydrogen peroxide, then apply antibiotic salve and a bandage. You should continue doing this until the area is completely healed.
Planning your surgery
If you are considering mole removal, you should first find a qualified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist to perform the procedure. As this is an important factor in having a successful procedure.
Preparing your surgery
Prior to the surgery, your surgeon will use a microscope to make a biopsy of the mole. Depending on the characteristics of the mole, the surgeon will advise on the technique to eradicate it.
Anesthesia
Most doctors use a local anesthetic to reduce pain and discomfort.
Risks / Complications / Side effects
There are some risks involved with mole removal surgery but they are minimal:
• Infection
• Scarring (either temporary and permanent)
• Allergy to the anesthesia
• Nerve damage