What Is a Mole?
Moles, also known as nevus, are common growths on the skin that generally appear as small dark brown spots. They are caused by a cluster of melanocytes which are pigment-forming cells. People typically have ten to 40 moles that appear in childhood and adolescence and may fade or change appearance over time. Moles are generally harmless, but some can be atypical and can be a potential sign of skin cancer that needs proper medical attention. However, some people dislike moles on their skin and want to get rid of them for cosmetic purposes. There are different ways of mole removal, which this article discusses in detail.
What Is Mole Removal?
Mole removal is a procedure in which the dermatologist cuts or shaves a mole to remove it from the skin. It is a quick and outpatient procedure that is done for cosmetic reasons or to test the mole for skin cancer. Whether born with a mole or developed over time, some people do not like how a mole looks or feels. Moles bother people to the extent that they wish to get rid of them. Moles on the face and neck are usually removed to have spotless skin. Some even get the moles removed from their hands.
Is Mole Removal At Home Safe?
Mole removal at home sounds convenient, but it can be dangerous. Over-the-counter mole removal creams are available but they can leave a thick scar as a side effect of removing the mole from that part of the body. Some people even cut moles off using scissors or razors, which increases the possibility of getting permanently scarred or infected, especially if the equipment used to cut the mole is not sterilized. Also, it is difficult to check at home if a mole is cancerous or not without getting it inspected by an experienced doctor, which can even turn life-threatening. Hence, it is important to get a thorough examination of the mole by an experienced dermatologist and then get it removed accordingly by a doctor.
What Are the Ways of Mole Removal?
Mole can be treated cosmetically by various safe and painless procedures. To permanently remove a mole on the face, people can either go for surgical or nonsurgical treatment depending on the depth, size, and type of mole. In some cases, irrespective of the type of treatment, mole removal can result in mild scarring, which can be minimized by laser resurfacing. The following methods are used to permanently remove the moles.
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Q Switched YAG Laser - Laser is the most effective and convenient method of all the methods of mole removal, making it most popular among patients and dermatologists. It does not cause scars and is cost-effective. The number of sessions depends on the size, type, and color of the mole. Laser treatment starts with applying local anesthesia and then uses a burst of the beam to dissolve and dissipate the mole. The light energy used in lasers breaks down the mole cells. Laser mole removal can be used for moles that are difficult to reach, such as moles in the ear.
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Electrocautery - Electrocautery involves the superficial burning of the moles by ensuring that the surrounding tissues are safe, hence avoiding scarring. This procedure requires multiple sessions, and generally, one to three sessions are prescribed for mole removal. Electrocautery is usually done for the removal of skin tags or seborrheic keratosis.
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Radiofrequency - In this procedure, radio waves are used for mole removal by using a dine loop of platinum wire. This wire, as thin as a hair strand, is used to brush the mole and vaporize it. A wound the same size as of mole forms after the treatment and then forms a scab that eventually fades away after a week, and a fresh skin layer takes its place. Radiofrequency has shown exceptional results with no or minimal scarring and zero downtime. Mole removal using radiofrequency can be done in one sitting.
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Punch Excision - Punch excision, also known as punch biopsy, is usually used to treat smaller moles. This procedure involves using a device to punch out the mole. An experienced and skillful doctor extracts a cylindrically shaped piece of skin.
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Freezing - Freezing involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze the mole off. This will lead to the development of a small blister on the skin where the mole used to be, which will eventually heal.
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Surgical Excision - This procedure involves removing the mole and a small margin of the skin using surgical scissors or a scalpel. This procedure is done under local anesthesia, and the mole removal is not painful. If the mole has grown deep into the skin, the doctor may need to close the wound with stitches after the mole is removed.
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Shave Removal - This procedure is similar to an excision. Under local anesthesia, the doctor will shave off the layers of the mole until it is completely gone. Stitches are not necessary for this procedure, but the skin can have a small pink patch where the mole used to be.
What Is the Recovery Time for Mole Removal Procedure?
The healing time depends on the type of treatment, the overall health of the patient, and the size of the mole. Typically, it takes two to three weeks for complete healing after mole removal. During this recovery time, a person will be able to do normal daily activities but may feel little soreness. However, one must follow instructions given by the doctor for proper healing and to prevent infection.
What Are the Associated Risks of the Mole Removal Procedure?
Mole removal is a low-risk procedure, but like all other procedures, there are some associated risks. These risks include:
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Bleeding.
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Infection.
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Scars that may or may not be noticeable.
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Nerve damage.
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Recurrence of mole.
Conclusion
Mole removal is a popular procedure nowadays as people are conscious about their looks and want spotless skin. There are several ways of mole removal, but it is very important to examine the mole before it is removed, as there are potential chances of it being melanoma or cancerous. Although mole removal is a safe procedure, it can cause some side effects if not done properly under sterile conditions.
