Cosmetic Mole Removal

cosmetic mole removal

A mole is a growth on the skin that is usually brown. It can also be flesh-colored and raised. Many raised benign (noncancerous) moles are soft in feeling. Moles may develop anywhere on the skin, and they may appear alone or in groups. Most moles on the body develop in early childhood, and moles do continue to appear throughout life. It is normal for someone to have between 10 to 40 moles on their body by the time they reach adulthood. Hairs may occasionally develop in the mole. All of this is quite normal and no cause for alarm.

Who is a good candidate for cosmetic mole removal?

Moles may become injured, cause irritation under certain clothing, or simply detract from your appearance. Some patients want to remove moles that are located in a hairy area of the skin because the mole may repeatedly be injured while shaving. Although shaving can irritate a mole, it will not cause the mole to become malignant. Nevertheless, the constant irritation may be annoying, and you may want to have the mole removed. Moles may be removed for solely cosmetic reasons.

HOW IS MOLE REMOVAL PERFORMED?

A mole may be removed by shaving, snipping, or cutting out the entire spot. Sometimes, the base and edges will be lightly cauterized for optimal outcome. Other times, after a deeper removal, sutures will be carefully placed for optimal closure. The sites usually heal in 7-14 days and fade over 6-12 months. We recommend medical grade scar gel post-procedure for 6-12 weeks.