How Mole Removal Works

Posted on 29. Apr, 2009 by in Non-Surgical Procedures

While slightly different between practitioners, the general procedure for mole removal is rather uniform.  In short, there are three methods of mole removal, shaving, excision, and laser removal.  In almost all cases, moles will be biopsied prior to removal to ensure that the best removal method is chosen for the procedure.  While a vast majority of moles are not cancerous, most doctors prefer to err on the side of caution.

Shaving

When a mole is determined to be non-threatening, doctors often opt to use a shaving procedure to remove it.  This involves shaving the mole down until it is flush with the surrounding skin.  While moles appear to be quite dark, they are actually just exceptionally tightly packed clumps of cells.  This gives them a dark appearance.  After shaving, the area will look much like the skin around it.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment involves focusing a small beam of light onto the mole.  The light is absorbed by the pigment cells, which then break up.  The body carries away and slowly absorbs the pigment cells, resulting in no scarring but a perfectly normal patch of skin.  This method typically takes about three sessions.

Excision

Excision is typically done when a mole is very large or is suspect.  If the doctors think that the mole or surrounding issue may be cancerous or precancerous, excision will likely be recommended.  With excision, the mole and surrounding tissue will be surgically removed, typically removing all precancerous or cancerous cells and reducing the risk of any growths spreading or recurring in the area.

The method of mole removal that is right for you depends both on your mole and on the doctor you choose.  Different doctors or cosmetic surgeons prefer different procedures for mole removal.  While typically considered cosmetic in nature, many insurance companies allow coverage for mole removal in certain circumstances.  It is advised to discuss this with your doctor to see if your mole removal may be covered by your insurance as a preventative measure.

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2 Responses to “How Mole Removal Works”

  1. Gabi

    10. Dec, 2011

    I was able to remove a mole on my nose, even after it came back following a dermatologist’s attempts, with a chemical peel I bought from Amazon. Here are some pictures: http://mychemicalpeel.blogspot.com/2011/11/complete-mole-removal-with-tca-chemical.html

  2. tanya

    20. Jan, 2012

    I have had some moles removed before, by the NHS. The first one which was larger than the others was removed using an excision method. This has left a scar but I am very happy with it. However the ones also removed on my arms and legs were removed using the shave method, unfortunately these are slowly returning and making me slightly worried. I am due to visit a Dr who specialises in mole removal next week, she recommends the shave option but I am against this as I don’t wan them to return. I would much prefer going for the compete cut out (excision) again. I know these will leave scars but id rather that than the chance of them returning. If anyone has had this done on either the face or body and are happy with the results, please let me know. Thanks :)

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