What is Mole Excision?
A mole
is also known as a nevus. Excision of a mole involves
removing it by cutting it from the skin.
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Effects of Mole Excision
The
benefits of this procedure include removing protruding moles
that get in the way of shaving; reducing skin irritation
that happens when certain moles rub against clothing or
jewelry; achieving smoother and clearer skin; and enhancing
appearance and improving self-esteem.
Most
importantly, if a mole is suspected to be pre-cancerous
early on, it can be removed completely before it brings
about a serious health risk.
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Candidates for Mole Excision
Moles
can be bothersome to some people and can even lead to
dangerous health risks. Mole removal, whether by laser or
other surgical procedures, is a cosmetic surgery procedure
that offers a solution to people who want to enhance their
looks and decrease associated health risks.
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Your
Consultation
The area to be treated will be cleansed with alcohol,
Betadine, or another suitable material, depending on the
surgeon’s preferences. After that, the area will be numbed
with anesthetic. This will not take long to complete. Many
surgeons prefer to wait after numbing to allow the blood
flow to the area to reduce (sometimes up to 15 minutes).
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The Mole Excision
Procedure
Removal with simple cutting without stitches
The surgeon uses a scalpel and shaves the mole off flush or
slightly below the level of skin. After that, either an
electrical instrument will cauterize or burn the area or a
solution will be placed on the area to prevent any bleeding.
Then a topical antibiotic is applied on the wound and a
bandage is then placed to cover it.
Removal by cutting with stitches
Moles that are darker in color or flat moles or both are
usually removed by excision (cutting) with stitches. The
surgeon maps out the mole and then sterilizes the area and
also numbs it. A scalpel is then used to cut the mole and a
border around the mole. The border size depends on the
concern of the surgeon regarding the mole being removed.
Depending on the depth, stitches are placed either deep
(these absorb and do not have to be removed) or on the upper
surface of the skin (these do not absorb and will be removed
afterwards).
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Recovery
Following the procedure, you have to keep a layer of
antibiotic salve and a bandage on the wound. An antibiotic
ointment that does not contain neomycin (e.g. Polysporin)
should be used. Several people are allergic to neomycin and
may develop a
rash at the site.
Clean the wound once or twice a day with either water or
diluted hydrogen peroxide. After the wound is cleansed,
apply the antibiotic salve and bandage. Repeat this
procedure until the wound is healed.
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Risks
Mole removal methods include risks such as infection,
anesthetic
allergy and nerve damage. It is always wise to select a
dermatologist or surgeon with proper skills and experience
with these removals. In doing so, the risks associated with
this procedure will be reduced.
Additional risks vary depending on the area being treated
and the method of removal. Among the most common
complications after mole removal is a scar. Numerous people
will try to remove moles for cosmetic reasons, not
understanding that each and every removal may result in a
scar.
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Q:
What are moles?
A:
A mole
or nevus may be described as a dark spot or irregularity
found in the skin. Generally, they first come into view in
childhood or during the teen years. Moles differ in color,
size and shape. Some are flesh-colored, yellow-brown or
black. They may be flat or raised, smooth, hairy or warty
looking.
Q:
What causes moles?
A:
Some
people are born with moles and other moles emerge after some
time. Sun exposure seems to take part in the growth of moles
and may even play a role in the development of atypical, or
dysplastic moles. The role of heredity cannot be
underemphasized. Many families have a type of mole known as
dysplastic (atypical), which can be linked with a higher
frequency of
melanoma or
skin cancer.
Q: How is
the mole excision performed?
A: The
surgeon employs a scalpel to cut the mole and a border of
good skin surrounding it. The surgeon will decide on the
size of this border. Stitches are positioned either deep
within the skin, or on the upper surface, depending on the
depth of the excision.
For the procedure that entails no stitches, a scalpel is
applied to shave the mole allowing it to be flush with the
surrounding skin. Next, via an electrical instrument, the
doctor cauterizes the area to prevent any bleeding. A
topical antibiotic is applied to decrease risk of infection.
Shaving eliminates the protruding surface of the mole,
although it can leave mole cells beneath the skin and may
grow back.
Q: What
should I expect after the mole is removed?
A: The
quantity of discomfort subsequently differs on the method
used. If there is discomfort, it can be alleviated with
prescribed pain medication. A scab will likely develop and
then heal within a week or two. In addition, any redness
that takes place will vanish within two to four weeks. Most
scars that do appear slowly fade over time.
Q: What
are the risks and limitations of mole removal?
A: The
most probable risk that can happen is infection. The risks
associated with mole removal also depend upon the technique
used. One common condition that can come about after the
excision procedure is scarring. More or less scars fade
away, but some can be permanent. Scars can be removed by way
of skin resurfacing or other scar revision procedures.
Q:
What preventive measures should I take?
A:
Doctors remove many moles everyday, but there is constantly one recurring
theme that dermatologists tell people: Be aware of your body
and any moles that have changed over time. This is
particularly true for moles that are dark or flat.
Customarily, people will consult doctors and be extremely
concerned about raised, lightly colored moles, but they are
not concerned about the dark, black, melanoma (skin
cancer) next to the mole. This is truly important.
Moreover, it is imperative to stay out of the sun and wear
sunscreen when you are outside. If you do go to your
dermatologist for evaluation, be receptive to a full body
mole screening since it is important to look over your
entire body rather than ignore areas that you may not be
able to inspect on a regular basis.
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