Mole Removal Q & A
What is a mole?
Moles are harmless skin growths that may appear at any time. Sun exposure over the years may contribute to the growth of moles, or they may be hereditary. These clusters of darker skin cells are usually benign, meaning they’re not cancerous or cause for alarm.
However, if you have a mole that suddenly changes size, color, or shape, it could be a sign of a more serious condition like melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. In such cases, your doctor at SINY® Dermatology may advise removing the mole immediately to avoid future complications.
When should I see a doctor for mole removal?
If you notice changes in a mole, or you have a new mole that is irregularly shaped or an odd color, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with the team at SINY® Dermatology. The doctors closely examine your mole to determine if it’s a serious skin condition or precancerous cells. They may recommend having your mole removed for health purposes, or you may desire to have it removed for aesthetic reasons.
How are moles removed?
Depending on your specific type of mole and its condition, you may be a good candidate for laser mole removal, which works well for moles that are flatter in appearance, rather than raised up from the surrounding skin. Moles that are black or brown also respond well to laser treatments.
Depending on the size of your mole and its location, you may need one to three laser treatments to completely remove the mole. Laser mole removal works best on smaller-sized moles as well. Larger ones may require specialized surgical techniques instead.
Surgical mole removal may include surgical excision or a surgical shave. During surgical excision, the doctor numbs the area with a local anesthetic and then cuts the mole and some of the surrounding tissue out of your skin. This requires stitches so the wound can heal properly.
A surgical shave is different from surgical excision because the doctor slices the mole off at the surface of your skin. This surgical procedure does not require stitches to heal. Depending on your particular mole, the doctor decides which specialized surgical technique will best provide the desirable outcome.
If you want to remove a mole that interferes with your clothing, bothers you aesthetically, or raises a health concern, the experienced team at SINY® Dermatology can help. Call or schedule a mole removal consultation using online booking.
For more information or to book an appointment, call 800-778-3090 or visit sinyderm.com.
We provide the full spectrum of medical, cosmetic, and laser dermatology at all six of our offices in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, Park Slope, Brooklyn, the West Village, and the Upper East Side in Manhattan, Forest Hills, Queens, and Southold on Long Island.