How to Remove Moles
Moles on your face or body can cause you to feel self-conscious, as well as increase the likelihood that you will develop skin cancer.
Removing a mole safely requires medical expertise and the use of anesthesia. Attempting to remove it at home could cut off an atypical lesion, leaving scarring and other potential complications behind.
Clear skin can be achieved using various methods and strategies. While some are highly effective, others may seem counterintuitive.
You might feel tempted to give these techniques a try, but remember: these methods should never replace an effective skin care routine.
Moles are common skin growths that may be present from birth or develop over time. They can appear anywhere on the face and body, including the nose and arms.
Mole removal is a cosmetic surgery procedure that can be administered by your dermatologist. It’s safe and relatively straightforward, reducing your risk of developing skin cancer.
Your dermatologist will know how to remove moles using one of two procedures. Excision, where the doctor numbs and cuts away from healthy surrounding tissue; surgical shave, where they use a sharp blade to cut around and underneath the mole.
Preventing Infections
If a mole becomes infected, it could lead to cellulitis – an acute infection caused by bacteria, virus or fungus.
Dermatologists often remove moles to prevent infections and make the skin appear more attractive. Your doctor may also advise removal if there are indications that your mole is suspicious or cancerous.
You can reduce the likelihood of infection after mole removal by following wound care instructions provided by your dermatologist. These instructions will be given to you before leaving the clinic.
To promote healing, keep the mole covered with bandages and changing it twice daily. Furthermore, avoid picking at any scab that forms over the wound until it falls off naturally.
Dermatologists can use various techniques to remove moles, such as cautery and cryosurgery. To make the procedure comfortable for their patient, numbing agents are used before beginning.
Preventing Cancer
Most moles are harmless and not cause for alarm; however, if your healthcare provider suspects that a mole may be cancerous, they may advise removing it in order to conduct tests and make an accurate diagnosis.
Melanoma is the most common type of skin cancer, and having regular mole exams by a dermatologist or other specialist can help reduce your chances of developing it. However, routine removal of many moles isn’t usually recommended as a preventive measure as it rarely reduces the risk of developing melanoma by any significant margin.
Mole removal can be performed at home with a local anesthetic, but it’s safer to leave the job to an experienced medical professional. Not only will this leave less scarring but it also gives you a fresher appearance afterward.
Preventing Scars
No matter if a mole is removed for cosmetic or cancerous reasons, it’s essential to follow your dermatologist’s instructions to minimize scarring. With proper care, a mole removal scar may fade away on its own over time with time.
To minimize the likelihood of scarring, keep your wound moist and covered with an ointment such as petroleum jelly or similar moisturizer. Furthermore, avoid exposure to sunlight which can dry out the area and hasten scar formation.
Your skin’s healing process begins with inflammation and white blood cells trying to fight off infection. Proliferation then takes place, creating new cells and vessels until finally maturing and shrinking occurs – though you may experience some redness or swelling during this time.
If you’re concerned about scarring, it may be helpful to see a dermatologist or a facial plastic surgeon such as Dr. Kristina Zakhary to discuss your options. They may be able to recommend treatments such as laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, or corticosteroid injections to help reduce the appearance of scars.