Moles Removal

What are moles on skin ?

Moles: Moles are a common type of skin growth. They often appear as small, dark brown spots and are caused by clusters of pigmented cells. Moles generally appear during childhood and adolescence. Moles are clusters of melanin absorbed on the skin over many years. It stems from melanocytes and are usually brown, pink or tan in color. They can be flat or raised, oval or round.

Why a mole may need to be removed?

Moles are common skin growths. You probably have more than one on your face and body. Most people have 10 to 40 moles somewhere on their skin, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Most moles are harmless and nothing to worry about. Unless a mole is cancerous, you don’t need to have it removed unless it bothers you. But if you don’t like the way it affects your appearance, or if it’s getting irritated from rubbing against your clothes, removing the mole can be one of your choices.

How do I find out if a mole is cancerous?

The best way to know if a mole is cancerous is to see a dermatologist for an annual skin cancer screening. If you have a history of skin cancer, your dermatologist may recommend screening more often. Meanwhile, you should schedule a checkup with your dermatologist if you notice any moles that:

are asymmetrical
have irregular borders
are not uniform in color
have a diameter that’s larger than a pencil eraser
are evolving or changing in size, shape, or color

These types of moles should be evaluated by a dermatologist, who can then decide if they should be tested for skin cancer.

How to remove moles?

The CO₂ laser can remove a mole. The light is absorbed by water molecules and heats up the cells resulting in removal of targeted tissues. Local anesthetic is mandatory due to uncomfortable heat. A light scab will be formed after the laser treatment but would fall off in a few days. The laser process lasts for about 90-120 seconds.

Surgical Removal

To surgically remove your mole, your dermatologist will numb the mole and surrounding skin, then cut out the mole with a scalpel. They will finish by stitching up the skin around the mole.

Mole removal with Co2 laser