Stockbridge, GA mole removal National Healthcare Center NHCC

If you’re looking for professional Fayetteville, GA mole removal services in your area, you likely have a few questions about the process. Moles can be removed for cosmetic reasons or if they are found to be cancerous. There are a few different methods for this process, and the best method for you will depend on the size and location of the mole, as well as your own personal preferences. In this article, we will discuss what mole removal is, when you should remove a mole, if mole removal leaves a scar, and which mole removal method is best, among other Frequently Asked Questions.

What Is Mole Removal?

Mole removal is just what it sounds like: it is the process of removing a mole from your skin, whether for cosmetic or health reasons. This is typically done in an outpatient procedure at your local dermatologist’s office.

When Should I Remove a Mole?

Moles are very common and a natural part of the body’s largest organ: the skin. However, there do come times when mole removal is prudent. So when should you remove a mole?

Most moles appear before an individual has reached 20 years old, and they are typically skin-toned, or darker. The majority of moles are not cancerous, and are dubbed “benign”—however, there are some things to watch out for should a mole develop later in life. If a mole appears after you’re 20 years old and/or changes color, shape, or size over time, it is a good idea to have it looked at by a professional dermatologist. The dermatologist will likely wish to remove the mole to see if it contains cancer cells or if it is truly benign.

Will Mole Removal Leave a Scar?

The answer to this question greatly depends on the circumstances. The location of the mole, your age and skin health, the depth of the mole, and the removal method all play a role in whether or not the procedure will leave you with a scar. The younger you are, the less likely you are to scar—but if the mole is deep enough to warrant closing the wound afterward, it is likely to leave a mark.

Can I Prevent Scarring With My Upcoming Mole Removal?

Of course, there’s no way to guarantee that you won’t scar after having a mole removed by your dermatologist—but there are some factors that are within your control that may minimize the likelihood of scarring. Here are some ways that you can avoid further stressing out the skin and promoting better healing rather than scarring:

  • Don’t stretch or move the area
  • Keep the area moist and clean
  • Don’t expose the area to sunlight
  • Massage the area
  • Apply pressure to the area
  • Use a polyurethane bandage up to six weeks after the procedure
  • Laser, light, or corticosteroid therapies

Can Removing Moles Prevent Cancer?

While some moles can be cancerous (also called melanoma), routinely removing moles is not considered a perfect way to prevent skin cancer. Your best bet for preventing skin cancer is to avoid overexposure to UV rays, including tanning beds, and to regularly have your skin screened for abnormal moles. Skin cancer screenings should ideally begin around age 20, though if a person younger than that has had a lot of sun exposure in their life, it might be prudent for them to also be screened.

Which Mole Removal Method Is Best?

While some products claim to be a remedy for “at-home mole removal,” it’s generally best to have your moles removed by a professional dermatologist in a sterile atmosphere. A dermatologist will either use a laser to remove the mole, liquid nitrogen to freeze it off, shaving grafts of skin off bit by bit until the mole is gone, or surgically remove the mole.

Of course, the best method for your circumstances will depend on the nature of your mole—how deep it is, where it’s at on your body, and whether or not it’s cancerous—and how important scarring is to you. For example, while laser removal can take two or three treatment cycles to completely remove the mole(s), it is considered good practice for removing more than one mole at a time, or removing moles on harder to treat areas, such as ears.

However, for a simpler, one-time-visit outpatient solution, many dermatologists opt for surgical removal of moles, or shaving the mole down bit by bit until the top layer of skin is exposed. Shaving also reduces the likelihood of scarring, so some patients request that. If you have any questions about which type of mole removal is best for your mole, contact your local dermatologist today and ask for their professional opinion. Make sure you voice your thoughts if you are concerned about scarring and ask your dermatologist what your options are for minimizing the likelihood of a lasting mark on your face.

Does the Procedure Hurt?

When people realize that some forms of mole removal require the use of a scalpel, they fear that mole removal might hurt. Fortunately, in surgical procedures for removing moles, typically a local anesthetic is used to numb the area, dramatically minimizing any discomfort you may experience throughout the process.

Why Is Mole Removal Important?

Mole removal can be recommended in the case of potentially cancerous moles, but it can also be sought for cosmetic reasons. However, if you are hoping to have a mole removed for aesthetic purposes, you likely will not be able to have it covered by insurance—so think twice about when it’s necessary to have a mole removed, or the expense could end up coming out of your pocket!

Fayetteville, GA Mole Removal

While at first it might sound scary to have a mole removed, in truth, it is a relatively simple process, often completed in just one outpatient visit with your dermatologist. Mole removal is generally a safe and effective procedure. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks involved. These include infection, bleeding, and scarring. Your dermatologist will discuss these risks with you before the procedure so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not mole removal is right for you. (For more information on skin cancer screening, check out our recent article on the topic!)

Are you looking for Fayetteville, GA mole removal services from a licensed dermatologist in your area? Contact National HealthCare Center to make an appointment today!