What to Consider When Choosing Skin Mole Removal

Procedures to remove a mole are often fairly non-invasive and can usually be done in a doctor's office using local anesthetic. Whether you are choosing to remove a mole for skin cancer suspicion, irritation or cosmetic reasons, there are a couple of methods that you can discuss with your doctor. The best procedure for you will depend on the size of the mole and the reason for removal.

Cosmetic Procedures

Skin mole removal that is done for cosmetic reasons is often completed by what is known as shave excision. This method will actually cut the mole away from the surface of the skin, leaving a smooth surface and minimal scarring underneath. This procedure begins with an injection of a local anesthetic that will numb the skin and raise the area slightly for easier removal. The mole is removed using a small, sharp scalpel that is sometimes lubricated with mineral oil for a smoother cut. No stitches are used and proper healing will result in a smooth surface and even contours.

There are some risks involved with the scraping excision procedure. Sometimes the procedure does not leave a smooth contour, which may result in the need for additional cosmetic treatment to finish off the process. In other cases, melanocytes are left below the surface of the skin to cause mole re-growth. In these cases, a second procedure is often required, and is usually done by a different method.

Getting Rid of Irritation

There are other situations that warrant a skin mole removal because the mole is located in an area that receives frequent irritation from clothing rubbing against it. Another problem might be that the mole is within the shaving area, making it difficult to complete this daily task. In these situations, the method of choice may vary between scrape excision and what is known as elliptical excision. With this process, an area of skin is cut out around the mole, and then sewn together once again. A successful procedure will allow for a smooth rejoining without puckering at the site of the incision. However, this procedure carries with it a higher risk of bleeding or infection.

Skin Cancer Screening and Treatment

When skin cancer is suspected, skin mole removal becomes more critical to ensure that all of the cancer cells are removed along with the mole. Because of this, it is most common to have an elliptical excision take place that allows the doctor to remove cells surrounding the mole so that they can also be tested. If a biopsy is done using the scraping method and the cells are found to be malignant, an elliptical excision is usually the next step.

No matter what type of skin mole removal you and your doctor decide upon, the success of your procedure will greatly depend upon the skill and experience level of the doctor. While some general practitioners will perform basic mole removal, a dermatologist is often the specialist of choice for more involved procedures, such as skin cancer treatment. The right doctor will make all the difference in successful mole removal.