How A Dermatologist Can Remove Your Moles

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Moles are so common that most people have at least one. Some people have several of them. They aren't dangerous and they don't need to be removed unless they become sore from rubbing against clothing, they become precancerous, or you just don't like the way they affect your appearance. A dermatologist can remove moles quite easily, even those on your face. Here are two ways it's done.

Shaving The Mole

Shaving works well on flat moles. The doctor uses a sharp instrument to shave off layers of the mole until it is flush with the skin or it's just under the top layer of skin. The procedure doesn't hurt because the area is numbed before the doctor begins. Not all moles can be removed this way, but it's one option your doctor has available. After the procedure, your skin will gradually heal. You may need to keep the area bandaged for a few days and apply ointment until the area has healed. You don't want to pick at the scab that forms or you might be left with a scar. Shaving a mole may sound like a simple procedure, but it isn't something you should ever try at home. DIY mole removal can result in infection and scar development. Plus, you don't want to bother a mole if it has precancerous cells in it.

Mole Excision

The other way to remove a mole is to cut it out. This is necessary when the mole is deep under the skin and when the doctor suspects there might be cancer cells present. Also, your doctor may prefer to cut out a mole on your face rather than shave it off to reduce the scar that's left behind. Before the mole is cut out, the dermatologist numbs the area first. Then the mole and a small border of healthy skin around it is removed. When a mole is cut out, stitches are needed to close the wound. If the mole is deep, stitches may be placed under the skin. These are absorbed by the body and don't need to be removed. Stitches used to close the wound on the surface may need to be removed a few days after the procedure. Right after the procedure, you may have soreness, swelling, and some bruising in the area. You'll be able to go about your usual activities right away, although it may take a few weeks for the wound to heal completely.

Mole removal is a routine procedure that's done right in your dermatologist's office. If your doctor wants to check the mole for precancerous cells, a sample is sent to a lab and it may take a few days to get the results. Not every mole needs to be tested for cancer, but if yours has changed color or shape, your doctor may want to have it tested to be on the safe side. Places like Heibel Dermatology can help you evaluate your moles.

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6 May 2017

Never Ignore an Unusual Skin Change

When I was a teenager, I loved sunbathing to keep a golden tan. My family had no history of skin cancer, so I thought my skin was "invincible" to sun damage. Years later, as an adult, I noticed an unusual patch of skin on my arm. I had no idea what it was, but thankfully, I made an appointment with my GP to get it checked out. She referred me to a dermatologist who diagnosed me with very early stage skin cancer that could be treatable with a simple cream. I was very lucky that the cream worked, but if I had waited to visit the dermatologist until my skin cancer was more advanced, I would have had to have surgery to remove it. I decided to start a blog to share my story and post tips about skin health. Please come back often and learn more about skin!