While not every type of mole requires treatment, it will need to be removed if a doctor establishes that there’s a risk for skin cancer. In other cases, moles are simply removed for aesthetic reasons.
If you have one or even several moles that you want to have removed, here are the options that are available to you.
Top mole removal options
The following mole removal procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis and are only mildly uncomfortable.
Surgical Removal
After a local anaesthetic is applied to the mole, it will be cut out using a scalpel or a pair of surgical scissors. The doctor will also need to remove some of the surrounding skin when extracting the mole. Since some moles do have cells that grow below the top layer of the skin, you may require one or two stitches to close the incision. Sometimes the incision can leave a scar but this will fade over time.
Laser Removal
If your moles are deemed non-cancerous, they can be removed using a laser treatment. Laser mole removal at The DOC clinic in Melbourne uses intense bursts of light radiation to destroy the cells of the mole. Most patients will need more than one treatment to completely get rid of the mole. While surgical removal is still the most popular method, laser removal can be used on areas such as the face or ears and is useful for targeting multiple moles.
Shave Removal
After the skin is numbed with a local anaesthetic, skin moles can be shaved down using a scalpel. A small pink mark is all that will remain after the removal.
Freezing
If a mole is non-cancerous and hasn’t affected the deeper layers of the skin, it can be frozen off using liquid nitrogen. The only downside of this removal method is that it can leave a small blister.
Can moles be removed at home?
While there are a number of brands offering at-home removal options, it’s always better to consult with a doctor for a procedure of this nature. Before a mole removal at The DOC clinic in Melbourne, the mole will be tested to ensure that it’s benign before it’s removed. This is the safest way to go about mole removal.A professional will not only remove it correctly but ensure minimal scarring too.
Is there a chance that my mole will come back?
There have been cases where moles have returned after being treated but this is only if some of the mole cells were missed during removal. It’s important to note that no mole removal method is 100% effective, which is why you should see your doctor for regular follow-up appointments.
How to prevent moles
Even though it’s fine to be exposed to the sun after your mole removal treatment, it’s highly advisable that you wear a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher as well as a hat and protective clothing. Monthly skin checks also go a long way in identifying and treating irregular moles before they grow any further.