Moles have always been a popular topic. When do you remove them? How should they be removed? These are all questions that people have when they have a mole that looks suspicious or that’s affecting their self-esteem.
Another common question is who you should be contacting about mole removal.
Most mole removals are performed by dermatologists but in other cases when the mole is larger or the removal is more advanced, the services of a plastic surgeon will be required.
Top mole removal techniques
These mole removal experts generally use different methods and techniques to get rid of the unwanted skin lesions.
Surgical removal
To start, a mole can be cut or shaved with a scalpel to remove them. However, if the mole is embedded deep within the skin, a deeper incision will be required, which is when a plastic surgeon can be a better choice.
While scarring is a given when an incision is required to remove the mole, a plastic surgeon will be able to minimise scarring as much as possible. Aftercare will also be important to reduce the appearance of scars later down the line.
Laser removal
Laser treatments are also an option for mole removal and are particularly popular because they cause far less scarring than surgery. Once the area has been treated with laser, a scab will form and fall off on its own. The area will be slightly red after the scab comes off but this will dissipate.
Unfortunately, laser treatments are not ideal for deep or very large moles – surgery is usually the best option for these types of moles.
You can visit the laser mole removal info page at The Doc Clinic for more details.
Freezing
Finally, moles can also be frozen off using liquid nitrogen, a technique that is also used to remove warts. By applying the liquid nitrogen to the affected area, the mole tissue will fall off. Unfortunately, blistering and scarring are side effects of this procedure so if you are worried about scarring, a plastic surgeon may be a better option for you.
If you have a mole that’s in a sensitive area such as the eyelids or mouth, it’s best to seek the services of a professional that can minimise scarring and knows how to handle moles in these types of areas. A plastic surgeon can also assist you with any skin resurfacing should that be necessary.
Choosing a mole removal specialist
Before you schedule your procedure, it’s important to look at a dermatologist or plastic surgeon’s experience with mole removal.
During your consultation, ask the specialist about the techniques they use and what the potential complications are so that you can make an informed decision.
Finally, find out how the doctor plans to reduce any scarring after the procedure so that you know exactly what to expect. It’s best practice to look at patient reviews and to consult with more than one specialist before you make a final decision.