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Mole Removal
 
Moles most frequently develop in young adults until about the age of 40. Depending on their location, moles may go unnoticed -- or they may become a nuisance by rubbing against clothing and getting in the way of shaving. Moles can also lead to dangerous health problems. Many skin cancers, including melanoma, begin in the shape of a mole.

If you have a mole that seems atypical in any way -- one that changes in size and appearance, bleeds, is asymmetrical, is not uniform in color, has ragged edges, or in any other way seems unusual -- it is very important to have it examined by a doctor with experience in treating moles, related skin conditions, and skin cancer.

Not all atypical moles turn out to be cancerous, but they are more likely than typical moles to develop into cancer. If a cancerous mole is diagnosed early, it can often be completely removed. You may also want to have normal moles removed, especially those that rub against clothing or get in the way of shaving. Prominent moles may also be removed to improve appearance.

If you are considering having one or more moles removed, the following information will provide you with a good introduction to the procedure. For more detailed information about how this procedure may help you, we recommend that you consult a plastic surgeon who is board certified or has completed a residency program that includes instruction in this procedure.
Mole Removal Photo Gallery
Mole Removal Video Gallery
 
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What are some of the most common benefits of this procedure?
If your doctor determines that a mole is potentially cancerous, removal will most likely be recommended. It is very important to follow your doctor’s advice if he/she recommends that you remove a mole. Removing a mole can stop the spread of cancerous or potentially cancerous skin cells.

The removal of normal moles can also lead to smoother, clearer skin, as well as reducing any skin irritation.

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What will happen at the initial consultation?
During the initial consultation, you’ll be able to talk to your doctor about the changes you would like to make in your appearance. He/she will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations. He/she will also explain the kind of anesthesia required, surgical facility and costs.

Your doctor will begin with a complete medical history and examine your mole. He/she may also take photos and give you specific instructions on how to prepare for the procedure. Take this opportunity to ask all the questions you have about the procedure. Learning everything you can about your options, risks and benefits is the key to making an informed decision. See Questions to ask your doctor below.

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How are moles removed?
Because moles can be cancerous, doctors will usually examine them carefully by performing a biopsy or microscope analysis. A small portion of the mole will be removed for this purpose. It may be removed with an instrument that quickly punches out a small section of the mole, or it may also be cut with a scalpel or scissors. This tissue is then sent to a pathology lab to be examined.

If lab examination shows the mole to be normal, the doctor can remove it either by shaving or cutting it. The shaving method works by removing the protruding surface of the mole so that it is flush with the surrounding skin. This technique is common for patients who have moles that become irritated by clothing or movement. However, it can leave some of the mole cells beneath the skin, and the mole may grow back again over the next several years.

The cutting method of mole removal may be used for both normal and atypical moles. (Potentially cancerous moles are nearly always removed using this technique.) This procedure is often called elliptical excision because the mole, as well as the surrounding and underlying tissue, is removed in the shape of an ellipse, or oval. All of the mole is removed, both above and below the skin. A small medical blade may be used, or a laser may be chosen to reduce bleeding and allow for quicker healing time. If a blade is used, sutures (stitched) are used to close the incision if it is cut. If a laser is used, sutures will not be needed. After the procedure, a bandage is usually applied.

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How long does the procedure take?
Mole removal typically takes less than an hour to perform.
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Where will the procedure be performed?
Mole removal can generally be performed in the doctor’s office or in a surgical suite, depending on your preferences as well as your doctor’s. It may be performed under local anesthesia with light sedation, or local anesthesia with deep sedation. If you have many moles to be removed, or if the procedure is expected to take a long time, general anesthesia may be recommended. You may be allowed to return home within a few hours of the surgery and spend the night in the comfort of your own home.

If you have other medical problems, concurrent procedures, or a lengthier procedure performed under general anesthesia, it may be necessary to spend the night in the hospital so your recovery process can be monitored by a medical staff.

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How much pain is there?
Most doctors use a local anesthetic to reduce pain and discomfort. You should feel little or no pain during the procedure itself. Often when a laser is used, no anesthetic is needed because there is not pain, just a tingling sensation.

Discuss your goals, budget, and pain tolerance with your surgeon in order to help him/her determine the procedure, or combination of procedures, that will produce the best results for you.

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What can I expect after the procedure?
The amount of pain afterward varies, and depends on the method used. After a mole is removed, a scab will develop and then heal within 1-2 weeks. Any redness around the area should disappear within 2-4 weeks.
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What is the recovery period like?
Immediately after surgery, you should avoid swimming, dishwashing, and other activities that might dampen the treated area. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to avoid any possible complications or delayed healing.
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What is the long-term outcome like for most people?
Most scars slowly fade with time. Applying sunscreen to the treated area may help keep any scarring remaining from darkening. Using sun-protection lotions and reducing exposure to the sun can lessen the risk of melanoma (a type of mole/skin cancer).
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Ideal Candidate
In general, the best candidates for mole removal are:
  • Fair skinned
  • Knowledgeable about the procedure
  • In good physical and psychological health
  • Wanting to improve their appearance and/or comfort
  • Realistic in their expectations
  • Not users of marijuana or anabolic steroids
  • Not heavy users of alcohol
The above is only a partial list of the criteria that your surgeon will consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for you. Be sure to ask your surgeon if he / she considers you an ideal candidate for this surgery.
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Alternatives
Each case is different, depending on the presence or absence of a cancerous condition. Discuss with your doctor what options you may have in addition to surgical mole removal.
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Risks and limitations:
The risks associated with mole removal are minor. If the shaving method is used, there is a risk that the mole will grow back within several years following the removal. Elliptical excision can sometimes produce scarring, especially in younger children. However, if scarring does occur, it can be eliminated by cosmetic surgery or skin resurfacing techniques.
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Costs:
Mole removal costs vary, depending on the doctor, the location, the size of the mole, technique used and the difficulty of the specific case. Fees of $150 - $400 are typical. These fees do not include any anesthesia, operating room facility, hospital stay, and other related expenses.
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Choosing a doctor:
It is very important that you select a physician adequately trained and experienced in this procedure. We strongly recommend that you consider choosing a surgeon who is board certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties. See our Physician Locator feature to find a surgeon in your area, including detailed profile information for many of the listed doctors. Also read How to Select a Plastic Surgeon for a more detailed discussion on choosing the right doctor.
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Questions to ask your doctor:
  1. Are the desired results I described realistic?
  2. Should I have other moles on my body examined/removed?
  3. Is there an alternative remedy that I should consider as well?
  4. How long will the procedure take?
  5. What kind of anesthesia is used, if any?
  6. How much does it cost?
  7. What is your experience in performing this procedure? (How long has he/she performed this procedure, and how many he/she has performed in the past year?)
  8. What percentage of patients have had significant complications? (The physician should disclose this information to you.)
  9. Will you repeat or correct procedures if it does not meet agreed upon goals? And if the procedure must be repeated / corrected, will I be charged again? (The physician should provide you with his/her policy on this issue.)
  10. May I see "before and after" photos of recent patients? (The physician should provide many photos of recent patients.)
  11. Could I observe the procedure I am considering before I decide to have it done? (Either on videotape or ask to view one in real life.)
  12. What should I expect after the procedure in terms of soreness, what to watch for, medication, bathing, and level of activity?
  13. Have you ever had your malpractice insurance coverage denied, revoked, suspended?
  14. Do you offer patient financing?
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Be sure to:
  • Tell your doctor about any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements)
  • Tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription)
  • Carefully follow any instructions your doctor gives you.
The information on this web site is only intended as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor as a guarantee of the result. The best method of determining your options is to consult qualified surgeons who are able to answer specific questions related to your situation.
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How do I finance this procedure?
Did you know that 29% of all Americans have considered having an elective procedure? Of those, 60% would schedule a procedure immediately if financing was available. With iEnchance's patient financing options, money no longer has to be the barrier between you and your new image. By filling out our on-line application you can qualify for a loan in as little as 30 seconds.
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*Top 5 Surgical Cosmetic Procedures in 2008:

1. Breast Augmentation: 356,000
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3. Blepharoplasty: 195,000
4. Rhinoplasty: 152,000
5. Abdominoplasty: 147,000

*Top 5 Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures in 2008:

1. Botox: 2,464,000
2. Laser Hair Removal: 1,281,000
3. Juvederm/Restylane: 1,263,000
4. Chemical Peel: 592,000
5. Laser Skin Resurfacing: 571,000

* Data collected from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
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