Cosmetic Mole Removal: Top 5 things You Need to Know

Cosmetic Mole Removal: Top 5 things You Need to Know

While some of us may view moles as beauty marks, there are others amongst us who would prefer that some of our moles be removed for cosmetic reasons. The idea of having anything removed from your body might lead you to hesitate to book your consultation with a cosmetic surgeon. However, the removal of moles is a relatively straightforward and pain-free treatment.

Cosmetic Mole Removal: Top 5 things You Need to Know
[ photo: thedoc ]

It’s important to note that prior to any moles being removed, they need to be examined in order to ensure that they are benign. The treatment for removing any moles that demonstrate markers for skin cancer is a little bit different. Your cosmetic surgeon will discuss your options with you if your moles are suspicious.

This list of the top 5 things that you need to know about the cosmetic removal of benign moles can help you to make a better-informed decision about getting the treatment done.

1. Mole removal is an outpatient procedure

According to the skin professionals at The DOC beauty clinic, the procedure to remove a mole for cosmetic reasons can be performed on an outpatient basis. It’s a relatively straightforward procedure that can be done in under an hour. The true length of time that it takes will be determined on the size of the mole, the location of the mole and the treatment that is being used to remove the mole.

2. Mole removal doesn’t need to be painful

Quite often, one of the fears about any procedure is wondering how painful it might potentially be. When the procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon, it should not be painful at all. Your surgeon will offer a range of pain-relieving solutions that can help to minimize any discomfort that may occur. 

At most, you will feel a small pinch or sting injectable local anesthesia is used. Pressure is all that will be felt after you are completely numbed. If you are undergoing laser therapy, you should feel nothing more than a similar sensation to an elastic band being snapped lightly against your skin.

There are some over the counter products that claim to treat and remove moles but you cannot control the pain or effectively minimize the potential for inflammation and infection. The best and safest course of treatment is in the hands of a professional.

3. The procedure can be done on your lunch break

The procedure to remove a mole can take just a few minutes or as long as an hour. It will depend on the size of the mole, the depth of the mole and the type of treatment that is being used to remove the mole. During your consultation, your cosmetic surgeon will be able to let you know about how long you should expect to spend during your treatment.

4. Healing times may vary

Patients who have to have moles cut out may require stitches after deeper moles have been removed. Those who undergo laser therapy may not require any type of downtime, but may need to offer protection to their sensitive skin.

As with any type of procedure, recovery times can vary greatly. Avoiding activities that may potentially cause injury or infection is often suggested for up to a week. If you have stitches, you may need to wait for up to two weeks.

5. You may have a small scar

Having the mole removed using a shave or surgical excision may result in a small scar. Laser therapy may not result in as large of a scar, but you may still be left with one when the pigmentation in your mole is safely targeted by the laser. 

Your surgeon will use great skill and take great care to minimize any scarring. Many do find that they are much happier to live with a small scar than they are with a large mole.