How are mole removal surgery performed?
During the initial consultation, you will be able to talk to your mole removal Dermatologist about the changes you would like to make in your appearance. He will explain the different options available to you, the procedure itself, and its risks and limitations. He 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 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.
Because moles can be cancerous, Dermatologist 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.
Shaving mole Surgery
If lab examination shows that the mole is normal, the mole removal surgeon 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 suffers discomfort when the moles come in contact with clothing or movement. However, this form of mole removal surgery can leave some of the mole cells beneath the skin, and the mole may grow back again over the next several years. In addition, though the mole cells may not grow back, the pigment may return leaving a flat dark area.
Cauterization
Using a cautery tool, the mole is burned away. No stitches are required as the mole has been burn-sutured.
Cutting mole Surgical Mole Removal
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 form of mole removal surgery 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. Because a circle is difficult to close with stitches, incision is usually elliptical or eye-shaped. The entire 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 just applied to prevent bleeding.
How long do the treatments take?
Mole removal typically take around 30 minutes to perform.
Where are the treatments 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 dermatologist’s. It is also normally performed under local anesthesia. If you have multiple moles to be removed, or if the procedure is expected to take a long time, general anesthesia or I.V. sedation 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 a medical staff can monitor your recovery process.
What are some of the most common benefits of this mole removal surgery?
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.
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.
What can I expect afterward?
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.
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.
Applying sunscreen to the treated area may help keep the scar from darkening. Most scars slowly fade with time.
Ideal candidate:
In general, the best candidates for mole removal by surgery are:
1. Fair skinned personnel
5. Realistic in their expectations
6. Not users of marijuana or anabolic steroids
7. Not heavy users of alcohol
2. Knowledgeable about the procedure
3. In good physical and psychological health
4. Wanting to improve their appearance and/or comfort
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. It is important that you ask your surgeon if he/she considers you an ideal candidate for this surgery.
Risks:
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. A very common after-effect of surgical mole removal is scarring. These scars can range from just a line, to an oval shape depending on the type of method used and the amount of skin and tissue removed. Scars will fade somewhat over time but for quicker results skin resurfacing or other scar procedures can be undergone.
Lastly, there are also risk of infection just like any other surgery. If you disinfect and take good care of your wounds after the operation, this should rarely happen.
Costs of mole removal surgery:
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.