Mole Removal

Moles are an overgrowth of pigment cells. Depending on the number of pigment cells contained in the mole and how deep it is, they may appear dark in color or actually the same color as the surrounding skin. Most moles are not threatening to a person's health and won't need to be removed. However, there are instances when a mole will transform over time and this can lead to more serious issues such as cancer.

Lasers can be used to penetrate and remove a mole that is close to the skin's surface, but if it's something deeper, there are two other methods of uncomplicated surgical procedures that will be considered. One is Excision with Cauterization and the other is Excision With or Without Stitches. Typically, the doctor may choose excision with or without stitches depending on the depth of the mole and the type of cosmetic result desired.

The Excision with Cauterization procedure entails cauterizing, or burning away, the mole and then using a topical antibiotic with a simple bandage to cover the area and it's done. This is a seemingly quick and painless procedure and a patient can leave the doctor's office shortly afterward.

The other method is called Excision with or without stitches wherein the physician will cut away and remove the mole. Depending on the depth, stitches that absorb into the skin and do not have to be removed might be used. Otherwise, a few simple surface stitches will be utilized which can be easily removed during a quick visit back to the doctor's office. This is also a simple procedure and the physician will numb the area with a local anesthetic beforehand.

Preparation

Before undergoing mole removal consideration and preparation are vital elements. Those who are considering the procedure should clearly outline their targets, and openly discuss this with their consultant. Those who are considering the procedure should be aware of the risks and complications that can arise, as well as the practical changes that are needed prior to surgery. Patients are required to stop taking medication which alters blood viscosity; including aspirin, birth control and hormone correction. In preparation of surgery it is also highly recommended that patients avoid smoking, to provide a quicker recovery.

After the operation

Simple mole removals seldom require a need for follow up, but this may vary depending on the type of mole that's been removed. In most common circumstances, the patient will be given care instructions which are essentially keeping an antibiotic ointment on the area with a regimented cleaning twice a day, and then re-applying the antibiotic and bandage over the wound until it is completely healed. Care should also be taken care to avoid any stress to the area while it's healing.

Care instructions are basically the same as with the cauterization procedure, except that an additional doctor's visit will be necessary to remove surface stitches, if applicable. Facial sutures are typically removed within 4-7 days. Stitches elsewhere are usually removed from 8-21 days, depending on the type of suture and the doctor's preference.

Recovering from mole removal

• Patient are issued with care guidelines
• Facial bandages can be removed after up to a week, with stitches removed after up to three weeks
• Regular ointment application and bandage cleaning for the duration of the healing process

For the large majority of adults who under go a mole removal the results will be a success with no unforeseen consequences. Despite this, the capacity for risks and complications remain, as is the case for almost all surgical procedures.

Risks and complications

• Patients occasionally find their wounds to be infected. This should be relatively easy to treat with antibiotics if reported immediately.
• Patients may also experience numbness or redness, although this tends to recede after several days
• In very rare cases, patients may suffer intense burns from the procedure.

By nature, all medical procedures carry an element of risk. While the majority of patients do not experience any complication during our mole removal procedures, before embarking on any medical procedure, it is advisable to consult fully with the Mclean Academy so that our qualified staff can suitably discuss any risk or concerns that your procedure may pose.