Moles are the pigmented (colored) lesions (spots) over the skin of an individual. They are dark in color, slightly raised above the skin, and circular or oval. They can happen anywhere on the skin, but most commonly, moles are observed over the face, neck, trunk, and hands.
Mole removal can be achieved by different techniques like radiofrequency ablation, cryotherapy, chemical cauterization, and surgical excision (removal). Depending on the size and clinical presentation of the mole, a treatment technique is selected. Moles that do not extend to the depths of the skin and are very small in size can be successfully removed with non-surgical modalities like radiofrequency ablation and cryotherapy. However, the majority of moles extend deep into the skin and require removal by surgery. Though mole removal is a minor surgery, it requires meticulous planning and perfect execution for a very good outcome. Usually, mole removal is done under local anesthesia, and the patient is allowed to go home after the surgery is over.
Briefly, different techniques of mole removal are the following:
Most of the time, by merely asking a few questions to the patient and by doing the detailed clinical examination, your plastic surgeon is able to judge the nature of the mole whether it is benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Training and experience in plastic surgery make it easy to differentiate between benign and malignant moles by their color, shape, size, associated symptoms, and growth history. In case of doubt, the plastic surgeon performs a biopsy (removal of a piece) from the mole before its complete removal. And when biopsy is not done before removal, the mole is excised (removed) and the excised mole is sent for biopsy or histopathological examination.
Broadly, the benefits of mole removal surgery can be divided into two groups. The obvious first group of advantages include health benefits. Permanent relief from itching, occasional pain, obstruction of vision (when the mole is very near to the eyes), relief from fear of cancer, and recurrence of the mole are obvious health benefits. The second group of advantages is not obvious but very important from the patient’s perspective and they include mental well-being, the feeling of freedom from unwanted and pigmented swelling, and improved appearance of face along with elevated self-confidence.
Answer: Usually, the symptoms start as a swelling that is small in size and grayish or light black. In the early stages, almost all moles are flat and level with the skin. With the passage of time, the circumference of the mole increases along with its pigment contents leading to the typical globular appearance of mole. It takes a long time (many years) to increase the size of a mole and most of these moles do not cause any symptoms. Certain moles produce symptoms like itching, occasional pain, and discharge or bleeding. Any such symptoms in the previously asymptomatic mole should raise concern and a plastic surgeon must be consulted in such a situation.
A mole usually appears like a little brown patch. However, moles vary in color, form, and size:
Surgical wound after mole removal is usually protected by a dressing and no special care is required for that. In some patients, the scar after suture removal needs to be protected from sunlight for a few months to avoid pigmentation of the scar. Wounds after ablative procedures like radio frequency and cryotherapy need the application of antibiotic ointment for a few days, till the crustations fall and healing starts. After the epithelialization (apparent healing) has started, these wounds require no special care except the application of moisturizing cream.
Cutis Hospital is a renowned plastic surgery hospital offering a wide range of treatment options for different problems. Here are some of the reasons why you should prefer Cutis Hospital to get the best result from mole removal surgery:
Top Healthcare Professionals: Our skilled team comprises qualified and experienced plastic surgery specialists, ensuring expert care and personalized attention throughout your mole removal treatment with us. Not only that, all your follow-up visits are attended by our plastic surgeons only.
Post-Operative Support: Beyond surgical intervention, our commitment extends to comprehensive post-operative support and beyond. Our experienced plastic surgeons guide you through the postoperative period, dressings, and the entire wound healing process; ensuring optimal, quick, and effective healing. Your long-term follow-up visits are specially planned for scar management.
Individualized Treatment Plans: Recognizing each patient's problem, his/her unique needs, the size of the mole, and its location, we may suggest individualized treatment plans for different moles even in the same patient. Our mole removal treatment is tailored to address specific patient features including his scar-forming tendency, ensuring the best possible and most satisfactory outcomes.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Cutis Hospital is equipped not only with modern and advanced facilities but also with qualified and experienced doctors, well-trained staff, and an environment of empathy. Our cutting-edge technology for diagnostic assessments, planning, and surgical procedures ensures perfect and uncomplicated healing.
One of the best plastic surgeons in town. The way they handled situation is unbelievable. Special thanks to Dr. Chintan Patel and his staff. We were little worried and confused about situation. But after first meeting we decided to do mole removal and I am happy to say that decision was totally worth it. Doctor and staff was so polite and professional. We didn't expect this much speedy recovery and support. We are really happy with results. Thanks you so much
When your mole increases in size at a faster-than-usual rate of growth, when it starts increasing in height, starts itching, and changes shape, it’s time to visit your plastic surgeon at the earliest. Even if you do not have any of the above complaints and merely the presence of a mole over your face disturbs you, it is also a reason to visit your plastic surgeon and get it removed.
Classic moles do not bleed. What is perceived by the patients as bleeding moles are usually pyogenic granulomas, which bleed on touch. In cases of such bleeding, your plastic surgeon is the best person to diagnose and treat the bleeding mole. Treatment of bleeding moles (pyogenic granuloma) is usually done by your plastic surgeon using radiofrequency ablation or surgical excision.
Most of the time, mole removal surgery has no complications at all. However, some patients end up with scars that may not look as per their expectations. Except for the appearance of a scar, complications like infection or healing problems are extremely rare in mole removal surgery.
The scar after mole removal surgery is managed by conservative means like moisturizing cream, scar reduction cream, sun screen and depigmentation cream if required. In selected cases, a fractional carbon dioxide lasers is also advised for scar management.
No, after surgical removal by a plastic surgeon, moles do not recur. However, when moles are treated with radiofrequency, there are remote chances of recurrence.
Usually, cancer does not develop in moles. Certain types of atypical moles and moles occurring as a part of syndromic presentation, have (though minor) some degree of developing cancer.
For appointments and further information, contact Cutis Hospital at +91 9725999526. Our team is ready to assist you with all your cosmetic needs.
We provide effective surgical and non-surgical treatments for all parts of the body. At Cutis Hospital, our cosmetic and plastic surgery team is committed to giving patients safe and high-quality care.
