Mole Excision: Cosmetic and Medical Removal

Moles are growth on the skin that range in colour from your natural skin colour to black or brown. These are a group of pigmented skin cells and they are not harmful.

For many reasons moles, also known as nevi, are regularly removed. Excision (cutting) of moles is done by two surgical methods. One is done with sutures and the other is done with a scalpel blade. Both of them do not require stitches.

Although laser excision for the moles has been tried, it is not the preferred treatment for the deepest moles since the laser light does not penetrate far enough, leaving any tissue to analyse pathologically. Depending on the depth of the mole and the desired cosmetic effect, the dermatologist may recommend if the excision should be performed with or without sutures. Moles are present in certain people from birth. Later in life, more moles may arise. Sun exposure appears to affect the formation of moles, and it may even play a part in the formation of atypical or dysplastic moles. 

The moles can be genetic as well. Dysplastic mole (atypical) is found in many families and has been linked to melanoma.

Moles are removed for two reasons:

1. To remove cancerous moles that are usually itchy, and painful and they either bleed or ooze.
2. For beauty-related reasons.
3. Leaves no scars
4. Does not require stitches.

A mole excision may be performed for one or more of the following reasons:

1. To check for malignancy and suspicious moles.
2. To make you more comfortable. A mole that is continually touched by clothes or bothered in various ways may be removed.
3. For cosmetic purposes, a big mole or one that is on a conspicuous body area can be removed.

1. The dermatologist will examine the mole to determine whether or not it should be screened for skin cancer.
2. The dermatologist will screen for skin cancer to find out if a mole is malignant. If you have a history of skin cancer, your dermatologist may advise you to get more frequent screenings.
3. The treatment area will be thoroughly cleaned. using alcohol, betadine, or another acceptable substance, depending on the surgeon's preferences.
4. An anaesthetic, such as lidocaine, will then be used to numb the region. 
5.  Many surgeons prefer to wait for the blood flow to the region to decrease following numbing (sometimes up to 10 minutes).
6. A sterile drape may be put over the region that is to be excised, depending on the size of the mole and the technique used for excision.

1. The incision should be covered with a bandage for 2-3 weeks post-procedure.
2. Do not expose the incised area to water and therefore avoid soaking the area with water or swimming.
3. Pat dry the wound to keep it clean and avoid any infections at the site of the wound.
4. Apply the antibiotic ointment to keep the incised areas moist.
5. Let the scab fall off naturally to eliminate the chances of visible scarring and infection.

You may need to consult your doctor if you notice any following signs after Mole Removal:

1. Nerve damage
2. Infection
3.  Excessive swelling
4. Tenderness to the touch
5. Excessive redness at the site of the wound
6. Pain at the site of the wound
7. A hot feeling on the skin
8. Pus coming from the wound.