What Happens During Mole Treatment?
Moles occur naturally when your skin produces too many of a certain kind of cell. They're typically a dark brown color, and they may protrude from the surface of your skin. Many moles do not disturb their owners. If your mole causes you no discomfort and you don't mind its appearance, you're free to leave it alone. However, moles may become cancerous or painful over time, even if they don't start out that way. If your mole goes through alarming changes, a dermatologist can provide treatment. Here are four things that may occur during mole treatment:
1. Visual Examination
Before proceeding with a mole removal treatment, your dermatologist will first examine your mole. They will look for signs of redness and irritation. Cancerous moles are often irregular in some way. They may have uneven borders or coloration. Large moles are more likely to be cancerous. Your doctor will examine your problematic mole to decide if a biopsy is necessary.
2. Shave Excision
Your dermatologist may perform a shave excision, especially if your mole is relatively small. Shave excisions are often ideal for moles that are removed for cosmetic reasons since these procedures leave most of the surrounding skin intact. Following a shave excision, you will not require stitches, which can reduce the risk of scarring. Your dermatologist will decide if this is the right procedure for you.
3. Excision Surgery
Excision surgery is a more invasive form of mole removal. This type of mole treatment also involves your dermatologist cutting into your skin. However, instead of shaving away the mole by using the blade parallel to your skin, your doctor will instead use a punch device. The punch device will be centered over your mole. It will remove the mole itself and some of the skin around and beneath the mole. Excision surgery is ideal for patients who require biopsies since the removed tissue can be sent to a lab for further testing.
4. Sutures
Following your mole removal, your doctor will give you stitches if you had excision surgery. They will use sutures to close the open wound, which will encourage healing. Your dermatologist may use sutures that will dissolve when they're no longer needed. If your dermatologist does not use dissolving sutures, you will need to return to their office at a later date to have your stitches removed. Follow all your doctor's aftercare instructions for the best possible results.