There are two different types of moles: atypical and congenital. Atypical moles are thought to have developed with age due to sun damage, and affect about 1 in every 10 Americans whereas congenital moles are essentially like birthmarks and affect approximately 1 in every 100 Americans. While most moles are typically benign, some people are unhappy with the aesthetics of the presence of moles, and would like to get them removed. There are many treatment options offered, but the most efficient and effective mechanism is through a mole removal surgery performed by a dermatologist.
What Is a Mole Removal Surgery Like?
There are several different techniques that may be implemented during a mole removal surgery depending on the location and size of the mole. While most moles are removed with a scalpel under local anaesthesia and later closed off through stitching, some moles may be shaved down to the same level as the surrounding skin. The scalpel technique is preferred if the dermatologists suspect that the mole may be precancerous as the mole can then be sent out to a laboratory for testing.
Patients who are not fans of scalpel removal procedures may want to opt for different alternatives instead. Some other options to consider include freezing off the mole with cold liquid nitrogen gas or destroying the surrounding cells with a high-precision, high-energy laser.
How Long Does It Take For You To Recover?
Regardless of the type of technique that may have been chosen by the dermatologist, you can expect your wounds to recover within seven to fourteen days with minimal care. Keep the affected area clean and dry, and soon the wound will begin to scab over. It is important that you do not irritate the scab at all and let it fall off naturally in order to ensure that the chances of scarring are minimal.
Depending on your skin type, condition and the size of the mole, you may be left with a small scar in the place of the mole. Some patients find that the wounds will heal over completely, so that there is no evidence of either scarring or a mole.
Who Are Good Candidates?
Since there are numerous techniques that can be applied, a mole removal surgery is considered to be ideal for all patients. Depending on your skin type and condition, different techniques will be recommended by a dermatologist. Those who are either concerned about the appearance of the moles or are concerned that the moles may turn into malignant tumours down the road should consider getting these removal surgeries.
Keep in mind that most moles do not ever become malignant during the individual's entire lifetime. Studies have shown that the chances of cancer developing from an ordinary mole is less than 1 in 3,000 and the chances of cancer developing from an atypical mole is about 1 in 100. Your dermatologist will be able to tell you whether you should be concerned or not through a visual inspection.
Are There Any Complications Involved?
Mole removal surgeries are quite common in the U.S. and there are generally no major complications that are associated with the surgery. If you have any allergies to local anaesthesia or existing medical conditions, you will want to notify your dermatologist in order to determine whether there are any increased chances of complications associated with proceeding with a mole removal surgery.
Conclusion
Most mole removal surgeries can be completed within a relatively short period of time. The cost of these surgeries will differ depending on the technique chosen, your geographic location, the hourly rates charged by your dermatologist, and many other factors. You will need to book an appointment and consult with your dermatologist in order to get a better idea of what the estimates are.
