Mole Removal Procedures: Recovery Tips and What to Expect

Moles can enhance your physical appearance if they're small, symmetrical, and in the right place, like Marilyn Monroe's cheek mole, which added to her iconic beauty. However, not all moles are considered beauty marks. While most are harmless, irregularly shaped and raised ones can be precursors of skin cancer, requiring removal to prevent tumor cells from spreading. Whether for cosmetic or health reasons, there are quick and minimally invasive mole removal procedures to safely eliminate suspicious or cosmetically unwanted moles.

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1. Common Mole Removal Procedures
2. What to Expect During the Procedure
3. Recovery and Aftercare Tips
4. Potential Complications and How to Handle Them
5. Quick and Painless Mole Removal Procedures 
6. Mole Removal Procedures FAQs 

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Concerns about changes in a mole’s appearance can convince a person to eliminate them. There are three different procedures for this. 

Surgical Shaving

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As the name implies, this procedure involves using a small blade to shave off the raised part of the mole. The treatment begins with numbing the area, followed by the excision. 

Surgical shaving is best performed on raised, non-cancerous moles. While it’s quick and painless, it may not remove the mole entirely, especially if it has deeper roots. Shaving only removes the part above the skin, so there's a chance it may regrow. 

Surgical Excision

Surgical excision is a step up from surgical shaving. It involves cutting the mole, along with a small margin of the surrounding skin, then closing the treated area with stitches. This surgical mole removal procedure is performed on moles that have changed in size, color, or shape. 

A sample of the surgically excised area is sent to a lab for a biopsy to check for abnormal cell growth indicating melanoma.

Since this procedure requires deeper tissue removal, you may need to limit physical activity after surgery. The stitches may also leave a scar but can fade with proper wound care. 

Laser Mole Removal

This non-invasive procedure uses concentrated light radiation to break down the mole's pigment cells until they're small enough for the body to get rid of naturally. Unlike the first two, laser mole removal is reserved for non-cancerous moles, such as small, flat marks on the face, neck, and inside the ear. People with lighter skin tones who have pigmented moles often undergo this procedure for aesthetic reasons.

This treatment has minimal downtime and the least risk of scarring. However, you'll typically need multiple sessions to completely remove the moles. 

Before doing any procedures, your dermatologist will examine your mole to determine which treatment will suit your skin condition. Alternatively, you can self-check using the ABCDE rule if you suspect moles associated with skin cancer.

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Understanding what to expect during a mole removal session ensures a smooth experience. 

Before the Procedure

Each mole removal treatment starts with a consultation with a skin specialist. They’ll check the mole, assessing whether it’s benign or requires a biopsy to check for abnormal cell growth. They’ll ask questions such as when the mole first appeared, whether it has changed in size or color, and if it causes discomfort like itching or pain.

If the mole is suspicious, your doctor may recommend a biopsy either before or during the removal. Once lab results are available, that's when they’ll recommend the most appropriate mole removal treatment. 

You may also receive pre-procedure instructions — such as avoiding certain medications that could interfere with the surgery.

During the Procedure

Mole removal is typically a quick, in-clinic procedure performed by a practitioner. The entire process usually takes a few minutes, depending on the mole’s size and location. Below are the general steps for how the treatment is done.

• Numbing the area: The dermatologist will clean the treated area and inject a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort or pain during the procedure. 

• Removing the mole: The treatment begins based on the selected approach, whether via a laser, surgical excision, or shaving. In cases where surgical excision is chosen, the mole — and a small margin of healthy tissue — is carefully cut out for biopsy.

• Closing the incision: The wound is closed using stitches or surgical staples.

In rare cases where a mole regrows after removal, schedule a follow-up in the clinic, as this may be a warning sign of melanoma.

After the Procedure

Your doctor will teach you how to care for your skin after mole removal to promote quick healing. This can include cleaning the wound and changing the bandage. Proper aftercare helps prevent scarring and infection.

If you had a surgical excision, you will need to return to the clinic after a few days to remove the stitches. 

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The mole removal recovery process can take about four weeks, depending on how quickly your body heals. You should notice the treated skin tissue closing up within 2-4 weeks. On average, scars may take up to a year to fade. 

You can go home right after the procedure, but ensure you follow your doctor's post-treatment instructions to avoid complications. 

Immediate Post-Procedure Care

If you have stitches from surgical removal, follow these tips. 

• Keep the area clean and dry for 24-48 hours to prevent infection. 
• After two days, wash the treated area with mild soap and cool water, then pat it dry with a clean paper towel. 
• Your doctor may prescribe a topical antibiotic for the wound to prevent infection or Vaseline to keep it moist. 
• Replace the bandage when needed. 

Your doctor will let you know when to come back for stitch removal.

Managing Pain and Discomfort

Removing a mole is generally a minimally painful procedure. If you experience mild discomfort post-treatment, here are some pain management tips. 

• Use over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil to manage inflammation.
• Use a cold compress to minimize swelling. 
• Do not scratch the treated area if it becomes itchy. Scratching may reopen the wound and lead to scarring. 
• Stop strenuous activities until the stitches are fully healed to prevent the wound from reopening or becoming irritated.

Visit your doctor if the pain worsens or the wound gets infected. 

Long-Term Care

Long-term skin care is essential to avoid scarring. Here are some practical suggestions.

• Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to hydrate the wound. 
• Layer the moisturizer with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to protect the treated area from the sun. 
• Monitor your skin for changes, such as unusual skin growth or new moles in the same spot. 

If you notice unusual skin changes in the treated area, schedule a follow-up with your dermatologist so they can re-examine the mole.

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Like other medical operations, mole removal carries a few potential risks, such as the following: 

1. Infections

The wound may get infected if not cared for properly. Signs of mild infection include swelling, pus, pain, rashes, itching, and redness around the area. Severe infections may cause fever or chills.

Your dermatologist may prescribe antibiotic ointments to treat infections. In severe cases, oral antibiotics may be required. 

2. Allergic Reactions

Patients with sensitive skin may experience itching, irritation, and swelling due to adverse reactions to antibiotics or bandaging materials. If this happens, ask your dermatologist for hypoallergenic alternatives or creams to relieve the symptoms. 

3. Scarring

Keloid or hypertrophic scars may form in place of the mole. Scarring is a common post-surgical outcome of mole removal, especially for surgical excision which involves stitches. Moisturizing the area with Vaseline prevents the wound from drying out and forming a scab that takes longer to heal. Scar creams and silicone gel sheets may also reduce the appearance of scars.  

4. Bleeding

There is a risk of continued bleeding after excision. If this occurs at home, apply gentle pressure on the gauze for a few minutes to allow the blood to clot and close the wound. Seek medical attention if this doesn't work. While recuperating, avoid activities like heavy lifting that may reopen the wound and cause bleeding. 

5. Regrowth of the Mole

Deep-rooted moles removed through shaving can regrow. If this happens, schedule a follow-up with your dermatologist for further evaluation. They’ll screen the mole to determine if it’s cancerous or benign. 

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People choose to remove a mole for medical and cosmetic reasons, primarily through laser, surgical shaving, or surgical excision. Your dermatologist will assess the mole based on its characteristics before deciding which of the three methods is the best approach for its removal.

Follow your dermatologist's advice on post-procedure care for optimal wound healing. Follow your doctor's instructions on cleaning and treating the wound at home. Complications like infections, scarring, and regrowth may occur. Fortunately, they're preventable with proper care.

At Altitude Dermatology, we’re committed to providing you with the safest and most effective mole removal treatments tailored to your individual needs. Our team of experienced dermatologists is here to guide you through every step—from initial consultation to post-procedure care. Schedule your appointment today to take the first step towards clear and healthy skin.