Surgical mole removal is a common dermatological procedure that can be performed for both medical and aesthetic reasons.
Why is Mole Removal Performed?
Mole removal may be deemed necessary in the following cases:
- Medical Reasons: When a mole is suspected of being malignant, meaning it shows some of the characteristics that may indicate melanoma (the ABCDE rule: Asymmetry, irregular Borders, multiple Colors, Diameter larger than 6 mm, and Evolving/changing). In this case, surgical excision is the recommended method, as the entire mole is removed and sent for a histological examination (biopsy) for an accurate diagnosis.
- Functional or Aesthetic Reasons: When a mole is in an area that is frequently irritated (e.g., by clothing, jewelry, or shaving) or when the patient wishes to have it removed for cosmetic reasons.
How is the Procedure Performed?
Surgical removal is a simple and quick procedure performed in a dermatologist’s or plastic surgeon’s office.
- Local Anesthesia: An injection of a local anesthetic is applied to the mole area, making the procedure completely painless.
- Surgical Excision: The doctor uses a scalpel to remove the entire mole, as well as a small margin of healthy skin around it. Sometimes, a shaving method is used to remove a benign lesion for better aesthetic results.
- Closure: The wound is closed with sutures, which may be absorbable or need to be removed in 7-14 days.
- Histological Examination: The removed sample is always sent to a pathology lab to be examined under a microscope and confirm its nature.
Post-Removal Instructions
- Wound Care: Keep the bandage applied by your doctor on for 24 hours. After that, you can change it daily and clean the area with an antiseptic solution.
- Avoid Moisture: Try to keep the area dry for the first 24-48 hours.
- Limit Movement: If the wound is located on a joint or another area that moves a lot, avoid strenuous movements for a few days.
- Suture Removal: Visit your doctor at the scheduled time (usually 1-2 weeks) to have the stitches removed.
- Sun Protection: After the sutures are removed, the area will be red. It is essential to protect it from the sun with a high SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+) for several months to prevent permanent scarring or discoloration.