Mole Removal
What is Mole Removal?
Whether a mole is to be removed for cosmetic reasons or because the doctor suspects it may be medically necessary, most surgeons use one of two methods. Mole removal may be done by cutting away the affected skin and closing the area with stitches or by using a cauterization technique to burn away the mole. The technique used is determined by the size and depth of the mole being eliminated.
Benefits of Mole Removal
Mole removal can leave skin that has been marred and discolored by moles clearer and smoother. Whether the mole is a birthmark, a result of sun damage, or a benign lesion, mole removal can enhance complexion and leave the body more beautiful. The most important benefit of mole removal, however, is in the prevention of cancerous malignancies. Doctors do not have a foolproof way to predict which moles will change into cancers, so mole removal guarantees that a mole will not advance into cancerous cells.
Mole Removal FAQ
What is the Recovery Time of Mole Removal?
During mole removal, the surgeon will first use a numbing agent of some type, such as lidocaine, to prevent the patient from feeling any pain. Epinephrine is sometimes combined with the lidocaine to help control bleeding during the surgery. After numbing the area around the mole, the doctor usually waits about fifteen minutes to give the drugs time to work.
Do I need Anesthesia for Mole Removal?
Most doctors ask the patient to keep the surgical site covered in an antibiotic ointment and bandaged until healing is well under way. Ice may be used to ease any discomfort. The wound should be cleansed every day, according to the doctor's directions. Any stitches are usually removed within a week after the mole removal.
Is Mole Removal Safe?
Mole removal is one of the safest of cosmetic surgeries. While it is possible to develop an infection any time the skin is opened, modern antibiotics and sterile surgical methods make this a rare occurrence. A few patients do experience an allergic reaction to the numbing agent or the tape used on the dressing, but this is unlikely. Nerve damage is also a possibility if the mole is located in a sensitive area, and the surgeon has to cut deeply during the removal.
Do I need to Prepare for Mole Removal?
Little preparation is needed before mole removal, but doctors may ask their patients to refrain from taking medication that thins the blood for a short period before the surgery.
How Long Does Mole Removal Last?
Mole removal is permanent, but patients should have skin checks every year to make sure that no new problems have developed.
Mole Removal with Dr. Vallecillos
Dr. Glenn Vallecillos is a board certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills specializing in Mole Removal, Skin Lasers, Breast Augmentation, Liposuction, Tummy Tuck and more. Feel free to contact Dr. Vallecillos to ask any questions you have regarding Mole Removal. Dr. Vallecillos is an experienced Mole Removal surgeon and looks forward to serving as your plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills.
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