How Do Dermatologists Remove Moles?
Why Remove a Mole? While most moles on the skin are harmless, there are many benefits to having them removed under the right circumstances. Reasons for removing a mole may range from pure vanity to inconvenience when shaving. Also, if a mole is determined to be precancerous in nature, a full removal may prevent skin cancer from developing. Removal Through Excision The most common way for a dermatologist to remove a mole is through excision. Before the procedure, the doctor will fully clean the area and a local anesthetic will be applied to the skin. This will numb the surrounding area so the procedure can be done painlessly. The dermatologist will then use a scalpel to slice off the mole as well as a tiny amount of good skin surrounding the offending area. Stitches may or may not be required following the procedure. Laser Removal Laser mole removal has become a popular alternative to traditional excision. Patients appreciate the less-invasive technique, and the chances of scarring are
