MOLE REMOVAL

What are Moles?

Mole are also known as nevi. They are a common type of skin growth. They often appear as small, dark brown spots. Almost every adult has a few of them which appear mainly during childhood and the teenage years. Moles will grow as the child (or teen) grows. Some moles will darken, others will lighten and may fade away over time.

Causes of Mole

Moles are caused by clusters of pigment-forming cells called melanocytes. The shape and size of moles may vary depending on the layer of skin in which they grow.

Types of mole

1. Congenital mole :

   When a person is born with a mole, the mole is called a congenital mole. They can be flat or elevated and can have hair within them. The size of these moles may vary in size from small to giant. Most of them are harmless. But a few can become cancerous. Having a giant congenital mole increases a person’s risk of developing cancer (melanoma). Thus, if you notice any changes in colour or shape of your mole, you should consult with your dermatologist immediately.

2. Acquired moles :

   Acquired moles develop later in life and usually harmless. They’re typically round. These types of moles can darken or fade away over time or may not change significantly as you age.

   Types of acquired moles include:

   • Compound nevi:

     These are usually round or oval in shape and are raised above the skin surface. They may be of dark brown to black in colour.

   • Intradermal or dermal nevi :

     These are raised, dome-shaped moles that are typically the color of your skin.

   • Junctional melanocytic nevi :

     which typically appear during childhood as flat moles with a uniform color that can range from brown to black. Most of these appear due to sun damage. These types of moles are also called as common mole.

Diagnosis of moles?

Dermatologist diagnose a mole by looking at it.

Treatment of moles?

Moles are generally harmless and as such do not require any treatment. But they can be unsightly. Especially compound and dermal nevi, which are bigger in size and appear mainly over the face. So, these types of moles can be removed for aesthetic purpose.

Following modalities can be used for their removal -

• Electrosurgery and Radiofrequency cautery :

  Electrosurgery is a good treatment for moles. The dermatologist may remove the mole by scraping it off before electrosurgery.

• Excision :

  The doctor may cut out the mole (excision) followed by suturing.

• Laser treatment :

  CO2 laser treatment can also be used mainly for warts that have not responded to other therapies.

Benefits of the procedure offered by Aayam Skin Clinic

At Aayam Skin clinic, we use different modalities for mole removal depending upon the site, shape and skin type. We aim to remove the mole with minimally visible scar formation and give it the maximum aesthetic appeal possible. To numb the area, an anaesthetic injection is given before the removal process. In this way, mole removal procedure at Aayam skin clinic is most painless, involve minimal discomfort and results in minimal scar formation. It’s usually one time procedure, takes around one hour and done on an outpatient basis, so as to avoid inconvenience to the patient.

Aftercare instructions

Following your mole removal procedure, specific instructions are given on how to care for the treated area. This may include keeping the area clean and dry and avoiding picking at the scab. If suturing has been done then dressing may be repeated after 2-3 days. Antibiotic creams and tablets may be given following the procedure to prevent any kind of infection. Sutures are generally removed after 7 days.

Outcome

The type of modality used for mole removal process depend upon the site of mole and also on the Fitzpatrick type of skin. Scar is usually formed after mole removal procedure. If the mole has been removed through RF cautery or laser, then scar is usually of the same shape and size of the mole. Whereas, if excision and suturing has been done, then a linear scar is formed.