Moles and any sort of mark on the skin can cause an element of angst. Fortunately, thanks to advances in medicine they’re quite easy to deal with and remove.
Depending on you and your mole, there are a number of different options available to remove moles from your skin. New advances mean that it’s now not only easy, but also quite painless to remove moles. So, we’re going to take a closer look at some of the options used during the treatment.
Determining the Treatment
Of course, to determine the treatment in question, the mole should be examined during a consultation. Here a skin doctor will use a dermatocope to identify the mole type and also the depth of the mole under the skin. This allows them to make an informed decision on the best way of moving forward with treatment.
Treatment Options
Shave Excision Surgery
The shave excision surgery is the most common form of mole removal for moles that protrude above the skin. It’s a simple surgery that requires a small local anaesthetic. Then the doctor will plane down the mole until it is level with the skin.
It’s a fast process, taking only a few minutes and there is no need for stitches. The procedure only leaves a small mark and heals within 10 days of the surgery. It’s a fast, worry free surgery that produces a fantastic outcome.
Ellipse Excision Surgery
This surgery is ideal for flat moles or ones that could cause worry. It’s a short procedure taking only 20 minutes and involves a pain free injection of local anaesthetic to numb the area. The mole is removed in one go and stitches are used to bring the skin together. This will result in the tinniest area of scar tissue that fades from red to white in a short time and is virtually unnoticeable.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments such as those offered at Cosmedics are an alternative to surgery or chemical methods and can have notably good results. Before laser surgery is utilised, a doctor will advise whether or not it’s suitable for the specific mole removal.
If this is the case, the type of laser will then be decided upon – this is based on the specific mole. Laser is not suitable for all patients and all moles; however a good skin doctor will offer unbiased advice and steer you in the correct direction so you can be sure to get the best treatment. There are a number of different options and your doctor will advise you with the most suitable for your skin.
Radio Surgery
This is a high frequency cutting device that can be used to remove moles and stop bleeding at the same time. The equipment is particularly useful in delicate areas such as the eyelids.
Cryotherapy
This is essentially freezing the skin tissue using liquid nitrogen to kill the cells. Cyrotherapy takes around 5-10 seconds and involves a liquid spray being placed on the affected area. There may be a number of cycles depending on the skin and the area and there is a break of 1-2 minutes between these cycles.
The procedure creates a slight burning sensation and often skin can blister afterwards, though will heal within a 7 day period. This is a lower cost method more ideal for removing warts and skin tags.
So, as you can see there are a number of different treatments that can provide care for moles and other skin lesions.
It all begins with your skin doctor, who will advise you on the most suitable option for you.
Cormac Reynolds has written for a variety of health and well being sites in the past.