Mole Removal
Moles and skin tags are skin outgrowths that are more often a cosmetic issue than a medical one. However, abnormal moles must not be left untreated because they are likely to turn malignant and increase your risk of skin cancer. Removal of moles and skin tags is a simple procedure performed on an outpatient basis with only a local anesthetic.
Make sure you have your mole evaluated by a skilled and qualified cosmetic surgeon who can identify if it is pre-cancerous or malignant or harmless. When performed by an experienced surgeon, the mole and skin tag removal does not leave noticeable scars behind.
Virginia Institute of Plastic Surgery, led by board certified plastic surgeons Dr. Burton M. Sundin and Dr. Reps B. Sundin provides mole and skin tag removal to patients in Richmond, Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia, and surrounding communities.
Mole Types and Characteristics
Different mole types have the following characteristics:
Skin tags: These are skin-colored flaps of tissues growing from the skin on a tiny stalk. They are mostly harmless and painless.
Flat moles: These are dark spots on the skin that appear different from the rest of the skin.
Raised moles: These are growths coming from deep within the skin to emerge above the skin surface. They have a color different from the skin color.
Most moles are non-cancerous; however, a few may turn malignant with time. If you notice itching, bleeding or pain in the mole or find a change in its size, shape, or color, you must consult a plastic surgeon to have it examined.
Mole Removal Surgery
The surgical procedure to remove a mole depends on whether the mole is flat or raised. Flat moles may be simply shaved off the skin surface. After some days, a scab will naturally form on that site, and it will fall off on its own in a week or two. The skin below the scab may look pinkish red in color for a few days; later it will take on your normal skin color.
Raised moles will require a more extensive procedure. First, your surgeon will cut deeper into the skin to reach the mole’s root. The mole will be completely excised with or without some of the surrounding tissue. Finally, the surgeon uses sutures will be used to close the wound.
Mole Surgery Aftercare
Whatever the procedure used to remove your mole, it is critical to protect that spot from being exposed to the sun for a few weeks. You must also keep the operated area clean in order to prevent any infection of the wound.
Never Try Mole Removal at Home
When a mole looks superficial, you may be tempted to try to remove it yourself at home with a shaving blade. This can be very dangerous and lead to bleeding and infection and other complications. Avoid such home remedies and visit a trained surgeon to evaluate the mole or skin tag and decide the best procedure for its removal.
Plastic surgeons at VIPS receive patients from Richmond, Fredericksburg, Northern Virginia, and nearby areas for mole and skin tag removal.
