Mole Removal Procedures

Offered at our convenient location in Raleigh, NC

Mole Removal Procedures Dr. Amber Allen Allen Aesthetic Surgery

Mole removal is a procedure to remove nevi, or moles, from the skin. Moles can be a source of insecurity, but they can also potentially be cancerous.

Moles are a type of skin growth that can often contain coloration of either brown or black due to melanin or pigment being present. Moles can also be flesh-colored, flat, or raised. Many people notice moles on their skin at some point in their life. While moles are simply a part of life for most people, there are several reasons why people might want a mole removal procedure. Some moles can be cancerous or pre-malignant, meaning they have the potential to eventually evolve into cancer. (1)

If you develop any new moles, it is always good to have them examined by a professional. Anyone with a family history of skin cancer is recommended to consult with a dermatologist for a full evaluation. Most people simply want moles removed for aesthetic or cosmetic reasons. Dr. Amber Allen along with the team at Allen Aesthetic Surgery in Raleigh, North Carolina are here to assist you in this process.

Fill out our contact form or call (919) 676-5052 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Allen and her expert staff.

About Mole Removal Procedures

Mole removal procedures are relatively simple, safe procedures when performed by a licensed medical professional such as Dr. Allen and her staff. With this in mind, many people mistake the fact that because moles are small, they can remove them on their own without seeking help from a medical professional. This, of course, can lead to a variety of serious issues and any mole removal should be done by a trained professional. Attempting to remove a mole at home can not only lead to permanent skin damage but if a mole is cancerous, failure to treat the mole properly can lead to cancer spreading throughout other parts of the skin and body.

There are several different types of mole removal procedures, all of which aim to treat different types of moles. Dr. Allen and her team typically use one of three methods: destruction, shave excision, or full excision. The most common method applied is via shave removal in which the mole is removed at its base with a small surgical blade. There is little risk of bleeding, infection, or discomfort during the procedure. Following removal, the removal site will be red. The length of time the site stays red will vary from patient to patient. After a week, it can be covered by makeup if desired. Treating with a silicone cream or strip will aid in the recovery process.

How to Tell if a Mole is Cancerous

The vast majority of moles are noncancerous and do not pose any serious long-term threat to the individual. With this established, cancerous moles can only be diagnosed by a medical professional, and this should not be taken lightly. If you are on the fence about whether or not to seek treatment for a mole that appeared on your body, you can follow the ABCDE method to determine if it’s time to seek a professional opinion. (2) This method stands for:

  • A: Asymmetry. Does your mole look different on either side? If so, this could be a cause for concern
  • B: Border. If the border of your mole is round, it is probably nothing to be concerned about. However, if your mole has an oddly shaped border, it might be time to seek a professional opinion
  • C: Color. Most moles are either black or brown and are the same color throughout. If your mole has a difference in color or appears to have an odd pigment compared to normal moles, this could be a red flag
  • D: Diameter. If a mole is greater than 6 millimeters, it is likely worth getting checked out.
  • E: Evolving. If you notice a mole that changes in size or color, this could be an indication of a cancerous growth and should prompt you to seek medical attention as soon as possible

These of course are all merely guidelines. If you have any concerns about a mole on your body, reach out to Allen Aesthetic Surgery today. Fill out our contact form or call (919) 676-5052 to schedule a consultation.

Benefits

There are many benefits of undergoing a mole removal procedure, both from a physical and mental standpoint. From a medical perspective, although most moles do not pose a serious health threat, the risk of a mole being cancerous or precancerous is never zero. Taking swift and proper action can help prevent a potential health scare from becoming more serious. If you are concerned about a mole potentially posing a health threat, a visit to Dr. Allen’s office could, at the very minimum, give you a sense of comfort knowing you are taking the necessary precautions regarding treating any dangers associated with moles you might have.

People with moles that pose potential health threats are not the only people who could benefit from mole removal procedures. Sometimes moles can toll on a person’s self-image. Removing these moles can help patients achieve more even skin and feel more confident about their appearance.

Candidates

Anyone with a mole that they are concerned about or simply want to remove once and for all could be a potential candidate for the mole removal procedures offered at Allen Aesthetic Surgery. Mole removal procedures for cancerous spots will require a professional diagnosis and most likely include a biopsy before the procedure. For those looking to remove moles for aesthetic purposes, the ideal candidate is someone who is in otherwise good health and has realistic expectations about what can be accomplished through mole removal procedures. In any case, you can determine whether or not you are an ideal candidate through a personal consultation. It is important to keep in mind that with any type of removal, there is a risk of scarring; each person heals differently but there may always be a little “mark” where the mole was present.

Personal Consultation

The first step to remove your unwanted moles is to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Allen and the Allen Aesthetic Surgery team. During this consultation, Dr. Allen will go over your medical background and discuss what you hope to achieve from receiving treatment. After that, a custom-tailored treatment plan will be created for you. If you are serious about exploring the possibility of removing your unwanted moles, fill out our contact form or call (919) 676-5052 now to schedule a consultation.

If you suspect that a mole might pose a serious health threat, but you aren’t completely sure, you can send photos of your mole to Dr. Allen before scheduling an appointment. Dr. Allen will review this information and recommend the next steps for your treatment.

Preparation

Preparation for mole removal procedures is minimal in most cases. If any specific instructions are required for your procedure, Dr. Allen and her staff will notify you as the date of your procedure approaches.

Procedure

Each procedure will differ depending on the individual, the characteristics of the mole, and the intention behind the mole removal, meaning whether it is being removed for health concerns or simply for personal preference. A local anesthetic will likely be utilized for all procedures. Dr. Allen and her team offer three different types of mole removal procedures which include:

  • Destruction: Often requiring more than procedure to fully complete the treatment, the destruction method entails utilizing a laser.
  • Shave excision: The shave excision method tends to be utilized on smaller or raised moles and involves shaving the mole off your skin as well as getting rid of some tissue both under and surrounding the mole. Luckily, stitches are often not required for this method.
  • Full excision: Perhaps the most complex procedure, the full excision, as the name suggests, involves a full excision, or complete removal, of the mole. This is typically reserved for larger moles and moles that present the greatest risk for cancer. In almost all instances, this procedure will require the use of sutures which will be removed during a future visit. A patient will likely have scarring after this procedure.

Recovery

The recovery process will vary for each individual. In general, because mole removal is a relatively simple procedure when done by a trained professional, the recovery process is often minimal. Some patients might experience scarring or may be advised to wear a bandage over the impacted area after their treatment.

Results

Dr. Allen and the Allen Aesthetic Surgery team pride themselves on being the best in the business when it comes to cosmetic procedures. While results are never guaranteed, the team at Allen Aesthetic Surgery is confident they can help you achieve your desired goals. They have helped numerous people remove their unwanted moles, both for medical and personal reasons. If you want to read more about the proven results past patients of Allen Aesthetic Surgery have experienced, check out our reviews page.

Cost of Mole Removal in North Carolina

Because every treatment plan is tailored toward each individual, the cost of mole removal will vary from person to person. The cost of your procedure can be discussed with Dr. Allen during your consultation.

If you have any additional questions about pricing, you are welcome to contact our office by filling out our contact form or giving us a call at (919) 676-5052.

References

  1. Melanoma: Overview. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Published November 29, 2018. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK321122/
  2. Jensen JD, Elewski BE. The ABCDEF Rule: Combining the “ABCDE Rule” and the “Ugly Duckling Sign” in an Effort to Improve Patient Self-Screening Examinations. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. 2015;8(2):15. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4345927/