Moles are unsightly, abnormal skin growths appearing as small, dark, circular spots on the skin’s surface. Most moles are noncancerous growths consisting of clusters of pigment-producing skin cells. The average person has between 10 and 40 moles throughout their face and body.
People can develop skin cells on any part of their body, but the most sensitive place is the face. Facial mole growth can make people feel less attractive and less confident. But the good news is that technologically advanced mole removal procedures exist to remove moles quickly and without leaving much scarring behind.
How to Distinguish Noncancerous Moles vs Cancerous Moles
Some moles grow larger than others but are generally harmless if noncancerous. Here is how you can tell if you have a noncancerous mole:
- The diameter does not exceed 0.25 inches
- The color is not red, blue, or black
- The mole does not continuously grow or change over time
- The mole shape is symmetrical rather than irregular and asymmetrical
- The mole is not swollen, sore, raised, itchy, or bleeding
A noncancerous mole stays one color and does not keep growing bigger and more irregularly shaped. On the other hand, if you notice a mole that changes color and grows abnormally, it may be a cancerous mole after all.
The best advice is to consult your primary care physician and a dermatologist to verify whether you have any cancerous moles and the steps to take if you do.
The Top 4 Mole Removal Procedures
Never attempt to remove moles yourself. Some people online may tout home remedies like tea tree oil and apple cider vinegar, but they have never been proven effective. You should also never try to surgically remove moles yourself because you will likely create severe scarring and risk an infection.
Only professional surgical procedures are effective at removing moles. A dermatologist is the most qualified medical professional to perform such procedures because they are skin doctors who practice this for a living. The dermatologist can determine the safest and most effective mole removal method if you have a cancerous mole.
The top 4 mole removal procedures
1) Cryotherapy (Freezing)
The surgeon applies liquid nitrogen to the mole on the skin to damage its cluster of cells and cause them to blister and disappear. The healing process can take a few months before noticing no mole and clear skin.
2) Shaving Off the Mole
The surgeon will shave off small mole growths using a flexible surgical blade. The skin usually remains uncut and unaffected, so you won’t need stitches.
3) Laser Treatment
Those who prefer a noninvasive mole removal procedure may like the advanced laser treatment option. The surgeon will use bursts of light to destroy the pigment cells in the mole. No cutting or burning is necessary.
4) Surgical Excision
The most effective mole removal option is a surgical excision, where the surgeon surgically removes the mole at the skin level. They will stitch up the skin afterward to prevent severe scarring and infection.
Contact a Dermatologist Today
Please make an appointment for a consultation with a dermatologist to learn more about the condition of your moles and the best procedure available to remove them.
