Top 3 Mole Removal Techniques
What is a mole?
When a type of cell, melanocytes, grows within the skin, in the form of clusters, moles appear. While most moles are benign, some could develop into cancerous growths. This means that the best thing to do when moles appear is to consult a doctor who has experience in mole removal, such as Dr. Elias in Bakersfield. He will examine the growth and decide on the treatment, depending on the diagnosis. Of course, there are some moles that people treasure as a beauty mark and celebrities over the years have been famous for theirs. On the other hand, there are moles that could either be painful due to their position or spoil your appearance.
Most often, moles are hereditary, usually appearing by the age of 20 to 30 years. They are sometimes mistaken for freckles because they can appear as small, flat, tan colored spots. Irregularly shaped moles can sometimes develop into skin cancer. If your mole is changing shape or growing, it is best to consult an experienced skin care doctor.
Popular Mole Removal Techniques
Moles cannot be treated with creams or bleaches. They require a visit to an experienced skin care doctor to assure proper treatment. The process of mole removal is usually a quick one, involving a minor surgical procedure. There are three techniques that are most commonly suggested by for mole removal. These are:
- Cryosurgery – This method uses liquid nitrogen to freeze off the mole. It has been in use for many years now and is an inexpensive way to have a mole removed quickly. This method could, however, lead to skin irritation or blistering, which subsides in a couple of days.
- Excision – Mole removal can also be accomplished by cutting them away using a surgeon’s scalpel. Do not try this at home. It requires the expertise of a skilled doctor. The area is first numbed with a local anesthetic and the tissue is then shaved off using a sharp scalpel. The doctor might also choose to perform an elliptical excision, where the mole is completely cut away from its roots. While shaving could leave some scarring, excisions usually lead to a sizable scar. This method is, however, preferred if there is any concern regarding the mole being cancerous.
- Cauterization and Laser Surgery – This method is used to burn away the moles. While cauterization uses an electric current to burn the mole, the laser technique uses an intense light beam to achieve the same result. Cauterization is the safest and most effective mole removal technique. Laser treatment could require several sessions but is less painful.
At Elias Medical, Dr Elias will perform a thorough examination and then recommend a procedure that will be best suited for each patient. As Dr. Elias is very experienced in this type of procedure patients should feel very comfortable in having the best results for their health and beauty.