Some people refer to them as beauty marks, and feel having one or several makes them more attractive; to others, unattractive small brown or black skin growths may come to mind. The good thing is moles are mostly benign, making them harmless and nothing to worry about when becoming visible. Sometimes they can take their toll on our self-confidence.
Whether you are seeking out mole removal for medical or cosmetic reasons, Anna Raurell is here to help you every step of the way.
What are moles?
Characteristics of flesh moles include:
- Vary in shape and size
- Can appear flat to the skin or raised
- Some are hairless, while others, unfortunately, produce hair
- Can be smooth to the touch or rough
- Varies in colour from yellow, brown, or dark
- Most appear during our youth and become more visible as we age
Mole removal treatment
Mole removal is a simple outpatient procedure and is performed one of two ways: using the surgical shave method or surgical extension. Both techniques require numbing the area before removal. A surgical shave uses a small blade to “shave” off the mole and doesn’t require stitches, and is best for petite moles. A surgical excision uses a scalpel or circular blade for larger flesh moles and removes the blemish and surrounding skin.
The treatment is simple but precise, you stay awake the entire time and you return to normal activities the same day.
While there are many at-home products advertised as safe for mole removals, it’s always best to have a medical professional remove a mole from your body and not resort to home solutions. It’s unsafe to use glue, wax strips, nail clippers, scissors, or kitchen knives to try and eliminate a mole. Doing so can be potentially harmful to your health with bleeding, infection, or scars.
Suspicious moles
While many moles are harmless, it is important to keep an eye on your moles. We recommend seeking professional medical advice for an assessment should you notice any changes in colour or shape. Also, know the ABCDEs of melanoma which can occur whether your skin is exposed or not to the sun:
- Asymmetry – moles that are not cancerous and typically have symmetry between the two halves
- Border – benign moles usually having a well-defined, even border
- Colour – most benign moles, are all a single, uniform colour
- Diameter – the size of the mole, is also paramount, as non-suspicious moles are usually smaller
- Evolving – moles that change size, shape, or colour over time
You can find out more about mole removal here, or book in for a consultation.
