Mole and Spot Removal

Sometimes the smallest things can make a big impact on your appearance. We all accumulate moles, freckles, age spots, skin tags, and other growths on our faces as we age. Removal of these “things” can have a surprisingly dramatic effect on your appearance. Certain moles, particularly on the face, back, and chest, may require a cosmetic approach to avoid irregular lines, scarring, and skin discoloration.

Surgical techniques for removal include shave removal, punch biopsy, excising, electrocautery, and staged or serial excisions. Most of these procedures are done in the office. For those patients who may not be able to be awake during the procedure, there is an option for sedation. If the mole or lesion has any suspicious characteristics the tissue would be sent to a pathologist to evaluate further.

The recovery and wound care will be based on the surgical treatment used. If sutures are used they are usually removed within the first week following the procedure. After any surgical procedure, you may experience some swelling, inflammation, paraesthesia (numbness to surgical site), and possible bruising. There are some activity restrictions following these procedures. The restrictions help minimize the risk of widening or stretching the incision site causing a potential scar.