What’s in a mole? These random spots of discoloration, which may either be raised bumps or irregularities beneath the surface of the skin, come in a myriad of different forms, and have been associated over the centuries with beauty, witchcraft, and most recently, with the possible presence of skin cancer. Formed by a type of cell known as a melanocyte, moles are commonly discovered from birth and are mostly congenital, though exposure to the sun may also play a role in the formation and growth of moles. Though some moles are indicators of melanoma and should be treated very seriously, the vast majority of moles are benign and do not pose any health risk to those who have them. Nonetheless, there are many individuals who are eager to have their own moles removed, for aesthetic reasons. Mole growths that protrude significantly, have hairs growing from them, or are in such abundance that they give the person a speckled appearance, may cause a person to feel insecure about the way he or she looks. As such, once it has been ascertained that the moles are not indicative of something more serious, their removal is a relatively straightforward surgical procedure.

Mole removal is performed either as a standard excision technique, where the growth is cut out with a scalpel and the incision stitched closed, or with the use of a cauterizing tool to burn away the remnants of the mole that may remain after excision. In both instances, many cosmetic surgeons now utilize a form of cryosurgery where the mole is frozen with liquid nitrogen, and then carefully shaved away. The incision made on the base to facilitate the extraction of the mole is elliptical or eye-shaped to simplify the stitching or the cauterization. Laser technology is currently undergoing evaluation as to whether or not it is an effective alternative method of mole removal. However, most dermatologists do not recommend the use of lasers, as these only remove superficial layers of skin and do not penetrate deeper into the dermis region, where moles may originate or be rooted. Also, laser mole removal may require several sessions for satisfactory results.

Sometimes, the mole cells will reach so deeply into the skin that the mole will have to be removed through a punch excision. Through this process, a chunk of skin including the mole area will be sliced away with a punching tool, and a forceps will be used to remove the mole tissue. The wound will then be closed and sutured.

In all cases, excised mole tissue is taken to a laboratory for analysis to determine its composition, as the risk of skin cancer should always be considered by a responsible surgeon.

After the surgery, the treated area will be doused with antibiotics to prevent infection, and the wound covered with a bandage to facilitate healing. The surgeon may instruct the patient to apply a topical antibiotic to the wound periodically during the recovery period. The patient should be able to resume normal activity after the procedure, though he will be advised to avoid exposure to direct sunlight and apply sunscreen religiously until the wound heals completely, as is the standard post-operative procedure for most skin treatments. Scabs that form over the wound should fall off in about one to two weeks, and any redness or swelling should subside in three to four weeks.

Mole removal surgery is relatively risk-free, but as with all invasive procedures, infection may set in if the wound is not properly cared for. Also, patients must be advised that scarring from the removal of a mole may be unsightly, even worse than any deformity caused by the mole itself, and must weigh this potential drawback into their decision to have their moles removed.