How Mole Removal Works

Many people consider mole removal for cosmetic purposes or from the advice of their doctor. It is always a good idea to have moles checked by your doctor to be sure they are not cancerous. Not all moles are dangerous but some may be large or in an area of the body that you may not like. When considering removal, your regular doctor or a dermatologist can take care of it for you.

There are three main ways that a mole may be removed by your doctor. Having recently had the procedure done myself, I will begin with my own experience.

I admit that the thought of having my own mole removed frightened me. I have always been a little squeamish when it comes to doctor visits, so if someone like me can handle this simple procedure, I'm sure almost anyone can.

This is the procedure in which I experienced. The punch biopsy is an instrument, circular in shape with a knife on the end which is used to punch out the mole. It comes in different sizes. Before the mole is removed, the area is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. If you have a fear of medical procedures, your imagination may make it seem much worse than it is. I didn't feel any pain once the actual removal processed started. I did feel pressure but it wasn't pain. Keep that in mind if you are worried like I was.

Once the mole is removed, chances are it will require a couple of stitches. This was also my first time having stitches on my body. Again, no pain but I did feel pressure. The entire procedure went very fast. It was over before I knew it and the nurse was placing bandages on me and explaining how to care for my stitches.

Your doctor may choose to do a shave biopsy. This procedure may be done on smaller moles. The area is cleaned and numbed and the mole is then shaved off with a sharp blade. Stitches are not usually required with this form of removal.

This procedure may be done for more serious cases (cancerous moles, large moles, or moles in difficult areas.) It is the most invasive of removals, however, it works in the same way starting with cleaning the area and numbing with a local anesthetic. Your doctor may remove portions of healthy skin around the mole to prevent regrowth. Stitches will be needed as well.