Whether recommended as a cosmetic procedure or part of a cancer prevention regimen, most mole removals are fairly simple, minimally-invasive procedures.
When the mole is in a visible location like the cheek or nose, it’s important to consult with a Facial Plastic Surgeon who can ensure pristine aesthetic results and minimize scarring.
Several factors should be considered when deciding whether to have a mole removed. You may want to remove your mole under the following circumstances:
There are several techniques Dr. Moran may use to remove an unwanted mole, depending on the size, depth, location, and other key characteristics:
If your mole is shallow, Dr. Moran can shave it in layers until the surface of your skin is reached. First, she will administer a local numbing agent to ensure your comfort. Then she will shave the mole using an electronic dermal tool to minimize scarring.
For deep moles that require full removal, an excision may be necessary. In this case, the entire mole is cut out, creating a defect that extends down to the fat layer beneath the skin’s surface. Dr. Moran will then close the incisions carefully to ensure minimal scarring.
Some flat, non-cancerous moles can be removed with a laser, which can break down the unwanted cells over multiple treatments.
A simple approach for shallow moles, this technique involves freezing the cells using liquid nitrogen
If warranted, Dr. Moran may choose to send a portion of the extracted tissue to a pathology lab for analysis to determine whether any of the cells were cancerous. If the lab detects cancerous or pre-cancerous cells, the issue can be treated during an in-office treatment with surgical excision, liquid nitrogen, or Mohs micrographic surgery.
Dr. Moran is a highly credentialed, Double Board-Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon in the Nashville area. Her impressive technical skill and deep understanding of facial anatomy are behind her reputation for natural outcomes. Throughout her 28 years in a private practice, she has helped countless patients remove moles from conspicuous locations. She trained at Tufts, Boston University, and the University of Michigan, and is the first female president of the AAFPRS.
Where will my mole removal be performed?
Is there a recovery period?
What kind of anesthesia is required?
Mole removal procedures are performed in our Franklin, TN office on an outpatient basis.
No, there isn’t. You will be able to resume normal activities immediately after the procedure. However, you may experience bleeding and discomfort at the extraction site during the first few days. It’s important to keep the wound covered in antibiotic ointment and bandaged for the prescribed period of time. If stitches were required, they will be removed within one week. While some scarring is common with most mole removals, it will be kept to a minimum as much as possible.
Local anesthesia will be applied prior to the procedure.
