What Are Moles?
A mole is an unwanted skin growth. It usually looks like a flat or raised bump that’s the color of your skin or darker. Most people get moles as a teenager or adult. Some moles are present at birth.
We care for you with a collaborative, team-based approach. Our dermatologists, plastic surgeons, primary care providers, advanced practice providers, and estheticians work together to get you the right treatment from the right expert. Our team has access to the latest advanced cosmetic skin care treatment tools. This means we can customize your treatment plan with the most effective option for you.
When to Get a Mole Removed
You need to get a mole removed if it has any signs of melanoma (skin cancer). A primary care provider or skin specialist (dermatologist) can check your moles to find out if they could be cancerous.
The ABCDE rule can help you identify whether you need to get a mole checked:
- Asymmetry—If you draw a line down the center of the mole, is the mole uneven?
- Border—Does your mole have an oddly shaped edge?
- Color—Is your mole multicolored?
- Diameter—Is your mole larger than the eraser on a pencil?
- Evolution—Has your mole changed rapidly?
You can also use the ugly duckling rule to tell if your mole needs evaluation. The ugly duckling rule means that the mole looks different than any other spot or growth on your body.
You may choose to get a mole removed if it’s causing uncomfortable symptoms:
- Bleeding
- Catching on your clothing
- Itching
You can also get a mole removed because you don’t like how it looks. But most insurance plans don’t cover mole removal unless it’s causing health problems. Our team will help you understand your costs before treatment.
What to Expect During a Mole Removal Procedure
Our providers remove moles in a short office procedure. We will inject the mole with numbing medicine to make the removal as comfortable as possible.
We use one of two techniques to remove the mole:
- Shave removal—Your provider uses a sterile, straight-edge razor to shave off the mole. They will try to get the razor as close to the outer layer of your skin as possible. This is to remove the mole without cutting through too much of the surrounding normal skin. This process helps you heal without a large indent or scar. We use special chemicals to quickly stop any bleeding.
- Punch biopsy—Your provider uses a punch tool that looks like a round cookie cutter. This tool creates a punch that pulls the entire mole out. The punch size will be slightly larger than your mole. For example, if your mole is 4 millimeters wide, your provider will choose a punch tool that’s about 5 millimeters wide. We use stitches to close the wound.
Does Mole Removal Hurt?
Removing a mole can hurt. We inject the skin around your mole with a numbing agent before we remove your mole. You won’t feel any pain during the procedure after you get this injection. We may also apply ice or a cold spray to the mole before your injection. This reduces your discomfort during the injection.
Does Mole Removal Leave a Scar?
You may have a small scar after a mole removal. Follow your provider’s aftercare instructions to help minimize scarring.
Mole Removal Aftercare
You will have a bandage over the area where we removed the mole. Your provider will instruct you to cover the area and keep it moist for several weeks. You will apply a skin ointment, such as Vaseline® or Aquaphor®, to the area every day.
How to Clean Your Mole Removal Wound
Your provider will give you instructions on how to clean your wound after a mole removal. Care and cleaning instructions may vary. This is one way to clean your wound:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar with 1 cup of water.
- Put this mixture in a clean container and store it in the fridge.
- Dip a cotton swab into the vinegar solution, then clean your wound daily.
Please follow your provider’s instructions if they differ from this method.
Mole Removal Healing Process
You will have redness or slightly darkened skin around the wound for about one month while you heal. It’s normal for the wound to have a yellow or green film over its surface. The ointment you use may give your skin around the wound a slightly greenish tint. That green coating should come off when you clean the wound.
It’s important not to let the wound scab. You should keep the wound moist until it heals. You will also need to avoid exposing the wound to sunlight. Both these steps will lessen scarring.
Contact your provider right away if you notice any signs of infection around your wound:
- Oozing or pus that’s green or yellow
- Red or darkened skin that spreads beyond the wound
- Skin warmth
How Long Does a Mole Removal Take to Heal?
Wounds on your face or the upper part of your body may heal in about 1–2 weeks. Wounds on your legs or lower body heal in about 1–2 months. This is because different parts of your body have different amounts of blood supply. The body parts with more blood supply tend to heal faster.
Can You Perform a Mole Removal At Home?
You should never remove moles at home. There are several risks to at-home removal:
- Increased chance of infection from non-sterile tools
- Uncontrolled bleeding
Some people remove a skin growth that they mistake for a mole. This can cause infections and additional health problems.
Several over-the-counter remedies claim to treat moles or other skin growths at home. These home remedies aren’t safe, and you should never use them.
Find a Dermatologist or Esthetician for Mole Removal
Schedule a Consultation
Request a consultation with our cosmetic and skincare services. You don’t need a referral to schedule an appointment. But your insurance plan may require a referral to pay for your treatment. Our team will help you understand your insurance requirements and costs before treatment.
