There are many options for mole removal. Moles come in all shapes, patterns and sizes. Dr. Rokhsar will come up with an individualized plan for your mole removal goals depending on the type of mole, the location, as well as the size of the mole. Treatment options may include laser treatments with pigment lasers, ablation of the mole with the 2 mm beam of the CO2 laser, shave removal with a surgical blade, as well a surgical excision. Each method has its own set of advantages, risks, as well as outcomes. Dr. Rokhsar is a double board certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon with years of experience doing mole removals. The first step to choosing the ideal method for your mole removal is to diagnose the exact type of mole that you may have. This proper diagnosis can only be done with the expertise of a board certified dermatologist like Dr. Rokhsar. Dr. Rokhsar can then advise you as to the best treatment strategies for your mole removal.
This is the most common surgical technique used to remove moles. It involves numbing the area with a local anesthetic and using a surgical scalpel to cut out the entire mole along with a small margin of healthy skin surrounding it. The incision is then closed with stitches, leaving a linear scar. This is an ideal technique for moles that are large or have deep roots (intradermal nevi). Surgical excision of a mole works well in areas where a patient already has wrinkles (forehead) or creases (laugh lines) so that the surgical scar can be hidden into the crease. This is not an ideal technique for moles on the nose because the line scars can be unforgiving on the nose.
This procedure is suitable for raised moles (compound or intradermal nevi). A local anesthetic is administered, and a small blade or scalpel is used to shave off the mole flush with the surrounding skin. Stitches are usually not required, and the resulting scar is generally less noticeable than with excisional surgery. This is an ideal technique for moles on the face as well as moles on the nose. The risk with this procedure is that the mole can sometimes grow back in time, since some of the mole cells are left behind in the dermis with this technique. There is also a chance that the color of the mole at the shave removal level may be different from the natural color of your skin. This technique can give some of the most natural looking outcomes.
This technique is typically used for smaller moles. A circular blade, known as a punch, is used to remove the mole along with a small margin of healthy skin. Stitches may be necessary to close the wound, depending on its size.
Cryosurgery involves freezing the mole using liquid nitrogen or another freezing agent. The frozen mole is then removed using a scraping or “curettage” technique. Cryosurgery is more commonly used for superficial moles and may require multiple treatment sessions. Healing usually occurs without the need for stitches, and the treated area may form a scab that falls off over time. This is an outdated technique not recommended by Dr. Rokhsar.
This method utilizes laser energy to destroy the pigmented cells within the mole. The laser emits a specific wavelength of light that targets and breaks down the pigment. Laser ablation is generally suitable for flat or slightly raised moles and may require multiple sessions for complete removal. Healing occurs without the need for stitches, and a crust may form, which eventually falls off. Depending on the color and intensity of the mole, multiple sessions are often required to achieve optimal results. The sessions are generally spaced 102 months apart. The most commonly used lasers used for laser ablation of moles are the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser or the Q-Switched Alexandrite lasers. These lasers emit a specific wavelength of light (usually 1064 nm or 755nm) that targets and breaks down the pigment within the mole, allowing for its gradual removal. Pico lasers may also be used for this technique. It is absolutely essential that you consult with a board certified dermatologist as only moles that are determined to have no pre-cancerous characteristics, should be treated with this technique. Only a board certified dermatologist can make this determination. If there is any donut a biopsy should be performed in lieu of laser ablation.
In this technique, a laser is used to cut out the mole usually flush with the skin. This is a laser contouring technique. The laser simultaneously seals blood vessels, minimizing bleeding. Laser excision is often preferred for smaller moles, and healing is typically faster compared to traditional excisional surgery. The ideal laser for this technique is the 2mm beam of the CO2 laser. CO2 lasers emit a high-intensity beam of light at a wavelength of 10,600 nm. The energy from the laser vaporizes the mole tissue, allowing for precise and controlled removal. This is an ideal technique for moles in cosmetically sensitive areas like the nose.
It’s important to note that the choice of treatment depends on various factors such as the type of mole, its size, location, and the individual’s overall health. A thorough examination and consultation with a board certified dermatologist will help determine the most appropriate technique for mole removal in each case.
Many people refer to a mole as any dark spot or irregularity in the skin. Dermatologists however have very precise definitions for what a mole is. Other skin marks such as Birthmark, Abnormal blood vessels (hemangiomas or angiomas) and Keratoses (benign or precancerous spots, which appear after about age 30 years) are not treated the same way moles are and are not discussed here:
Moles, known medically as nevi, are clusters of pigmented cells that often appear as small, dark brown spots on your torso, face, arms, and legs. But moles can come in a range of colors and can develop virtually anywhere, including your scalp, armpits, under your nails, and between your fingers and toes. Most people have between 10 and 40 moles, although the number you have may change throughout life. New moles can appear into mid-adulthood, and because moles last about 50 years, some moles may disappear as you age. The great majority of moles are harmless, but in rare cases, moles may become cancerous. Monitoring moles and other pigmented patches is an important step in the diagnosis of skin cancer, especially malignant melanoma. Although not all melanomas develop from pre-existing moles, many begin in or near a mole or other dark spot on the skin. Double Board-certified NYC dermatologic surgeon, Dr. Rokhsar specializes in mole removal utilizing a variety of advanced techniques for his Manhattan and Garden City patients.
An estimated one out of every 10 Americans have at least one atypical (dysplastic) mole. These moles are larger than common moles, with borders that are irregular and poorly defined. Atypical moles also vary in color, ranging from tan to dark brown shades on a pink background. They have irregular borders that may include notches. They may fade into the surrounding skin and include a flat portion level with the skin. These are some of the features that one sees when looking at a melanoma. When a pathologist looks at an atypical mole under the microscope, it has features that are in-between a normal mole and a melanoma.
While atypical moles are considered to be precancerous (more likely to turn into melanoma than regular moles), not everyone who has atypical moles gets melanoma. In fact, most moles — both ordinary and atypical ones — never become cancerous. Thus the removal of all atypical nevi is unnecessary. In fact, half of the melanomas found on people with atypical moles arise from normal skin and not an atypical mole.
There are various benefits to this procedure including:
* Results May Vary
Some people are born with moles. Other moles appear over time. Sun exposure seems to play a role in the development of moles and may even play a role in the development of atypical, or dysplastic, moles. The role of heredity cannot be underemphasized. Many families have a type of mole known as dysplastic (atypical), which can be associated with a higher frequency of melanoma or skin cancer.
Before the mole is removed, the area is cleansed and then an anesthetic is applied to numb the area. The type of mole being removed determines what technique is used. Depending on the technique, stitches may or may not be used. For excision of the mole, NYC board-certified dermatologic surgeon Dr. Rokhsar uses a scalpel to cut the mole and a border of good skin surrounding it. The surgeon will determine the size of this border. Stitches are then placed either deep within the skin or on the upper surface, depending on the depth of the excision.
After mole removal in our NYC office, healing should take place within 2 to 3 weeks of surgery.
For the procedure that involves no stitches, a scalpel is used to shave the mole allowing it to be flush with the surrounding skin. Then using an electrical instrument, the doctor cauterizes the area to stop any bleeding. A topical antibiotic is applied to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing.
Moles are common on the skin and most of them are harmless. However, it’s important to keep an eye on your moles and know when to worry about them. Some of the reasons why a mole may itch include dry skin, an allergic reaction to detergent or soap, irritated skin, or in rare cases, it could be a cancerous mole. Therefore, it’s important to see a board certified dermatologist if you notice one of your moles begin itching.
It’s also important to know the signs of a mole that may indicate skin cancer, such as melanoma. The ABCDE guide can help you remember what to watch for. A is for asymmetrical shape. One half is unlike the other half. B stands for border. The mole has an irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border. C is for color. The mole has varying colors or is not uniform in color. D is for diameter. The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser). E is for evolving. The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.
If you notice any changes in your moles, it’s important to see a board certified dermatologist. It is important to consult your board certified dermatologist about any suspicious moles, as these lesions may represent malignant melanoma, a life-threatening type of skin cancer. Examine your skin every month or two to look for any new or changing moles.
If a mole is rapidly expanding or changing and appears different from other moles, it may be cause for concern. These moles are referred to as “ugly ducklings” by dermatologists. Such changes could be indicative of melanoma. Another sign to watch out for is bleeding or oozing. If a mole starts to bleed, ooze, or becomes painful or itchy, see a doctor right away.
An itchy mole can be a concern for many people, and there are several reasons why a mole may itch. Moles may get darker when exposed to the sun or during pregnancy, and raised moles can get irritated by rubbing against clothing. This irritation can cause them to itch. However, there are other reasons why a mole may itch, such as dry skin, peeling due to a sunburn, or exposure to certain skin products.
Although itching is not usually a symptom of skin cancer, it can sometimes be a sign of cancer cells irritating nerve endings in or around the mole. If you notice new itchiness in a mole, it is recommended to pay attention to any changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of the mole, as well as any bleeding, swelling, or pain. These symptoms may indicate a more serious issue, and it is important to consult a board certified dermatologist for an evaluation.
A cancerous mole, also known as melanoma of the skin, can appear in various ways. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, potential warning signs of melanoma include the following features that can be identified using the ABCDE guide: asymmetry, irregular borders, color changes, diameter greater than 1/4 inch, and evolving shape or size. However, not all cancerous moles exhibit these characteristics. Melanoma can also resemble a sore or a spot, a birthmark, a pimple, a bruise, or a dark line under a fingernail or toenail. In some cases, atypical or dysplastic nevus can resemble melanoma, even if they are not cancerous, and are often larger than a dime, asymmetrical, not round in shape, and have a mixture of colors such as red, pink, tan, and brown. Furthermore, cancerous moles can have a range of colors, such as brown, tan, black, blue, red, or pink, and can be smooth, wrinkled, flat, or raised, with hair growing from them. Most moles are oval or round and less than 1/4 inch in diameter. Additionally, a dysplastic nevus is often large and does not have a round or oval shape or a distinct edge, and may have a mixture of pink, tan, or brown shades. If you have any lumps, bumps, spots, sores, or other marks on your skin that are new or changing, or that worry you for any reason, it’s important to see a board certified dermatologist.
If you are considering mole removal, it is important to seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional such as a board certified dermatologist. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the skin, including moles. During a skin exam, a dermatologist inspects your skin from head to toe, and if they suspect that a mole may be cancerous, it is removed and sent to a lab for examination under a microscope (biopsy).
Mole removal should be done by a medical professional such as a board certified dermatologist, who can send the mole to a lab to be evaluated for cancer. The doctor will usually remove the outermost layers of the mole using a razor or scalpel, but the depth of the surgical shave depends on the location and purpose of the removal. The area will bleed but won’t require stitches. With a small bandage, the area should heal quickly. This is called a shave removal
There are a few different ways to remove moles, including shave removal, punch biopsy, or surgical excision, none of which should be done at home. Moles may be removed for various reasons, from cosmetic purposes to testing for skin cancer. Flat pigmented moles which are diagnosed by a dermatologist not to be cancerous can be removed by lasers for cosmetic reasons in a scarless manner.
If you have undergone mole removal, you may be left with a scar. Treating a mole removal scar is best done by dermatologists or medical specialists who are familiar with the full range of options for scar treatment including laser resurfacing. They can recommend the most appropriate treatment for your specific case. Fraxel laser is a highly effective treatment that helps with mole removal scars or any surgical scars in general. Dr. Rokhsar was involved in the development of the Fraxel laser. He is a double board certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon who is an expert in both the surgical and laser removal of moles.
If you have hair growing from a mole, you might try clipping it close to the skin’s surface or plucking it, but be sure to keep the area clean and see your doctor if the mole doesn’t heal. You might also talk with your dermatologist about surgically removing a mole if it bothers you or if you notice suspicious changes in it
Not all raised skin bumps are moles. Some other types of skin bumps include seborrheic keratosis, which typically appear as round or oval-shaped waxy or rough bumps, often on the face, chest, shoulder or back, or as a flat growth with a scaly surface that has a characteristic “pasted on” look.
If you notice any changes in the appearance of a mole or skin bump, such as changes in size, shape, color, or texture, or if it becomes painful or starts bleeding, it’s important to see a board certified dermatologist for evaluation and possible biopsy.
There are three ways to remove a mole: Shave removal, a surgical excision, or laser removal. THe best approach depends on your particular type of mole and the location. In a shave removal a mole is flattened with the help of a surgical blade flush with the skin. This is a very helpful method with a great cosmetic outcome. There is a chance of recurrence since some of the mole is left in the dermis. There are no stitches required with this method. A bandage needs to be kept for up to two weeks and changed daily. In a surgical excision, the entire mole is removed than to the fat layer. The edges of normal skin are then stitched together. There is very little risk of recurrence with this method. Surgical excision leaves a linear scar. Sometimes this scar is imperceptible. Other times one can see a white line. If a surgical excision needs a white line, the area can be resurfaced with the Fraxel laser to blend in the line. Pigmented flat moles (junctional nevi), if deemed to be benign by Dr. Rokhsar, can be removed using our pigment laser. More than one session of the laser may be required depending on the depth and color of the mole.
Hanging moles, skin tags or acrochordons, can be bothersome or unsightly for some individuals. However, it is important to approach their removal with caution and seek professional medical advice from a board certified dermatologist before attempting any home remedies or self-removal techniques because they can bleed a lot.
The most effective and safe way to remove a hanging mole is through medical procedures such as excision, electrocautery, or cryosurgery or shave removal. These methods involve numbing the area and using medical equipment to remove the mole while minimizing bleeding and scarring. These procedures should only be performed by a board certified dermatologist.
The cost of removing a mole from the face can vary significantly depending on several factors such as the size and type of mole, the location of the clinic, the method of removal, and whether it is a medical or cosmetic procedure. The size, number, and location of the mole as well as the removal method can weigh into the cost.
If the mole needs to be removed for medical reasons, insurance may cover the cost, which can vary depending on the insurance plan and deductible. On the other hand, if the mole is being removed for cosmetic reasons, it is usually not covered by insurance and will be an out-of-pocket expense for the patient.
A common technique for mole removal is excision, which involves using a scalpel to remove the mole and a margin of healthy skin around it. In some cases, a doctor may perform a surgical shave, where they shave the mole off if it is small and mainly exists above the surface of the skin. In other instances a laser may be used to remove a mole without any scarring. Dr. Rokhsar is an expert in mole removal with any method in New York and Long Island.
The cost of laser mole removal varies depending on various factors such as the size and number of moles, location, the specialist performing the procedure, and how deep the moles are.
The procedure usually takes a few minutes, depending on the number and size of moles being removed. Laser mole removal is an outpatient procedure, where a dermatologist or a surgeon numbs the area around the mole and uses a laser to break down the cells of the mole and lighten its pigment. The procedure may leave a small red mark around the area where the mole was removed, but the mark will typically fade over time. Laser mole removal is generally considered safe and effective, but like any medical procedure, it does carry some risks, including infection, scarring, and changes in skin pigmentation
While some people may choose to remove moles for cosmetic reasons, others may have moles removed for medical reasons, for instance if the mole is suspicious for skin cancer. In such cases, insurance may cover some or all of the cost of the mole removal.
After a mole removal, it is not common to experience stinging, burning, tenderness, and mild discomfort around the treated area, but if you do, it goes away in a day or two. The surrounding areas of the wound are likely to see redness and itchiness as the wound heals, but these symptoms will usually subside after the first one to four days. If a deeper cut was necessary, stitches may be needed, but they should only take a few minutes and are usually removed within five to ten days. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for mole removal aftercare, which may include keeping the treatment site clean and covered with a bandage for the entire duration of healing. It is also recommended to avoid irritating the area while it heals and to hold off from showering for 24 hours, as well as being careful while working out.
After the mole is removed, the sample is sent to a lab for further examination, and the results are usually available in a week or two. If the cells that make up the mole look normal and healthy, no further treatment is necessary, and the dermatologist will help determine when your next skin screening should be. If the mole was removed due to suspicion of melanoma, further surgery in the form of surgical excision of the biopsy site may be required.
After mole removal, there are certain precautions one should take to ensure proper healing and avoid any complications. Here are some things you should avoid doing after mole removal:
It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully after mole removal to ensure proper healing and avoid any complications.
Dr. Cameron Rokhsar is a NYC double board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon with additional fellowship training in laser surgery. A world-renowned laser expert, Dr. Rokhsar is able to give you your full set of option including surgical and laser treatment options to remove your moles in his New York and Long Island offices. His mole removal treatment3 offers Manhattan, and Long Island patients a full range of options for best possible cosmetic outcomes with least scarring. Contact Dr. Rokhsar today for your mole removal consultation either in the Manhattan or Garden City Office.
Upper East Side Manhattan Office
121 East 60th Street, Suite 8AB New York, NY 10022
(212) 285-1110
Long Island Office
901 Stewart Ave, Suite 240, Garden City, NY 11530
(516) 512-7616
References
Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, MD, FAAD, FAACS, is the founder and medical director of the New York Cosmetic, Skin, & Laser Surgery Center. Dr. Rokhsar is a graduate of Harvard College and NYU School of Medicine. Dr. Rokhsar is double board certified in dermatology and micrographic dermatologic surgery, being one of the few select dermatologists in the country who is also fellowship trained in laser surgery. A researcher and innovator, Dr. Rokhsar is the creator of the non-surgical nose job and has been instrumental in the research and development of laser systems such as the Fraxel, CO2, Mirady, Vbeam, Themitight, and Ulthera devices. An Associate Professor of Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, Dr. Rokhsar actively teaches the cosmetic dermatology clinic to the resident at Mount Sinai. An expert injector of fillers, and a trainer for many companies, patients fly in from around the world to see Dr. Rokhsar in his Garden City and Manhattan offices in New York.
Dr. Rokhsar was chosen by
magazine as a top dermatologist in its Best Doctors 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 issues.
