Removal of moles: an overview of the main methods

Very often, moles on the body cause discomfort, for example, when wearing clothes or jewelry. And aesthetically, such formations are not always appropriate. Just a few decades ago, moles were removed only by surgical means - using a scalpel. Nowadays, you can remove an unwanted nevus in a variety of ways, after consulting with a doctor.

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Is it dangerous to remove a mole?

In many cases, the very existence of a mole can be more dangerous than its removal. Although birthmarks are benign formations, under certain conditions they can degenerate into melanoma, a cancerous tumor.

However, this does not mean that it is necessary to remove absolutely all nevi on the body. It is advisable to get rid of only potentially dangerous formations:

• exposed to constant trauma from clothing or accessories;
• periodically disturbing for other reasons.

There is no need to worry that the operation will trigger the appearance of new birthmarks – this is not the case. Moreover, some birthmarks can be so unfavorable that they must be removed.

Getting rid of moles on your own at home, using folk methods, as well as using the services of a non-specialist - a person who does not have the appropriate education and skills - can be dangerous.

What indications are considered sufficient for removing a mole?

• A noticeable increase in the size of a birthmark over a relatively short period of time.
• Change in the color of the spot (both lightening and darkening).
• Development of an inflammatory process (redness, swelling).
• The appearance of blood, ulcers and other elements on the surface of the birthmark.
• Asymmetry of the spot.
• The appearance of peeling, crusts, and blisters.
• Change in the consistency of the nevus (hardening, softening).
• The mole is too large.
• Location in areas where clothing rubs against each other or in other areas where there is a risk of injury.

Any of the listed symptoms is considered a direct indication for mandatory removal of the neoplasm.

Is any special preparation required for the removal procedure?

If a birthmark is removed for aesthetic reasons, then special preparation may not be required. The doctor will examine the formation, assess its condition, depth, and then choose the most optimal method of removal.

If the removal of a nevus is carried out due to suspicion of a malignant tumor, then preparation may include passing certain tests and conducting research.

What tests should be taken to remove a mole? This depends on the individual patient. In most cases, the following types of diagnostics may be required:

• general blood test;
• coagulogram (study of the blood coagulation system);
• blood test for tumor markers.

If necessary, if local anesthesia is planned, a drug reaction test can be performed to avoid allergies to anesthetic drugs. Most often, doctors use lidocaine-based drugs for this.

What kind of doctor removes moles?

Mole removal can be performed by a general surgeon in any hospital or clinic, as well as by specialized surgeons:

• dermato-oncologist (oncodermatologist);
• dermatocosmetologist.

It is much safer to carry out the procedure in medical institutions that have all the necessary equipment that supports most of the most common methods of getting rid of moles. In such medical centers, the doctor will be able to carry out the necessary diagnostics and select the most appropriate type of treatment for a particular patient.

It is strongly not recommended to remove neoplasms in dubious salons or trust your health to incompetent people without the appropriate education and experience - this can be dangerous.

Mole removal methods: which one to choose?

There are quite a few known ways to remove a mole. Each of these methods has its own indications, positive and negative sides. You can get rid of a birthmark using a scalpel, laser or "electric knife". Usually, the choice of method is made together with the doctor who will perform the procedure.

• Laser mole removal is a fast and effective way to get rid of unwanted skin lesions. One session is enough for this. Healthy skin is not affected, so there are no scars after removal, and the risk of bleeding is reduced to zero. A few months after the laser procedure, only a barely noticeable spot remains.

• Removing moles with nitrogen (cryodestruction method) is not a very popular method, which sometimes does not allow removing a neoplasm in one procedure, since it is not possible to accurately determine the depth of tissue damage by nitrogen. In addition, sometimes after the removal procedure, a thermal burn remains, after which a trace of scar tissue may remain. Removing moles with cryodestruction is characterized by a long period of skin restoration, but the low price of this method is often the main criterion for patients to choose.
• Surgical removal of a mole is the only method that allows a patient to qualitatively get rid of deep-seated and large-sized formations on the skin. Most often, mole removal with a scalpel is carried out on areas of the skin hidden under clothing, since a scar usually remains after the operation. The size of the scar depends on the initial size of the birthmark and the extent to which the surgeon captures nearby healthy tissue. The huge advantages of this method are its relatively low cost, guaranteed quality of removal, and the ability to send the obtained tissue elements for histological examination.
• Radio wave removal of moles is also called radiosurgical method - it is a contactless procedure of tissue processing and removal of moles with a radio knife, that is, removal using radio waves. The radio knife is a special electrode, at the end of which energy is generated, heating and evaporating tissue. Radio wave removal of moles is considered a gentle method that does not leave scars and marks, and healing occurs quickly and without complications.
• Mole removal by electrocoagulation is a thermal effect on the required area of skin using high-frequency current. The essence of the method is the current flow and heating of a special platinum loop to 200°C. The doctor performs the procedure with this loop, using “cutting” and “coagulation” waves. Mole removal by current allows you to “cut off” unnecessary tissue, exposing a small wound. Such a wound heals by primary tension and leaves virtually no scar.

Technique: How is a mole removed?

Important: Only a specialist with the appropriate experience should remove a birthmark. Self-removal of nevi can have serious consequences.

Any of the selected procedures is performed under local anesthesia - using an injection of anesthetic or a special external anesthetic gel.

Removal of moles on the face is most often performed with a laser. This method allows you to remove the neoplasm without further scar formation. The procedure itself lasts only a few minutes, so, if desired, the doctor can simultaneously remove several formations at once. Five minutes after the session, the patient can go home.

Removal of hanging moles is usually performed using electrocoagulation. The entire session lasts no longer than 15-20 minutes, depending on the diameter and number of birthmarks to be removed. Before the procedure, the doctor anesthetizes the skin by applying a special anesthetic gel or by injection. Then, by heating the tungsten electrode with an electric discharge, the hanging formation is “cut off” at one time. Healthy tissues located in close proximity are cauterized, which prevents bleeding from the wound. The material obtained after removal can be sent for histology, and the wound itself usually heals within one week. Convex moles can be removed in a similar way if they are small and not located very deep.

Removal of large moles is performed only by surgical method. Such operation is performed under local anesthesia, and all removed tissue elements are sent for histology (to exclude or confirm a cancerous tumor). The entire area around the formation is treated with an antiseptic. During the operation, the doctor partially cuts off healthy tissue to prevent re-growth of the birthmark. After this, suture material is applied, which is removed after about one week. The operated patient can immediately go home, but he will have to visit the doctor several more times for dressings and removal of stitches.

Removal of moles with histological examination is a mandatory manipulation of the surgeon if a malignant tumor is suspected. Only such a study will help to detect even the initial stage of tissue degeneration, cancerous and precancerous processes. In order to send tissues for examination, they must be as undamaged as possible. Therefore, histology is possible only when removing neoplasms surgically or using electrocoagulation.

Removal of moles in children is done by the same methods as in adults. The choice of procedure is determined depending on the patient's age and individual sensitivity threshold, as well as some psychological aspects of upbringing. Often, especially when working with small children, doctors prefer to use less traumatic methods - this is sticking plasters, applying keratolytic drugs, etc. The effectiveness of such procedures is significantly lower, and the birthmark, having disappeared, may appear again. Nevertheless, the choice of the removal method remains with the doctor who will directly deal with a particular child. They try to remove neoplasms when the child reaches adolescence. However, if they cause certain inconveniences to the baby, or if the moles "behave" unnaturally, they are removed at any period of the little patient's life.

Are there any contraindications to mole removal?

It is not recommended to start the procedure:

• women during menstruation;
• in the presence of infectious skin diseases at the site of the birthmark;
• for diseases accompanied by impaired blood clotting;
• in severe heart diseases.

It is not recommended to remove nevi from small children without an adequate medical opinion. In such cases, it is better to wait until they reach adolescence.

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What are the possible consequences after mole removal?

The consequences after removal may depend on the characteristics of the birthmarks, as well as largely on the experience and professionalism of the doctor who performed the procedure. The individual characteristics of the patient are also important: the state of his immunity and the tendency to pigmentation.

Correct postoperative wound care is of great importance. If you carefully follow the surgeon's recommendations, the healing process will be much faster and more comfortable.

And yet, what could be the consequences after removing a nevus?

• The wound after the removal of a mole heals faster, the smaller the size of the removed formation. Improper wound care can cause prolonged healing, suppuration and inflammation of tissues, which, in turn, entails the formation of a massive and unsightly scar. With proper wound treatment, the risk of such a complication is practically reduced to zero.
• A crust after a mole removal is a normal phenomenon that protects the wound surface from microbes. Self-tearing of the crust is strictly prohibited: it will fall off by itself as soon as the next stage of healing begins. If you tear off the crust forcibly, this can lead to exposure of the wound, bleeding, and the development of an infectious process. In this case, a scar will definitely form, and will become especially noticeable.
• A scar after mole removal can be considered a normal consequence if the formation was removed by external tissue damage (for example, by surgery). The larger the nevus, the longer the scar can be. Large scars can be made less noticeable by using special treatment prescribed by the attending physician. Usually, it consists of treating the suture with absorbable ointments and injecting substances that help restore damaged tissue.

In addition, a scar can form due to improper management of the postoperative period: if you neglect wound care or forcibly tear off the resulting scab, then the formation of a scar is inevitable.

• A red spot after mole removal is a sign of active granulation of the wound surface - that is, healing. The redness goes away on its own, in most cases leaving behind only a barely noticeable trace. If the redness is accompanied by swelling and soreness, then this is a likely sign of the development of an inflammatory process in the wound.
• Pain after mole removal is considered a normal variant if the removal was performed surgically. In such a case, the pain is caused by damage to tissues and nerve endings: it completely disappears on its own during the final healing of the wound. Throbbing pain, as well as soreness accompanied by redness and swelling of the intervention area, may indicate the development of an inflammatory process. This situation requires immediate consultation with a doctor.
• A tubercle after a mole removal is most often an infiltrate. An infiltrate develops due to severe tissue trauma, poor hemostasis in the body, or infection. It is a cellular structure saturated with lymphatic fluid and blood. As a result of the formation of such a tubercle, the wound healing process slows down or stops altogether.

An inflammatory infiltrate is characterized by reddening of the skin and pain when pressed.

The non-inflammatory infiltrate forms some time after the operation and is tissue saturated with lymph or drugs. There are no signs of inflammation.

As a rule, non-inflammatory compaction after mole removal can go away on its own within a few weeks or even months. Physiotherapy or the use of special regenerating drugs can help with this. If there is an inflammatory process, then the intervention of a medical specialist should be mandatory.

• The pit after mole removal is the place where the formation was removed. Most often, pits remain after a laser removal procedure. Over time, the skin in the area of the intervention smoothes out, and the pit is leveled. This usually happens within six months.

How common are complications after mole removal?

Like any procedure, birthmark removal may entail complications. To avoid this, it is important that the intervention is performed by a qualified specialist in appropriate clinical conditions.

Of course, every patient wants to avoid complications. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to follow all the advice and instructions of the operating doctor.

• Can temperature rise after mole removal?

Indeed, sometimes a slight increase in temperature may be observed. In some cases, this is an individual reaction of the body to a stressful situation and tissue damage - in this case, hyperthermia is accompanied by sweating and chills. However, a persistent increase in temperature may also mean the development of a complication - an inflammatory process associated with the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the wound. The doctor will be able to determine which of the above caused the hyperthermia during an examination.

• If an unsightly tumor-like scar forms after surgery, is this normal?

A colloid scar after mole removal is the result of prolonged septic conditions or chronic inflammatory processes in the body. Such a scar is bright red, of considerable size, sometimes itchy or painful.

A colloidal scar can form when a postoperative suture heals improperly, especially when the rehabilitation period occurs against the background of an infectious disease or chronic stress.

To eliminate an unaesthetic scar, surgical intervention is used in combination with absorbable and regenerating drugs.

• How to determine inflammation after mole removal?

An inflammatory reaction can develop when an infection gets into the wound, when the skin is not treated properly during and after surgery, or when the wound is not cared for properly during the healing period. Inflammation is characterized by redness and swelling of the wound surface, discharge from under the crust, and a local or general increase in temperature. A general blood test will also show all the signs of an inflammatory process.

If the doctor confirms the presence of an infectious inflammation, the patient will be prescribed anti-inflammatory treatment. If there is an abscess, surgical opening of the lesion may be required.

• Can itching after mole removal indicate the development of complications?

In most cases, itching is an indicator of wound healing and scar formation. If itching is combined with fever or other signs of inflammation, you should definitely see a doctor as soon as possible.

• What to do if pus oozes from the wound after mole removal?

Wound suppuration is one of the possible complications of any tissue damage, including surgery. It occurs when microbes get on the wound surface during or after the procedure. However, the infection can also get into the wound hematogenously - with the blood flow from foci of chronic inflammation in the body. Most often, the causative agent of the abscess is staphylococcus and pseudomonas aeruginosa.

If you do not follow the instructions for the postoperative period, bacteria can get into the wound from dirty clothes or nearby skin, with sweat or sebum. Characteristic symptoms of an abscess are increasing redness and swelling in the suture area, the appearance of purulent discharge, and an increase in temperature. Treatment is surgical, followed by anti-inflammatory therapy.

Any complications or suspicion of them are a serious reason for a mandatory visit to the doctor. Timely medical intervention allows preventing further progression of the unfavorable pathological process.

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Recovery period: what can and cannot be done after mole removal

Following certain rules during the rehabilitation period allows you to avoid problems such as inflammatory reactions, ugly scars and hyperpigmentation of the skin. For this reason, you must strictly follow the doctor's recommendations. In order to clearly explain how exactly to behave after the birthmark removal procedure, we will answer the most frequently asked questions from patients.

• How does a mole heal after removal?

After removing a mole with a laser, healing occurs quite quickly, since the integrity of the skin is practically not damaged during the procedure. The skin surface resembles a small burn, which looks like a red spot, without the formation of blisters and dead layers. Such a spot acquires a natural color and heals within 4-5 days without the formation of scars.

The longest healing period is observed after surgical removal of the nevus, since this involves maximum damage to the surface tissues and stitches are applied. This type of healing goes through three stages:

• postoperative swelling, redness, pain;
• resorption of blood clots, necrotic tissue, self-cleaning of the wound, granulation and growth of epithelial tissue;
• final regeneration – scar formation and epithelialization.

The duration of complete tightening and each stage separately depends on the depth and size of the wound, the patient's immunity and the presence of complications. Often, the treatment of the postoperative wound and the degree of care for the suture are of decisive importance.

The wound heals after the electrocoagulation procedure under a scab - a dark brown crust consisting of a dried mixture of blood and lymphatic fluid. After the crust falls off on its own, a surface covered with fresh epithelial tissue is revealed.

• How is care provided after mole removal?

Special treatment of the skin area after removal of the birthmark is necessary only after surgery. The doctor will prescribe the use of antiseptic solutions and regular dressings. Such treatment will need to be continued for several days after the stitches are removed.

If the wound heals under the scab, then additional treatment may not be required: it is enough to follow the rules of hygiene, not to wet the wound, avoid exposure to ultraviolet light and under no circumstances try to remove the crust yourself.

• What should not be done after removing a mole?

After the birthmark removal procedure, you must not:

1. stay in the sun;
2. bathe;
3. use lotions, creams and other cosmetics in the removal area;
4. combing, scratching the site of intervention;
5. allow the wound to rub against clothing.

• Is it possible to sunbathe after mole removal?

Sunbathing after a mole removal procedure is not recommended, as it may cause a pigment spot to appear. You should avoid sun rays until the area of the removed skin heals and acquires a natural color. This prohibition applies to both exposure to sunlight and in a solarium.

• Can you drink alcohol after mole removal?

The ban on alcohol consumption may be due to the following reasons:

1. It is not advisable to drink alcoholic beverages if the doctor has prescribed antibiotics or other oral medications after the removal;
2. some types of anesthesia (including local) are not compatible with alcohol consumption);
3. Removing a mole can be a certain stress for a person, so alcohol can become an additional burden on a weakened body;
4. Some alcoholic beverages (eg beer, liqueurs, champagne, dessert wines) are believed to slow down tissue repair.

Among other things, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to accidental damage to the suture or scab, which can provoke bleeding, the development of inflammation, etc.

• Can I wash after removing a mole?

After removing a mole, you can wash yourself, having previously sealed the damaged skin with a waterproof plaster. You cannot wet the wound until the process is completely epithelialized.

• Is it possible to go to the bathhouse after removing a mole?

Visiting a bathhouse or sauna after a mole removal procedure is not recommended, as this may cause infection of the process and create difficulties with wound healing.

• How to treat skin after mole removal?

Most often, after the removal procedure, it is recommended to use antiseptic solutions such as hydrogen peroxide, brilliant green solution, furacilin solution, fucorcin, etc. It is better to clarify this issue with your doctor.

• Is potassium permanganate suitable after removing a mole?

A solution of potassium permanganate can also be used to wash the wound. To do this, dilute the powder in water until a pink liquid is obtained. Dark saturated solutions should not be used to avoid chemical burns and worsening the situation.

• Can Baneocin be used after mole removal?

To speed up the healing of the wound, you can use the drug baneocin, but not in the form of an ointment, but in the form of a powder. The wound is sprinkled with powder after preliminary treatment with hydrogen peroxide. This treatment can be repeated several times a day, but not more than one week in a row.

• Is ointment used after mole removal?

Healing ointments can be used only a few days after the procedure, and only after approval by the doctor. Many ointments prevent oxygen from entering the wound, thereby worsening healing and prolonging the regeneration process.

• Can Solcoseryl be used after mole removal?

Solcoseryl ointment stimulates metabolic processes in tissues, promoting their rapid recovery. The drug can be applied only to a dry wound surface a few days after the nevus is removed, when the superficial epithelial layer has already formed.

• What is the patch after mole removal?

Indeed, there are special plasters that prevent the wound from becoming contaminated and infected. The plaster is applied to the suture area or directly to the wound. When choosing this product, the following points must be taken into account:

1. the patch must be “breathable” and allow oxygen to pass to the wound surface;
2. should not cause allergies;
3. should be easily removed from the skin without leaving adhesive residue or causing irritation.

The most popular types of such healing plasters are Cosmopor, Fixopor S, Hudrofilm.

Usually, the healing period of the skin in the places of removal is 2-3 weeks, but the completely aesthetic appearance will be restored within about 1-2 months. If the removal of moles was carried out due to suspicion of malignant degeneration, then after the procedure it is necessary to submit the material for histological examination, on which further treatment depends.