Mole removal, skin tag and wart removal
Moles, cysts and skin tags are extremely common on the face
and other parts of the body. They can be cosmetically
embarrassing as well as cause problems when applying make-up,
shaving or catching on clothing.
Mole removal is a painless and simple procedure
that takes about 20 minutes and is carried out at our doctor's
clinic. We use the latest surgical or laser techniques to remove
moles. In most cases no stitches are needed and any scarring is
minimal. You can resume normal activities immediately
afterwards.
Mole skin check
Skin cancers are on the increase in the UK and it is always
good to have any moles or skin blemishes that you are concerned
about seen by a doctor. New screening methods mean easier and
earlier diagnosis of potentially serious conditions such as
melanoma or basal cell carcinoma.
If you think any skin lesions are changing in size, shape or
colour as well as itching or bleeding, then it is even more
important to have a consultation with a doctor
At Cosmedics we use a special 10x microscope (dermatoscope)
when examining all skin lesions during the consultation to help
us detect any early changes.
Questions and answers
What are moles?
Moles (or naevi) are a collective term for most skin lumps or
blemishes that are often present from birth or develop as we
age. They can be raised or flat, skin coloured or dark. Most are
harmless but any changing moles should be examined by a doctor.
Who should have moles removed?
Men and women who have either:
a cosmetic mole ie unsightly or irritating or catches on
clothing or when shaving; or
a suspicious mole that is changing in size, shape or
colour and/or itches and bleeds.
Sometimes a mole has to be removed because there is a risk it
has become malignant (cancerous) or because it has become a
nuisance (for example catching on clothes or a razor).
How is the mole removed?
Most moles are removed using a combination of surgery and
laser to achieve the best cosmetic result. Local anaesthetic is
used to ensure the procedure is painless. The commonest way to
remove moles that protrude from the skin is by a shave
excision. The procedure involves using a dermablade to
remove the mole parallel to the surface of the skin. This leaves
a small superficial wound which is then cauterised with a laser
to stop any bleeding and tidy the wound. The whole process takes
about 20 minutes. No stitches are needed and healing takes about
1 to 2 weeks.
Occasionally we use an elliptical excision for moles
that are suspicious or where the cosmetic result is likely to be
better than a shave excision. It is a deep excision that removes
the mole completely. A cautery laser is then used to stop any
bleeding. The resulting wound requires stitches which can be
either dissolvable or non dissolvable depending on the site of
removal.
Your specialist will advise which method of mole removal is
most appropriate for you.
What happens to the mole after it has been removed?
Most moles are sent for histology after the removal.
This is the analysis of the mole which is done at a separate
specialised laboratory using a high-powered microscope to detect
any abnormal cells. Although most moles can look normal to the
naked eye, occasionally early abnormal cells can be lower in the
skin, which could cause skin cancer - hence the need to send for
analysis.
Will I have a scar?
All mole removal procedures, both surgical and laser, will
leave a small scar which is normally far less noticeable than
the original mole. We use the latest techniques to ensure any
scarring is minimal. Rarely, some people with very dark or light
skin have an abnormal response to healing and end up with larger
scars than usual (hypertrophic or keloid scars).
What are the risks?
Fortunately with mole removal the risks are very low and it
is a safe and simple procedure. With any surgical procedure
however there are potential side-effects such as infection,
bleeding and scarring. At Cosmedics we offer doctors who are
experts in dermatological surgery who ensure the highest
standards of care.
What happens after surgery?
Mole or cyst removal is relatively simple and in most cases
you can return to normal activities the same day.
For shave excisions we normally advise the following
aftercare:
- If you have a dressing you will be told when it can be
removed;
- Vaseline is normally then applied to keep the wound moist
for 1 to 2 weeks until healed;
- The wound will be red for 2 to 3 weeks, which gradually
settles over the next few months;
- Massaging with oils or moisturising/silicon (dermatix)
creams is advisable after 2 to 3 weeks to help reduce any
scarring;
- If there is any increasing pain or redness, consult your
doctor.
For elliptical excisions we normally advise the
following aftercare:
- Keep the wound dry for 2 days;
- Dressings can be left for up to a week;
- You will be informed as to whether your stitches are
dissolvable or need to be removed;
- Over 1 to 2 weeks, in areas where the skin is under
tension such as the back and legs, it is advisable to reduce
exercises which would possibly stretch the wound;
- Steri-strips can be applied over the wound for up to 3
weeks to help the wound heal;
- After 3 weeks the wound can be massaged with oils or
moisturising creams;
- If there is any increasing pain or redness consult your
doctor as it could be a sign of infection.
What aftercare is provided?
We don't normally need to see the patient again after surgery
as the wounds heal very quickly. If we decided to send any moles
for testing we will write to you in 1-2 weeks to inform you of
the result. If you have any problems we will ensure you are
dealt with quickly.
Patient testimonials
Gareth H. "Dr Perry was extremely thorough and
professional. His skill in removing all 5 moles was exceptional.
I was able to return to work that afternoon and the wounds have
healed amazingly quickly."
Shelly W. "I hated the mole on my chin as it started to
have hairs growing from it. It has now been removed and hardly a
mark from the surgery."
Mark L. "The moles on my face where an utter nuisance
when shaving. 30 minutes with Dr Perry and no more catching when
shaving and virtually no scarring."
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