Whether you have surgical excision or shaving to remove a mole, the procedures are quick and shouldn’t hurt once the area is numb. If a mole is medically concerning, a surgical excision that goes deeper into the dermis to cut out the “root” of the mole is usually employed. Depending on the type of mole, they’ll take a margin of healthy skin to ensure that all any atypical cells are removed.

Three Ways to Remove A Mole

1. Laser Removal

If your mole is small, you can have it removed with laser treatment. Laser Mole Removal uses light energy to break down the pigment within the mole. Laser mole removal is a good option for removing a mole from the face as there is less risk of scarring.

2. Shave Removal

Moles that protrude from the skin can be ‘shaved’ off under local anaesthetic (which numbs the area being treated). A mole is generally treated with a shave and cautery technique. This means that a small knife blade is used to remove the mole at the skin level, and then a cautery device is used to stop any bleeding. They often heal imperceptibly, with little evidence of a scar. After the procedure, you may have stinging or burning around the area for a few days. In this procedure, a mole may grow back after some time.You may be left with a pink mark on your skin where the mole was, but this should fade over time.

3. Excision Removal

Some moles may need to be cut away via an excision. This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and requires a small stitch in the skin afterwards. A small scar will be left, which will fade over time.

If you have found a new mole that you aren’t sure is cancerous or not, you should get it checked. We know inspecting your moles can be pretty tricky, especially if the moles have developed hard to see areas like the shoulders, back, and back of your legs,so getting your moles mapped allows you to check your moles quickly and effectively to reduce your chances of life-threatening cancers. See Below

Melanoma is the least common form of skin cancer, but it is also the most aggressive and deadly. Surgical removal may be an option in some cases, but other typical treatments include medication, radiation, and chemotherapy. Anyone undergoing treatment for skin cancer is encouraged to speak with Dr. Michael K. Kim to explore their options for reconstructive skin cancer surgery as necessary.

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer and Florida has the highest rates of melanoma in the United States. It has the potential to grow and spread, invade the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, brain or even bone. Early detection, diagnosis and surgery are the most important factors in achieving a positive result when treating melanoma. For more information on melanoma, please visit the official Skin Cancer Foundation's website.