What are moles?
Moles are nothing but local proliferation of melanocytes in the skin which can be since birth or acquired.
How moles are removed
A mole can usually be removed by a dermatologist in a visit to the OPD.
The two primary procedures used to remove moles are:
- Shave excision: For this procedure, we use a thin, razor-like tool to carefully slice away the mole
- Radiofrequency cautery: A device with a tiny electrode at the end may be used to perform electrosurgical feathering. The feathering helps minimize the appearance of the excision by blending the edges of the wound with the surrounding skin. Stitches are not needed after a shave excision or cautery. The mole is usually examined under a microscope afterwards to check for signs of skin cancer.
- Punch biopsy: Skin biopsy is used to punch out the mole. The size of punch is the same as that of the mole enough to not leave any remnant. It may be accompanied by single suture but leaves no scar due to great vascularity of the face.
- Surgical excision. This procedure is deeper than a shave excision and more like traditional surgery. The entire mole and below to the subcutaneous fat layer, and the incision is stitched and closed.
