Mole Removal: Which Ones Have to Go?5 min read
Dr. Phillip Chang
Board Certified By The American Board of Plastic Surgeons.
Voted Top Plastic Surgeon in Loudoun, Virginia
Offices in Leesburg, Virginia.
Moles occur when cells in the skin (melanocytes) grow in clusters or clumps instead of spreading throughout the entire skin. Moles are pigmented growths that protrude in any area of the skin. Regular moles are typically symmetric and uniform in color. These spots may appear small at birth and may grow more noticeable in your later years. Some doctors also refer to moles as “beauty marks” because of particular locations and patterns that can add up to a person’s appearance.
Moles can somehow change during our lifetime. Flat and pigmented spots may eventually appear raised, differ in color, or even cause alarm, which is why you have to examine your skin regularly. If your dermatologist thinks that these beauty marks will potentially do more harm than good, or they aesthetically bother you, you can get them removed. An experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Phillip Chang can help you achieve your aesthetic goals and see positive mole removal results.
Which Moles Should Bid Goodbye?
Bothersome Moles – Causing Pain and Discomfort
Moles can sometimes be itchy. Scratching them can tear the skin and cause them to bleed. When your existing mole bleeds, oozes, itches, or is painful even without the presence of injury, you should consult a dermatologist experienced in mole removal right away.
It can appear as if the mole is bleeding and resembles open sores. An infected mole can also have an opening that discharges pus. These signs may indicate that the underlying skin of the mole is damaged. You should immediately see a board-certified professional if your existing mole suddenly has a complex, lumpy, crusty, or scaly texture. New and evolving moles are moles to look out for, too. While not all spots that appear in our more aged years pose a danger, monitoring any changes in the skin is highly recommended.
These new moles are particularly concerning if they are numerous, dark, and changing. These can be severe indications of melanoma, the type of skin cancer where melanocytes grow out of control. Melanoma is also considered the deadliest form of skin cancer. Therefore, when you and your moles suffer from these signs, it is best to have them checked immediately and be removed.
Atypical Moles
Irregular or atypical moles are usually more prominent than regular ones. These moles are asymmetrical in shape with irregular borders and not uniform in color. Although the presence of a single atypical mole is not a definite sign to be alarmed of, self-examination of the skin is still highly encouraged. Having multiple irregular moles (about fifty) can increase your risk of developing melanoma. It is especially true if a patient has family members with a history of melanoma.
If there are clinical and histologic features of malignancy rising, atypical moles must be removed. The risk of developing melanoma in patients with atypical mole syndrome is higher than in patients without atypical mole syndrome.
Consulting a board-certified dermatologist is the best help you can get. They can refer you to a skilled plastic surgeon who can perform elliptical excision after biopsy for confirmation. Doing an elliptical excision as soon as possible enables the wound to recover faster. The surgeon will use a scalpel for mole removal and perform stitches to close the wound. This less tense and less noticeable procedure is many healthcare providers’ preferred removal techniques for atypical moles.
Talk to your doctor about which moles must undergo surgery. You can also see mole removal before and after pics to give you a better idea.
Where to Get Treated
If you have the characteristics of a possibly threatening or cancerous mole, you may want to remove it. However, never attempt to do it on your own, at home, or under the hands of an inexperienced person. You probably would not know what you are removing. Also, keep in mind that resorting to home remedies may not work and can pose side effects and higher risks.
The surest way is to book an appointment with your trusted health care provider. If diagnosed early, you will get treatment from a skilled plastic surgeon with experience in mole removal near me to meet your needs. They will discuss the procedure and ensure your safety. Remember to choose a well-rounded plastic surgeon like Dr. Phillip Chang, the head of Aesthetica Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center. If done incorrectly and under untrained and unqualified hands, the removal may do more harm than good in the long run.
Topics
Categories
Subscribe
Plastic Surgery Guide
Insider’s Roadmap to Every Decade of Life
Follow Us
Videos
Invitation
For those wondering whether mole removal might be the best cosmetic solution for you, we invite you to simply come in for a complimentary consultation with Dr. Chang or one of the cosmetic laser and injection nurses to explore whether you would make a good candidate. To find out more whether Aesthetica can help you, contact us online or at 703-729-5553 to arrange an appointment. Dr. Phillip Chang is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Northern Virginia near Leesburg, Virginia and an expert in a wide variety of cosmetic treatments.
Let Us Help You!
Our office can provide you with helpful information, schedule a free consultation, and walk you through the many services and procedures we provide.
Contact Dr. Chang's Office:
More Articles For You
Enhance Now, Pay Later: Plastic Surgery Payment Plans in Leesburg, VA
In the picturesque town of Leesburg, VA, pursuing beauty and self-improvement is a journey many
Areola Reduction for Men in Loudoun County
In the heart of Loudoun County, where the beauty of nature meets bustling urban life,
3 Ways to Fix Spider Veins on Your Face in Leesburg, VA!
Spider veins, those small, web-like networks of blood vessels that can appear on your face,
What’s a Unit of BOTOX Anyway? | Aesthetica GoToBeauty
Have you ever heard about BOTOX and wondered what it’s all about? It’s like the