Getting rid ofmoleson your face and body may be done for health or cosmetic reasons.

Moles can be removed in several ways with little pain and a low risk of scarring.

No matter the reason for removing a mole, working with adermatologistor plastic surgeon can improve your outcomes.

A healthcare provider removes a mole from a person’s neck with electrocautery and surgical tweezers

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It also ensures that your mole is reviewed for signs ofskin cancer.

Mole removal treatments are typically done in a medical office or clinic.

Local anesthetic is used to reduce pain.

Aftercare typically involves keeping the wound site covered for the first 24 to 48 hours.

This article describes the ways to get rid of moles.

It also explains why you should always consult a healthcare provider to have this done.

This precise technique treats skin cancer in sensitive areas like your face.

It removes only the skin with the cancer cells and keeps as much healthy skin as possible.

During this precise surgery, the visible skin cancer and a thin layer of the surrounding skin are removed.

The removed skin is examined under a microscope for cancer cells.

What Is a Mole?

It is made of clusters ofmelanocytes, the pigment-producing cells responsible for skin color.

A mole can be present at birth or develop later in life.

A beauty mark often refers to a mole or birthmark that is considered attractive.

This involves scraping out the mole followed by treatment with electrodesiccation, a high-frequency electrical current).

These medical procedures are the safest ways to have any mole removed.

Moles that are shaved or excised are sent to a laboratory for microscopic evaluation by a pathologist.

When Don’t you gotta Remove a Mole?

Most moles arebenign(noncancerous) and do not have to be removed.

However, moles that remain in place should not be ignored.

An annual skin exam with a dermatologist can help identify moles that require monitoring or testing for skin cancer.

Between skin exams, keep track of changes in any existing moles or the appearance of new ones.

Not all signs of skin cancer look the same on everyone.

Hairy moles are often regarded as unsightly.

The result could cause discomfort or scabbing, making the mole harder to examine for signs of skin cancer.

You may want to be rid of moles that rub against your clothing, bleed, or look unsightly.

Moles that have signs of skin cancer should also be taken off and examined by a healthcare provider.

A dermatologist or plastic surgeon can help you determine whether getting rid of a mole is advised.

They can also provide the treatment needed to remove a mole with the lowest risks of problems and scarring.

Mount Sinai.Skin lesion removal.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons.Facial mole removal.

American Cancer Society.Punch biopsy.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Cryotherapy for skin lesions.

Beaumont Health.Non-cancerous mole removal.

American Academy of Dermatology Association.What is Mohs surgery?

Penn Medicine.What is birthmark?

Mercy Health.Curettage and electrodesiccation.

American Academy of Dermatology Association.When is a mole a problem?

MD Anderson Cancer Center.What to expect when you have a mole removed.

Food and Drug Administration.Products marketed for removing moles and other skin lesions can cause injuries, scarring.

Don’t delay in getting a skin exam.Here’s what to expect.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Skin cancer: what are the symptoms?

Columbia University.How does hair removal affect my mole?