Men and women have moles. In fact, they are normal skin growths that pretty much everyone has. Most moles are tan or brown in color, sometimes raised, and vary in shape and size. Some people are born with moles, while other people’s moles develop later in life. Over the years, some patients experience changes in the appearance of their moles, which sometimes results in moles that are “irritated.” It is important to address these moles before they become more problematic or cancerous.
Residents, moles, or no moles, need to visit a dermatologist like Dr. Perri of Perri Dermatology at least once a year for a skin check. This will help ensure your moles look normal and do not have any undesirable changes requiring mole removal and biopsy.
When people consider mole removal, they often wonder how involved the process is. And because some residents choose mole removal for cosmetic reasons, it’s an important thing to consider before making a final decision. In this blog, we will discuss mole removal and exactly how it’s done.
How Is Mole Removal Performed?
Mole removal is very simple and does not require any type of hospital stay or general anesthesia. Dr. Perri will perform this procedure in his office with just a local anesthetic. Depending on the type and size of your mole, he will choose one of two ways to perform the mole removal:
- Surgical excision – Removing the entire mole, including the parts that are under the skin. Dr. Perri will use a scalpel to cut the mole, and a border around it, from the skin. This will ensure he is able to get every bit of the mole. Stitches may be required depending on how deep the mole penetrated into the skin.
- Shave – Removing the visible part of the mole only by shaving it flush with a scalpel, or slightly below the level of the skin. Dr. Perri will then cover the wound with a bandage, and you’ll be on your way!
Are There Any Risks Associated with Mole Removal?
There are very few risks associated with mole removal. Of course, any time a cut is made on the skin, a scar will develop, so it’s quite important to keep that in mind when preparing for your procedure. Otherwise, there is a slight risk of infection at the site of the mole removal. Therefore, patients should be careful to keep the area clean and protected as it is healing.
Let Dr. Perri Help You with Mole Removal at Perri Dermatology
If you live in the area and believe you have a suspicious mole on your skin, the best thing you can do is call Dr. Perri right away to schedule an appointment for a skin check and possible mole removal procedure. Remember, there is truly nothing to worry about, and Dr. Perri always takes great care to ensure the safety and comfort of every patient he sees.
Just call his office today at (281) 943-2749 to book your first appointment.