Some people wear their moles with pride and deem them beauty marks, while others would do anything to be rid of them for good. Not everyone is blessed with a career-making beauty mark, so there needs to be another solution for those moles that make you feel unattractive or, even worse, could pose a health risk. At Eternal Dermatology, we offer mole removal so that you can feel more confident in your appearance and be rid of your bothersome moles for good.
What Are Moles?
Moles are clusters of cells that form on the surface of the skin. They can be small and flat, or they can be large and protruding. Most moles are darker than the surrounding skin. They can be bothersome or make you feel unattractive, and even worse, they can have characteristics that could indicate a health risk.
The Different Types of Moles
A normal, common mole is round and can be several different colors, including brown, flesh-toned, yellow, black, blue, or gray. Some moles don’t fall into line with what is considered normal. You should pay attention to any mole that you don’t consider normal. That’s the benefit of scheduling regular mole check appointments at our office. Dr. Rodney can examine your moles for you to know when to seek treatment and when to relax.
Atypical Moles
Atypical moles are benign, which means they don’t pose a health risk and are non-cancerous. However, they don’t look like your typical mole. Their size, shape, and color don’t fall into the normal category, and they can even change size over time. Atypical moles should be watched carefully, especially if you have a family history of atypical moles, because this may mean you are predisposed to skin cancer.
Seborrheic Keratoses
Seborrheic keratoses are another form of benign moles that look similar to warts. Their appearance can be a sign of a precancerous skin change, so you should watch them carefully. Most people begin to notice these during middle age since they tend to form as you grow older. Those who develop seborrheic keratoses usually develop more than one.
How To Tell if Your Mole Is Abnormal
Some telling signs indicate that your mole requires some medical attention. The following ABCDE guide gives you a general guideline so that you can analyze your mole yourself to determine if you need to seek medical advice. If you still aren’t sure about your moles and whether they pose any risk, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Rodney, and she will analyze your moles and walk through your options with you.
The ABCDE Guide
- Asymmetry: your mole isn’t symmetrical from side to side
- Border: the mole’s border isn’t clearly defined
- Color: the mole doesn’t have a consistent color
- Diameter: larger than the size of a pencil eraser (6mm)
- Evolving: the mole experiences changes in its color, shape, or size over time
Cosmetic Mole Removal
One of the most common reasons that patients seek out mole removal is for cosmetic reasons. If you’ve been putting off removing your mole because you think it’s just vanity, we’re here to convince you otherwise. We want to let you know that living with moles that make you feel unattractive or less confident than you should is completely optional.
Removing a mole is more than just vanity; it’s an investment in yourself, your appearance, and your confidence. At our office, we are fully experienced in removing your moles so that you can be happy with your appearance and be rid of bothersome moles for good. Our patients are amazed at what a difference this treatment can make in how they perceive themselves and how others perceive them.
Our Mole Removal Methods
Mole removal is a simple and safe treatment. There are many different methods to remove a mole. During your consultation, we will determine the best method for you based on your mole’s size and location so that you get the best results possible.
We can remove small to medium moles that appear on the face or body and large moles up to the size of a golf ball that can often form on the face. These methods can help with discoloration and treat cosmetically sensitive areas as well, with no downtime.
Removal by Scalpel
One of the most common ways to remove a mole is with a scalpel. To begin your treatment, Dr. Rodney will administer a local anesthetic so that you remain comfortable during the removal process and so that you don’t feel any discomfort. Then, she will use a small scalpel to remove your mole.
After the removal is complete, she’ll apply an antibiotic ointment to help the healing process and then cover the area with a bandage. The skin will heal completely within two weeks. This method doesn’t typically involve stitches, but Dr. Rodney will let you know what to expect during your initial consultation.
Removal With Cryotherapy
During a mole removal treatment that involves cryotherapy, Dr. Rodney will apply an anesthetic to keep you comfortable during the treatment process. Then the mole will be treated with liquid nitrogen, which essentially freezes the mole. Within two weeks, the mole forms a scab and then falls off.
Removal With Electrodesiccation
During electrodesiccation, Dr. Rodney will apply your anesthetic and then lightly charr the surface of the mole. Just as with cryotherapy, the mole will then form a scab and fall off within two weeks of treatment.
Does Mole Removal Hurt?
This treatment is a safe and effective way to get rid of the moles that have been bothering you and affecting your confidence for years. You can rest assured that when you choose our office for your mole removal treatment, we will do everything necessary to keep you as comfortable as possible during the entire process. We will apply a local anesthetic to your treatment area so that all you may feel is some tension but no discomfort.
Taking the Next Step
Don’t let another day go by living with moles that are making you feel self-conscious or less attractive than you are. Mole removal is a simple yet effective treatment that will give you immediate results and won’t require that you plan around downtime. Dr. Rodney has extensive experience in all aspects of cosmetic, surgical, and medical dermatology for all skin types. The entire team at Eternal Dermatology is committed to providing the very best experience possible in a patient-friendly and professional environment. Visit this dermatologist in Baltimore and DMV area today. Schedule your consultation today!