What Are Moles?
Moles are a very common type of growth on the skin. Usually, they look like small, dark brown spots. They're caused by clusters of melanocytes, which are cells that form pigment.
Most moles are harmless. Only rarely do moles become cancerous, but it is important to be aware of changes in moles or similar-looking pigmented patches and bring such changes to your doctor's attention.
Sometimes people are self-conscious about ordinary moles, especially if they are located where they are readily visible. Mole removal is an option that is safe and can make a real difference.
How Common Are Moles?
The typical adult has anywhere from 10 to 40 moles on their body. Normally they appear during childhood and the adolescent years. They range in color from a pale peach or pinkish tone to dark brown or black. Sometimes moles fade over the years.
Moles vs. Beauty Marks
Beauty marks are just moles that appear in a place that enhances, rather than detracts from, a person's looks. Hollywood icons like Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe were known for having beauty marks.
Over the years, many women have imitated beauty marks through the strategic placement of a dot of eyeliner. The so-called Marilyn Monroe facial piercing is positioned to emulate the late star's beauty mark.
Mole Removal in Gainesville, FL by Facial Plastic Surgeons
Many people who choose to have mole removal on the face work with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon for the procedure. Facial plastic surgeons are experts in doing aesthetically pleasing work that keeps scarring to an absolute minimum.
In these cases, the facial plastic surgeon will thoroughly examine the mole that is to be removed to determine whether it is a healthy mole or one that is potentially dangerous. If a mole is deemed suspicious, both the mole and a bit of its surrounding tissue may be sent to a pathologist to check if it is cancerous.
The Mole Removal Process
Mole removal begins with a consultation and examination. The facial plastic surgeon then suggests the best procedure for mole removal.
The actual procedure begins with the cleaning of the mole and the surrounding area. Then, a local anesthetic is used. This may be applied topically, or it may be injected. Some surgeons use both topical and injected local anesthetics, depending on the patient and the specific location of the mole.
When mole removal is complete, the surgeon dresses the site of the removal with ointment and bandages to protect the area while it heals. Patients receive aftercare instructions to follow for the quickest healing and best results.
Do Moles Return After Mole Removal?
It can happen. Moles are more likely to return after shaving excision than after surgical excision. However, if an insufficient margin of tissue is excised along with the mole, there may still be clusters of pigmented cells left behind that can eventually develop into a mole. Surgical excision minimizes the chances of a mole returning.
Risks
Even minor procedures like mole removal pose some risks. Though the procedure is done on an outpatient basis and doesn't take much time, there are still some risks, including
Your facial plastic surgeons will discuss these risks with you beforehand. And while all facial surgery results in some scarring, facial plastic surgeons are especially skilled in minimizing scarring.