Remove Moles to Enjoy Smooth, Clear, Healthy Skin!

Would you like to learn how to remove moles from your face, neck, and arms? Moles are common, and usually harmless, but some can become malignant over time and must be removed surgically.

Others are just plain ugly and seem to be located in the worst possible spots, marring your appearance. Removal of moles is not only a practical solution to these conditions, it is not all that complicated.

Before you attempt to remove moles from your skin, or have them removed clinically by a professional, you should confirm it is a common mole (nevus) and not a freckle, wart, skin tag, carcinoma, melanoma, or some other skin disorder.

Moles (nevi) tend to be small dark growths on the skin (anywhere from a dot to more than an inch diameter) that develop as a result of an accumulation of too many melanocytes, those cells in your skin that produce pigment.

Depending on how much pigment is produced they may be any shade of dark or light brown in color, to yellow or pink-toned. They may be smooth or coarse textured (like warts) and some can be hairy (adding to their unattractiveness).  

Just about everyone has moles.

Some people are predisposed genetically to have a lot of moles. Moles should not normally be a health issue and the removal of moles is usually not required. However, you should remove moles that are shaped irregularly, or are multi-colored, or large. A mole that changes in shape, color or size, or that occasionally bleeds or itches or becomes inflamed and painful should be checked by a dermatologist.

A biopsy of the growth will be performed to determine whether it is cancerous. If cancerous, it could be a carcinoma, the more common and least dangerous form, or a melanoma, which is more rare and quite serious.

Even if your moles are normal and not a health risk, you may want to have them removed by a dermatologist, or remove them yourself using a home remedy.

Reasons to remove moles can be summed up as follows:

• To remove an existing carcinoma or melanoma

• To prevent a particular mole from becoming cancerous

• To eliminate the discomfort caused by an inconveniently situated mole (e.g., where there is constant friction, or where cutting and bleeding can result on regular basis, as when shaving)

• To make you skin smooth and clear and attractive

If you find that you need or want to remove moles, here are some options:

• Deep excision - dermatologist uses local anesthetic such as novocaine to numb area and a small knife or scalpel to cut out the mole. Excisions of malignant moles require cutting deep and wide to ensure the cancerous skin and tissue is completely removed. In this case stitches or cauterization (burning) may be required to limit damage and promote healing. There may be some scarring, depending on the size of the excision and the skill of your doctor.

• Shave excision - dermatologist applies local anesthetic then uses a scalpel blade to shave or plane off the mole, leaving the treated area flush with your skin’s surface. A scab will form but after a week or two it will fall off, leaving the area smooth and usually with no scar.

• Punch biopsy - dermatologist uses a cookie cutter-like tool to remove the mole and some healthy surrounding skin by cutting it out.

• Electrocautery – dermatologist uses a heated probe to burn the mole off. This treatment avoids scarring because it affects only the superficial layers of the skin. Because of this up to three treatements may be required to remove moles. This is approach is more typically used to remove skin tags or seborrheia keritosis.

• Laser surgery - a laser light beam is used to heat mole cells or tissue with the purpose of disrupting tissue cells and breaking them up.  Blood vessels are sealed off by the laser beam.The broken cells are then absorbed by the body as the area heals.

• Radiosurgery - radiofrequency probes are used to vaporize skin moles. This treatment avoids both burn damage to the skin as well as scarring is avoided.

• Natural mole removal methods – you can remove moles yourself using natural mole removal remedies. These include using natural oils and ingredients.

A few things to keep in mind.

Moles, by and large, do not pose a risk to your health. However, they should be monitored closely for any change in appearance or for itchiness or bleeding. People with a dozen or more moles, or people with a family history of carcinomas or melanomas, should be especially attentive, as they may be more susceptible to skin cancer. 

In addition to self-examination, periodic visits to a dermatologist are a good idea. Be aware that sun exposure will accelerate the growth and development of precancerous moles. The process leading up to skin cancer can begin at quite an early age, even with moderate sun exposure. See our article on good skin care for tips on protecting your skin from the sun. Like most good skin care decisions, the question of whether to remove moles or not is often a matter of common sense.

If you suspect your mole may be cancerous, don’t panic. But do see a professional Board-Certified dermatologist. Most carcinomas can be easily removed and have no impact on your quality of life. Even the more serious melanomas can be completely removed if detected early.

If the threat of cancer is not an issue, and most of the time it is not, why not try natural mole removal yourself. It will save you money and time.