About Mole Removal at Dermatology Associates of Atlanta

Moles are small black or brown growths that can appear anywhere on the skin. They are very common and usually harmless, but an individual may need or want to have a mole removed for various reasons. Removing a mole is a simple in-office procedure that can be performed in our office. The majority of mole-removal procedures require only one visit.

Types of Mole Removal

Our dermatologists generally use several methods to remove moles. Surgical excision is the process of cutting the mole out of the skin and stitching the wound closed. Surgical shave is simply the cutting off of a mole using a surgical blade. Depending on the nature of the mole, your dermatologist will determine which removal technique is best. Laser mole removal involves the use of specialized laser to diminish the appearance of moles.  Since lasers produce cosmetic results, moles are not completely able to be removed and monitoring the development of recurring moles is important.

Mole Removal Treatment
In most cases, once a mole is removed by way of excision, the skin will heal and moles rarely return. It’s estimated that 1 in 40 moles removed by surgical shaving or lasers may regrow, however, if your mole grows back, see us immediately to determine that the mole is neither cancerous nor precancerous.

Mole Removal FAQs

Why do patients opt for mole removal?
The reasons for mole removal range from purely cosmetic to medically necessary. A patient may have a mole removed simply because they find it unattractive or uncomfortable. Alternatively, one of our providers may remove a mole if they suspect or know that it is cancerous.

How do I know if my mole is cancerous?
The majority of moles are harmless; however, it’s a good idea to do annual skin checks to determine whether your moles have changed in size, shape, or color. Change is not necessarily cause for alarm, since moles change gradually over a lifetime. See one of our dermatologists immediately if your mole bleeds, itches, oozes, or becomes tender or painful.

Does removing a mole also remove any cancer?
If your doctor determines that a mole is cancerous or precancerous, such as dysplastic nevi, the mole will be removed along with a small rim of the healthy skin around it. The rim of skin that is excised varies depending on if a mole is cancerous or precancerous and the excision size is determined by our dermatologists.