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Mole Removal 101: Mole Removal Recovery and FAQs

February 22, 2018

Mole removal is gaining more and more popularity these days. It seems that more people are looking into removing their moles. However, we understand that a lot of things concern them as well, such as will it hurt? Are there different options? How long will the recovery take?

There are so many questions and we have the answers, all condensed in this short article. Let’s start!

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What is a mole?

A mole is a mark in the skin, usually considered as a birth mark since a lot of moles have been present since birth. It is made up of melanocytes, which are the dark pigmented cells that create melanin. Melanin is the natural pigment that colors the skin and hair, which is the reason why moles have a tan or brown color.

Moles may vary in size and color. It can be flat or raised. But these marks are usually harmless…unless they change color and size – activities that point out that these marks might be abnormal.

When should I get my mole removed?

A lot of people get their moles removed because of aesthetic reasons, like a big mole on the nose. Other people get their moles removed for practical reasons, like a mole on the shoulder that always gets scraped by bag handles and bleed. And some people, although rare, really need to get their moles removed since they are already showing signs of abnormality.

Image of picture showing all different types of moles , Setiba Aesthetics Group, Blog
Image from http://www.beautyzion.com/abcde-of-normal-and-abnormal-mole-2

What are the signs that my moles are abnormal?

It’s often not easy to determine whether a mole is harmful or not. You should look out for the following signs, though, just in case:

  • A mole that has an uneven color
  • A mole that looks asymmetrical
  • A mole that always bleeds or itches

Cancer specialists recommend for people to check their skin for irregularities. It is advisable to get your skin checked immediately once you do notice something’s up.

How can I get my mole removed?

There are two well-known mole removal procedures. The first one is called shave incision. As the name suggests, the mole is removed using a razor to shave it off. Sounds painful? Not really. In fact, the procedure is known to be painless.

Another option is through laser therapy. The only problem with laser therapy, though, is that it is only good for moles that are raised. Flat moles cannot be removed by laser technology.

Both procedures don’t take very long. A shave incision mole removal procedure, for instance, only takes 10 minutes. Topical anaesthesia is applied to further minimize discomfort.

How long does it take to recover from mole removal? And will it leave a scar?

It can take two to three weeks for the wound to heal and for your skin to recover after the treatment. The procedure often leaves a small scar, but don’t worry, the scar is usually very small and barely noticeable.

Mole removal through laser therapy does not even leave any marks at all, most of the time!
