for removing moles because the laser only cauterizes or, in certain cases, removes very superficial levels of skin. moles tend to go deeper into the skin than non-invasive lasers can penetrate. after a laser treatment a scab is formed, which falls off about seven days later, in contrast to surgery, where the wound has to be sutured. a second concern about the laser treatment is that if the lesion is a melanoma, and was misdiagnosed as a benign mole, the procedure might delay diagnosis. if the mole is incompletely removed by the laser, and the pigmented lesion regrows, it might form a recurrent nevus. electrocautery is available as an alternative to laser cautery. electrocautery is a procedure that uses a light electrical current to burn moles, skin tags, and warts off the skin. electric currents are set to a level such that they only reach the outermost layers of the skin, thus reducing the problem of scarring. approximately 1–3 treatments may be needed to completely remove a mole. typically, a local anesthetic is applied to the treated skin area before beginning the mole removal procedure. for surgery, many dermatologic and plastic surgeons first use a freezing solution, usually liquid nitrogen, on a raised mole and then shave it away with a scalpel. if the surgeon opts for the shaving method, he or she usually also cauterizes the stump. because a circle is difficult to close with stitches, the incision is usually elliptical or eye-shaped. however, freezing should not be done to a nevus suspected to be a melanoma, as the ice crystals can cause pathological changes called "freezing artifacts" which might interfere with the diagnosis of the melanoma. mole removal risks mole removal risks mainly depend on the type of mole removal method the patient undergoes. first, mole removal may be followed by some discomfort that can be relieved with pain medication. second, there is a risk that a scab will form or that redness will occur. however, such scabs and redness usually heal within one or two weeks. third, as in other surgeries, there is also risk of infection or an anesthetic allergy or even nerve damage. lastly, the mole removal may imply an uncomfortable scar depending on the mole size. society and culture abraham lincoln famously had a mole on his right cheek throughout human history, individuals who have possessed facial moles have been subject to ridicule and attack based on superstition. throughout most of history, facial moles were not considered objects of beauty on lovely faces. rather most moles were considered hideous growths that appeared mostly on the noses, cheeks, and chins of witches, frogs and other low creatures. both folklore and modern popular culture use physical traits to denote a character's either good or evil tendencies. in contrast to the fine features and smooth skin of its heroes and heroines, characters who possess negative or evil characteristics have also been known to possess more rugged features and skin blemishes, including facial moles. during the salem witch trials, warts and other dermatological lesions such as moles, scars, and other blemishes, when found on accused women were considered evidence of a pact with the devil. face mole reading in traditional chinese culture, facial moles are respected and they are used in moleomancy, or face mole reading. the moles' meaning varies according to which of the nine "wealth spots" of the face they are located in. depending on their position and color, a person's facial moles may render their face "lucky" or "unlucky." moles that can be easily seen may be considered warnings or reminders, while hidden moles may symbolize good luck and fortune. furthermore, traditional chinese culture holds that each facial mole indicates the presence of a corresponding mole on another part of the body. for instance, if a mole is present around the mouth, a corresponding mole should be found in the pubic region.