Cosmetic Mole Removal

Common moles are small, uniform in size, shape, and color, and are harmless. They can be flat or raised. While they do not require removal, you may wish to remove them to improve your appearance, or to remove moles in a location where they are frequently irritated such as around the neck where a necklace or shirt collar rubs and irritates a mole.

The goal of treatment is to remove the mole with a minor outpatient cosmetic surgical procedure or laser treatment and minimize the risk of scarring. Because skin cancer can arise in a mole, after it is removed, it will be sent to pathology to ensure it is not skin cancer.

What is the difference between a common mole and an atypical mole?

Common moles develop during and after childhood. The tendency to develop moles is inherited. They may also develop when hormone levels fluctuate in adolescence and pregnancy. It is not unusual for a person with fair skin to have 10 – 40 common moles. In individuals with a family history of melanoma and certain genetic risk factors, UV radiation can increase the risk that a harmless mole evolves into a malignant mole. Therefore, our doctors at Salt Lake Dermatology & Aesthetics will ask about your family and medical history during a skin examination.

Atypical moles, often called Dysplastic moles, tend to be larger and have irregular coloring and borders. They are usually harmless but do carry a risk of becoming cancerous.

What are the treatment options to remove common moles?

• Surgical excision involves the use of a scalpel to cut out the mole after the area has been cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. After removal the defect may be closed with sutures.
• Shave excision involves the use of a scalpel or dermablade and shaving the mole to remove it without stitches but with the use of cauterization burning the area to stop any bleeding and blend the edges.

Dr. Michael Sotiriou is a board – certified dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon. As a Mohs surgeon he has been trained in and practices lesion removal with surgical reconstruction that is aesthetically pleasing. As such, Dr. Sotiriou can minimize scarring during removal of your common moles.

Contact Dr. Michael Sotiriou at Salt Lake Dermatology & Aesthetics to schedule consultation and learn about your skin and all your treatment options.