Surgical Mole Removal
A mole is basically an irregularity of the skin, showing up as a pigmented or sub-dermal skin growth. There were times when they were considered fashionable - to the point that fake moles were a current sight. However, the undeniable connection between moles and skin cancer has led to a change in that view and now many people appeal to mole removal, through various methods. The most common mole removal procedures are surgical.
Why Choose Surgical Mole Removal?
Not everyone is comfortable with the idea of surgery. Especially in the cases where moles are not diagnosed as dangerous and the removal is done simply for aesthetic reasons, surgery seams a little far-fetched. And yet it is the most commonly used procedure in these cases, and there are good reasons for it. The risks are minimal (and usually not severe) and it is statistically the most efficient method.
In the case of a cancer risk, the reason why surgery needs to be chosen over other methods is obvious: the mole cells need to be evaluated in a biopsy. Even if the doctor initially diagnosed the mole as benign, there is a slight chance of a misdiagnosis, and an analysis of the removed tissue will often prove to be the definitive proof for or against the diagnosis.
Most common types of mole removal surgeries include laser surgeries, electrocautery or the liquid nitrogen procedure. Commonly, most doctors will recommend laser surgeries, although in the case of cancer risks the procedure is considered to be too superficial, and may leave behind cells that can create a new melanoma. A surgical mole removal procedure usually lasts about an hour and can cost anything between £250 and £500, depending a lot on the mole size and location.
What are the Risks of Surgical Mole Removal?
While not many, and definitely not in the dangerous category, there are risks for unpleasant situations occurring from surgically removing moles. During the surgery some patients may prove to be allergic to the anaesthetic, which can make the procedure uncomfortable. There is also a slight risk of infection. Experienced doctors, however, should be able to handle any such situation.
The first unpleasant consequence after the procedure may be an uncomfortable sensation in the days after the surgery - although usually pain medication can easily help with that. Make sure to contact your doctor for any pain or discomfort following the procedure. Scabs and red spots may appear in the mole area after the surgery, but the estimated time for healing them is a maximum of two weeks, which basically means that long term they rarely create problems.
Especially in the case of large moles, scars may remain after the procedure - and this is probably the only long-term possible risk of the surgical mole removal. For this reason, it is recommended that, when choosing the doctor performing the surgery, you study references and experience, so that the chance of that happening is minimal. Former patients' reference should also help with forming an opinion.
