Mole Removal

Moles are one thing that is common to all humans. Every person has moles, maybe 1, maybe 40.

Moles are not a cause for concern unless they develop certain signs like: Itching / Increase in size / Change of colour.

In fact they are considered to be a beauty spot by many, especially on the face area. Some even consider this to be a sign of good luck and prosperity.

Moles can appear anywhere on the skin. They are of different shapes and sizes. Moles are usually brown to black in colour due to pigment melanin. Sometimes moles can be skin coloured. Moles are pre-determined at birth. They develop usually in the first 20 years of life and over the years due to sun exposure they can increase in numbers and darken in colour.

Moles are removed for cosmetic as well as medical reasons. Do speak to our dermatologist if you are worried about a raised, itchy mole, which may have suddenly increased in size or changed colour.

Moles can be removed by two safe surgical methods: Simple excision (skin closure with sutures), or excision with cautery. Laser removal of moles is not the method of choice, because laser light does not penetrate deep enough. The treatment is done under local anesthesia, the healing time is about 1 week. Removed moles are usually sent to the laboratory for pathological analysis. If sutures are used to close the wound, the stitches are removed after 1 week.

Mole removal may lead to mild scarring, do discuss the possibility of scar formation with your dermatologist to make your decision.

  • If your moles are larger, irregularly coloured or very dark, alert your dermatologist.
  • These ABCDs describe suspicious spots/moles:
  • Asymmetry: Oddly shaped
  • Border: Irregular edges
  • Colour: More than one colour present
  • Diameter; More than a quarter inch in diameter or becoming larger.