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Moles (or melanocytic nevi) are usually raised and dark irregularities found on the skin that can be present at birth or can begin to appear later in life and even grow over time. Some moles can be considered beauty marks, but others can be unsightly, annoying and even dangerous.
Mole removal can be done by laser or using plastic surgical techniques. Removal of your mole can usually be easily accomplished after a brief consultation with a quick, in-office procedure. Dr. Brown always administers local anesthesia for a comfortable mole removal experience. He is an expert at carefully removing moles to enhance appearance, increase confidence and to decrease potential skin cancer risks. Scar therapy can be utilized to optimize your final result.
Schedule a consultation to learn more about mole removal.
ABOUT CANCEROUS MOLE REMOVAL
At Daniel Brown Cosmetic Plastic Surgery we will treat your case with discretion and care.
Cancerous mole removal techniques are safety measures to ensure patients do not develop a more threatening disease, like melanoma. These techniques are relatively quick and are a preventative measure. Cancerous, or malignant, mole removal is a sensitive procedure.
Many people have moles. They may be something you are born with or develop as you age. Many moles are harmless. Healthy moles appear brown and have a smooth texture and shape. If you have less than forty moles that are smaller then a pencil eraser, they are probably healthy. Cancerous moles vary in appearance. It is healthy to have an annual dermatologist appointment where they inspect your body, looking for moles and flagging any that look suspicious.
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WHAT IS A SUSPICIOUS MOLE?
Cancerous moles will vary in how they look, but if a mole has the following characteristics, it may be worth having checked:
- Different colors, such as pink, red, brown and/or tan.
- Has an irregular shape and border.
- Suspicious moles will have an unpleasant texture. It may be scaly, bumpy, or rough.
- A mole that is larger than a pencil eraser is concerning.
- More than one-hundred moles is suspicious.
- The location of the mole may also raise concern. If your mole is under your hair, on the buttocks or on the breasts that may be cause for suspicion.
If the mole appears anywhere on your body and has any of the above characteristics, you should have a doctor check it out.
Dr. Brown is a board-certified plastic surgeon who is qualified to remove cancerous moles. His extensive plastic surgery background makes him an excellent option to remove your mole. His office provides scar therapy to reduce the appearance of any scars that are a result of the treatment.
WHEN SHOULD I HAVE MY MOLE CHECKED?
Everyone should have their skin examined routinely to ensure they are not developing unhealthy moles. If you are concerned about any irregularities in your moles, schedule an appointment with your doctor today.
If you and your doctor have already pinpointed cancerous or suspicious moles, Dr. Brown can help with the removal of melanoma moles or concerning moles.
CONSULTATION WITH SAN DIEGO’S SKIN CARE EXPERT
Having a cancerous mole can be scary. At Daniel Brown Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, we are here to help you through this process.
Together, you and Dr. Brown will create a treatment plan that takes your health into consideration and achieves your best results. Dr. Brown will also ask about your current health, medication routine, past procedures, and skin care regimen. Some medication routines will need to be altered to provide a healthy result.
Dr. Brown has your health in mind and will remove the cancerous tissue while striving to produce an aesthetically pleasing result. Dr. Brown will explain the details of the chosen removal technique, potential risks, and the recovery period. He will also explain how to prepare for the treatment and what steps can be taken to provide a positive outcome.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
During your private consultation with Dr. Brown, he will examine the mole(s) and discuss the options available to remove it. These options include:
LASER
This treatment uses a fractionated CO2 laser technique to remove moles. This treatment offers a variety of anesthetics. The anesthetic used in your procedure will depend on the depth of the laser and your pain tolerance. A topical numbing agent can be used, local anesthetic or intravenous sedation.
Once the anesthetic has been applied and you are comfortable, the handheld laser device will be applied to the mole(s). High energy light will be emitted and pulsed to break down the mole’s pigmentation. The surrounding skin will be undamaged and this treatment may take up to forty-five minutes. Ablative laser techniques have the added benefit of minimal to zero scarring.
SURGICAL MOLE REMOVAL
Dr. Brown will surgically remove the whole mole and stitch the skin together. This procedure takes up to a half hour and the area will be bandaged afterward. A combination of the above two treatments can also but used to provide maximum results.
Depending on many factors, like the size of the mole, a specific form of removal technique may need to be used.
PREPARATION
How you prepare for your procedure will depend on where the mole is, how large it is, your determined treatment, and other factors discussed in your consultation. There are some general guidelines you can follow to ensure you have a positive treatment that prepares you for a healthy recovery.
- Do not apply active-ingredient products to your skin. Active ingredients may irritate your skin during the treatment process. Ask Dr. Brown what skin products will be safe to use on your skin in the days leading up to your appointment.
- Stay hydrated and get plenty of sleep before the procedure. Your skin gets dehydrated quickly and drinking lots of water and resting will keep it healthy going into the procedure.
- Dress comfortably. On the morning of your treatment, dress in comfy clothes that can be easily removed and will not apply pressure to the area of treatment.
CANCEROUS MOLE REMOVAL PROCEDURE
Your procedure details will reflect what was discussed and determined during your personal consultation with Dr. Brown.
When you arrive for your procedure, the area will be numbed with an anesthetic. Once the area is numb and you are comfortable, Dr. Brown will begin the procedure. He will remove the mole and the remaining tissue will be treated based on the procedure. The area will be bandaged and you will be able to return home to recover.
RECOVERY
Recovery from plastic surgery techniques will vary in length.
Your recovery will depend on the technique used during your treatment and the presenting concerns treated. After a laser treatment, your skin will be red and sensitive. Bandages will help protect your skin from external factors and improve your healing process. Dr. Brown may supply or suggest a topical cream that will keep your skin hydrated. The healing period can take anywhere from three days to three weeks. The time period will depend on the size of the area and depth of the laser. As your skin heals, the outer layers will peel away and a newly formed skin layer that is smoother and tighter will appear. It may take more than one treatment to remove the mole.
Stitches are often removed after two weeks. During the recovery time, the treatment area may be itchy and sore. Over the counter medication will help control any discomfort. You will also need to change out bandages so as to keep the area clean.
With either procedure, it will be important to avoid strenuous activity that would stress the treated area or make you sweat. Make sure to rest and drink plenty of water.
Dr. Brown will go over the recovery details that pertain to your particular situation during your consultation and again after your procedure. If you have any questions or concerns during your recovery period or at any point during your treatment course, give our staff a call!
RESULTS
You will see your results right away. The mole will be removed and should stay away. In the event the mole grows back, it is important that you see your doctor or dermatologist.
Dr. Brown offers scar therapy to improve any noticeable scarring. This therapy will need to occur after the treated area has completely healed. Fractionated CO2 laser treatments can help resurface the skin. This treatment is customized to reach different levels of the skin. The procedure can help reduce the visibility of any scar caused by the mole removing procedure.
Scar therapy will improve the quality of how your skin will heal and the final aesthetics of your results.
COST OF MOLE REMOVAL IN SAN DIEGO
The cost of each skin cancer mole removal treatment will vary based on the size of the mole, the number of moles to be removed, and the technique used. A cancerous mole removal treatment requires precision and care, at Daniel Brown Cosmetic Plastic Surgery we will provide you with the attention to detail that this situation requires.
If you are interested in learning more about the removal of cancerous mole treatments we offer, schedule a consultation with Dr. Brown at (619) 461-1500.
FAQS
CAN A CANCEROUS MOLE KILL YOU?
Not on its own, no. However, a cancerous mole can develop and spread cancer to other tissues if it is not addressed. It is very important to have your skin examined once a year and have new moles looked at by a doctor.
CAN I GET RID OF A MOLE BY MYSELF?
No. A mole should be removed by an experienced and well-trained doctor. Moles will range in size and depth and only a doctor should remove them. Some moles will require stitches and that is not something you can do at home. For a healthy diagnosis and treatment, contact a qualified doctor.
HOW CAN I TELL IF A MOLE IS CANCEROUS?
There are many ways to tell if a mole is cancerous. The color, shape, texture, size, quantity, and location are good indicators. If a mole is many colors, has an irregular shape, and rough texture than it should be examined. It is also concerning if you have over one hundred moles. These moles may range in size, however, if any mole is over the size of a pencil eraser it should be looked at.
The hair, breasts, and buttocks are also suspicious areas to develop moles. It is important to have all skin irregularities examined.
However, if you are unsure, it is always best to seek a professional opinion for a mole examination.
Telephone No.619-461-1500