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Mole removal
mole removal · excision of a mole · nevus removal · skin lesion removal
A mole is removed with a scalpel, a laser, or a radio wave device, with local numbing. Most often, the tissue is sent to the lab to be checked.
If a mole changes, gets in the way, gets injured, or looks suspicious to a skin doctor.
⏱ Duration: usually 15 to 30 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Before removal. First, a skin doctor checks the mole with a special magnifier and decides how to remove it.
- Skin. Do not tan for 2 weeks before and after. Do not put cream on the spot on the day of the procedure.
What to bring
- Your referral or the skin doctor's report
How it goes
- The skin is cleaned with antiseptic
- A numbing injection is given, and the area goes numb
- The doctor removes the mole with a small margin of healthy skin
- If there was a cut, a few stitches are put in
- A dressing or plaster goes on top
- The tissue is sent to the lab to be checked
What you'll feel
- The numbing injection stings for a couple of seconds. After that, you only feel touch
Afterwards
- Keep the area clean and dry as your doctor says
- Stitches usually come out after 7 to 14 days
- Lab results come in 1 to 2 weeks
- Do not tan, and protect the area from the sun for a few months
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Bleeding that does not stop when you press on it
- Redness, swelling, pus, or fever. These are signs of infection
Common questions
Laser or scalpel?
If there is any doubt at all, a scalpel. It keeps the tissue whole for the lab. The doctor decides after the exam.
Will there be a scar?
A small mark almost always remains. Over time, it usually fades.