Cosmetic mole removal is the process of removing a mole that is benign in nature, for the sole purpose of making you feel better- physically, emotionally, or both. Not all moles need to be removed for medical reasons. Some patients come to us because they have a mole that is “in the way” or gets irritated when wearing certain clothing, such as a sports bra. Other patients come to us to have moles removed that they consider unsightly and to restore the body’s natural symmetry. Symmetry is one of the most universal features for deciding physical attractiveness across many cultures.
Dr. Hooman Khorasani is a quadruple board-certified, fellowship-trained cosmetic and skin cancer surgeon. With specialized training in advanced skin cancer management, Dr. Khorasani is an expert in mole removal of all kinds.
Visit us at our New York City practice to learn more about the cosmetic mole removal techniques that can help you display your most aesthetically-pleasing features. To request a consultation, text message us securely, or contact our Manhattan office by phone at 212-230-3378.
A mole is a cluster of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes that appear as a discolored blemish on the surface of the skin. These distinctive, often raised growths can sometimes be the cause of insecurity. Moles are also something to pay close attention to, as they can also indicate a serious underlying medical problem.
For moles that do not present a health risk, cosmetic mole removal is a quick, easy and affordable option to clear up your skin and restore balance to your best features.
During the initial consultation Dr. Khorasani evaluates your mole in order to establish that it is benign in nature. You will be scheduled for removal once we confirm that the mole is completely benign. Depending on the location and type of the mole, Dr. Khorasani will use one of the following three techniques:
PreciseFX is a continuous wave CO2 laser. It ablates the mole without leaving any collateral damage. The heat from the laser destroys the nevi cells deep in the skin without disturbing the skin scaffold, which is a crucial part of the healing process. Immediately before the laser ablation, Dr. Khorasani takes a small sample of the top of the mole for histologic evaluation in order to confirm that it is benign. The procedure is performed with topical anesthetic cream and takes about five to ten minutes, depending on the size and location. Follow-up care after a PreciseFX treatment is minimal, with only Aquaphor and a bandage for seven to fourteen days. Since no sutures are used, you may return to your normal routine immediately.
Shave removal is a minimally invasive technique used to remove superficial moles called junctional nevi. Moles removed via shave have a higher chance of recurrence if used on deeper moles, called intradermal nevus. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and takes under five minutes. Follow-up care involves only Aquaphor and a bandage for seven to fourteen days. Sutures are not used with this method, so you may return to your normal routines, including exercise, right away.
Excision is reserved for larger and deeper moles called intradermal nevi. After numbing with local anesthesia, a scalpel is used to remove the mole all the way down to the subcutaneous layer. This ensures complete removal of the roots and minimizes the chance of recurrence. Sutures are placed along cosmetic skin tension lines and are removed in one to two weeks, depending on the site. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes. You can go home immediately after the procedure. Instructions for recovery include the use of steristrips for a week, and use of a scar gel for another 60 days. We encourage you to avoid exercise routines for about a week in order to not put tension on the sutures.
Mole removal is not considered a painful procedure by both patients and cosmetic specialists. Since a local anesthetic is used, you may experience an initial sting as it is administered, followed only by mild pressure during removal. Most patients report a smooth recovery with mild soreness or itching for a few days following the procedure.
Choosing to undergo any procedure starts with weighing the benefits against the possible risks. Fortunately, mole removal is a common procedure that is considered low risk due to the nature of the procedure, the length of the appointment and the minimal recovery period. Since these procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, you do not need to be admitted to the hospital. In fact, your consultation will likely be longer than the procedure itself, which ranges from five to thirty minutes. In general, we encourage you to return to normal activities immediately following your appointment. Dr. Khorasani will work closely with you to develop a strategic plan to help you reach your aesthetic goals and minimize potential risks to avoid pain, regrowth and possible infection.
Attempting to remove your mole at home is definitely not a good idea, and can present unnecessary risks. Firstly, it can be painful without the proper tools and medication that render the procedure virtually painless when done in our office. Dr. Khorasani performs cosmetic mole removal at his office under local anesthetic, and by applying numbing cream directly to the site. Because of this, patients often report only mild pressure during removal. Home removal can also lead to scarring, further discoloration of the skin and in some cases, infection. It is not recommended by professionals because of the potential risks and poor cosmetic outcomes. In addition, the mole needs to be reviewed by a pathologist after removal to determine it is benign in nature.
During an initial biopsy, Dr. Khorasani will determine the best technique for your unique circumstances. Foregoing this professional analysis can cause regrowth of the cells in a number of cases. Since this appointment is both quick and effective, professional mole removal is essential in order to obtain optimal results.
There are many ways mole removal can benefit you beyond improving your self-confidence. Some moles may be located in areas that are routinely irritated by day to day activities, such as dressing, shaving or exercising. Removal can reduce the redness, soreness and swelling that occur due to excessive chafing. Some moles, especially moles without pigment may be perceived as a permanent pimple and further add asymmetry to the face or body. The individual reasons for removing a mole may be different from patient to patient, but the result is a positive and nearly painless way to remove something that bothers you. Not only can you get rid of unwanted blemishes that are cosmetically undesirable and may be prone to irritation, but it also provides an opportunity for medical specialists to test the cells for signs of a more serious issue, such as skin cancer.
Dr. Hooman Khorasani is a quadruple board-certified, fellowship-trained cosmetic and skin cancer surgeon. Aside from preventing future health risks, mole removal is an affordable solution to improve your cosmetic appearance. Dr. Khorasani works closely with you to understand your personal goals on a case-by-case basis and develop the best plan according to your needs. Cosmetic mole removal is a simple, in-office procedure that can be done in less than 30 minutes. Please contact our office in New York City to schedule a mole removal consultation.
Dr. Khorasani and his highly-specialized team look forward to working with you to transform your medical or aesthetic goals into reality. To expedite a request for a consultation, message us securely, or contact Dr. Khorasani’s Manhattan office by phone at 212-230-3378. For more information about how to get in touch:
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