Mole Removal Without Scars or Marks

Mole removal can be performed using various methods to minimize the possibility of scarring or leaving marks on the body and face.

Moles (Birthmarks - Skin Tags)

What is a mole? A mole , or body birthmark , is a skin formation caused by the proliferation of melanocytes in specific areas of the body. Melanocytes are responsible for the skin's color and protect against solar radiation by producing melanin , a substance that darkens the skin's color. Thus, each mole - birthmark can have different colors , from dark or light brown, or the color of the skin. A mole can have many different forms , colors , or shapes , therefore it is often confused with other skin conditions such as skin tags , seborrheic keratosis , etc. Most moles - birthmarks have a good clinical appearance, but there are some with suspicious characteristics that are called atypical or dysplastic moles. They can be present on the body from birth ( congenital moles ) or develop during life ( acquired moles ), which is absolutely normal . Moles appear more frequently in body areas exposed to solar radiation!

Moles - Images The following photos contain both normal and suspicious moles for malignancy .

Main areas of manifestation Face Neck Scalp Trunk Hands Feet

Categories & Types of Moles It is important to emphasize that moles are always benign. This applies to those with a good clinical appearance , as well as to atypical - dysplastic moles. However, it is very important to properly assess atypical - dysplastic moles because they may pose a risk for the development of melanoma . Melanoma is a malignant skin cancer that in its initial stages resembles a dysplastic mole. In other words, it is not a dysplastic mole that evolved into melanoma, but rather melanoma that mimics the irregular shape and color of a dysplastic mole. For this reason, moles are divided into categories according to their form , in order to allow for early diagnosis of melanoma. The forms a mole can take are varied, both in their shape and their color . Congenital melanocytic nevus: Present on the body from birth , usually with a round , domed , or oval shape, with light or dark brown color, or even skin-colored. In some cases, it may have hairs in its center or periphery, and it rarely has suspicious characteristics for the development of melanoma . Acquired melanocytic nevus: Appears during life on the body and face. It includes many types of moles, as their shape and color have great variety and can have a good clinical appearance or suspicious characteristics for malignant melanoma. Often, acquired moles resemble flesh moles , papillomas , seborrheic keratoses , hemangiomas , and various other skin lesions . Moles, also known as nevi or flesh moles, are very common, as they are present in all adults, and in some individuals in large numbers.

Mole Examination & Diagnosis The correct examination for the diagnosis of suspicious moles should be performed by a specialized Dermatologist - Venereologist with the help of methods such as dermoscopy , mole mapping , and mole biopsy . During dermoscopy , a dermatoscope is used, which is a tool that, with the help of a magnifying lens and light, reveals the characteristics of the mole to the dermatologist, in order to ascertain whether it is a suspicious mole or not. Mole mapping is a method primarily applied to individuals with a large number of moles on their body. If a person has 2-3 suspicious moles on their body, it is advisable to proceed with their removal using available methods. However, if, for example , someone has over 50 moles on their body (which is perfectly normal), of which 30 are suspicious , it is more practical to perform mole mapping annually to ensure early detection of malignant melanoma. Therefore, with mole mapping, all moles on the body are counted and examined and recorded to allow for comparison in the next mapping. For a biopsy to be performed, the examination and diagnosis of a mole as suspicious naturally precedes it. The mole is then surgically removed and sent to the laboratory for analysis of the DNA of the melanocytes to ascertain whether it is a dysplastic nevus or melanoma .

Mole Removal & Treatment Moles are primarily removed for preventive , medical , and aesthetic reasons. The specific mole removal method is decided after consultation with the Dermatologist-Venereologist or the Plastic Surgeon . Mole Removal with Laser Mole removal with Co2 ablative laser is performed only when the lesion is definitely benign and when there is no probability of scar formation at the site where the mole was located. This is a method that we do not frequently choose at Facemed, as in the majority of cases, histological confirmation of the mole to be removed is necessary. Shave Excision of Moles After the use of local anesthesia with xylocaine , the mole is removed with a blade and sent for biopsy . Surgical Excision of Moles In cases where the mole is flat or there is suspicion of malignancy , local anesthesia is administered, and then the doctor proceeds with the surgical excision of the mole along with its surrounding margins , so that it can be sent for biopsy . Finally, sutures are used, which are removed approximately after 10 days . If a mole changes shape and color, becomes itchy, or bleeds, it should be examined immediately, both for early diagnosis of melanoma and to prevent infections.

Eczema - Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic skin condition of allergic origin and often has a hereditary predisposition.

Vitiligo: What is it and how is it treated? Vitiligo is a chronic disease characterized by the appearance of white patches on the skin. These white patches are the result of non-functional melanocytes at the site of appearance.

Psoriasis: Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that manifests with skin lesions, but sometimes also affects the joints. The skin lesions appear as reddish plaques with white scales on them.

HPV - Genital Warts: Images How to tell if you have warts: Symptoms, Transmission, and Treatment

Skin Tags Skin tags are benign, small, soft growths that resemble moles and appear on various parts of the body.

Written by Facemed Clinic Scientific Team on Mar 9, 2021 - Reviewed by Dr. Christoforos Loizidis updated Nov 7, 2024 Clinical Dermatology Eczema - Atopic Dermatitis: Management & Treatment Vitiligo: What is it and how is it treated? Psoriasis: Factors, Symptoms, and Treatment HPV - Genital Warts: Images Skin Tags VIEW ALL

Can a mole transform into melanoma?

A mole, even a dysplastic one with an irregular shape and color, cannot transform into melanoma. However, in its initial stage, melanoma mimics the appearance of dysplastic moles, meaning it "hides" in a harmless form until it clearly manifests with a different color and shape.

After mole removal or excision, is there a possibility of cancer appearing?

When a mole is removed, there is no risk of melanoma appearing at that specific site, as both the borders of the mole and the deeper layers of the skin where the mole was located are removed.

How can I tell if it's a dysplastic mole or melanoma?

The distinction cannot be made with the naked eye. It should be made after an examination by a dermatologist using a dermatoscope, or when there are many moles, regular monitoring is performed with mole mapping.

Is it normal for a person to develop new moles during their lifetime, or for existing ones to change?

Yes, it is absolutely normal, since on average new moles can appear up to the age of 40-50. After this age, moles may even regress or disappear completely.

Are moles on the genitals dangerous?

If they are indeed moles, then there is no serious cause for concern, provided that an examination by a dermatologist for a correct diagnosis is performed. Dysplastic moles on the genitals may resemble warts, which are lesions caused by the HPV virus, one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, an examination by a Dermatologist - Venereologist is essential!