If your skin is prone to moles, you may want to look into having one or more removed. There are various reasons to have mole removal Miami treatments and several different techniques that are used depending on the size, shape, condition, and location of the mole. Biotech Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center in Bay Harbor Islands, FL uses the latest technology to quickly and safely remove moles on all areas of the body for anyone in the Miami, Coral Gables, and Sunny Isles area.
Procedures for Mole Removal Miami
Excision
This type of mole removal Miami is surgical and local anesthesia is typically used. The mole will be cut out using surgical tools. This type of removal is usually done when the mole in question may be cancerous or may develop into cancer. The medical team may take some extra skin near the mole to send to a lab for testing. This is to make sure that no cancer cells exist in the surrounding skin.
Shaving
One way of removing a mole is for the medical team to shave the surface of the skin where the mole sits. This is done using a sharp scalpal and the mole is shaved away slowly in layers. Before this treatment, anesthesia will be applied to keep you comfortable.
Punching
Punching is sometimes used with larger moles that are deeper than the superficial layer of the skin. This treatment makes use of a special tool that is shaped like a cylinder. It is used to take out the skin cells by popping the tool onto the mole. Topical or local anesthesia may be used in this treatment.
Freezing
Sometimes moles can be frozen off the skin. This method is usually used for small, superficial moles. The medical team sprays the mole with liquid nitrogen that causes the mole to slowly disintegrate.
Laser
Lasers can be used to remove moles with light radiation. A laser sends rays of light into the mole. This treatment is often completed in several applications and is best for moles in areas other than the face. This approach works best with moles that are small and flat.
Reasons for Mole Removal Miami
Potential Skin Cancer
One common reason for removing a mole is that it looks like it could potentially contain skin cancer or develop skin cancer in the future. When a mole is oddly shaped or has an undefined border, the mole may be cancerous. Other signs are that the mole contains a variety of colors or that the mole is unusually large.
Cancerous moles may also turn into sores that bleed or crust and do not heal over several weeks. Any mole that changes in size, color, or shape should be checked out by a medical professional because it could be a sign of skin cancer that should be taken care of as soon as possible.
Irritation
Sometimes moles need to be removed because they can cause irritation or even pain. This may occur during shaving when moles are on the face. It may also occur when moles get caught on zippers or clothing while you are getting dressed. Additionally, the mole may be in a place where it rubs during exercise or certain movements.
In addition to being annoying, a mole that gets irritated may crack or split. This can invite infection or cause a rash.
Cosmetic
You may also want to have a mole removed simply because you are not comfortable with the mole used. This is often done with moles that are on the face or the neck, but a mole can be removed from any part of the body.
Reasons to See a Professional for Removing Your Mole
Identify Skin Cancer
One reason to have your mole looked at by a professional rather than trying an at-home removal kit is that someone with experience will be able to identify skin cancer. If you have a mole that is bothering you, you will want to make sure that it is non-cancerous. A professional is trained to identify any suspicious attributes of the mole and take the appropriate actions.
If you try to remove a mole at home and it does contain cancerous cells, you are taking the risk of spreading cancer through your attempts at removal. This is a dangerous situation.
Protect Against Infection
A professional understands how to remove a mole without inviting infection. Sterilized equipment is used in a professional office, so you don’t have to worry about moving bacteria into the mole with the tools that are used. A professional will also be able to advise you about how to care for the treated area after the removal so that infections will not begin.
In some cases, you may be given a prescription antibiotic or other medication to protect the area from becoming infected.
Scarring
The professional performing your treatment will also be able to give you advice and information about how to treat the area after the removal to prevent scarring. You will be advised about creams and other topical treatments that can significantly reduce scars.
Consultation
Examination
When you come in for your scheduled consultation, the medical team will do an examination of the area to be treated. This is important because the mole will need to be assessed for its risk of being cancerous as well as to determine the best approach to removing it. The professional will look at the mole and talk to you about what part of your body it is on and how it looks. Then together you can decide on the best approach.
At this time, the professional may also recommend that a biopsy be done on the mole if cancer is a possibility. Sometimes this can be done in a medical office and other times the treatment must be performed in a lab.
Information
Come to your first appointment with certain information that will help determine the right approach to your mole as well as help the medical team understand your overall fitness and personal needs. You will want to bring a list of any prescription or over-the-counter medications that are you taking. It should include any supplements or vitamins. This is to be sure that nothing you are taking will interfere with the treatment.
You will also want to be prepared with information about any other moles you have had removed and any other skin treatments you have had in the past. Bring a list of dates, treatments, and outcomes of these times. This will help the medical team understand your history with moles and skin problems. If you have a biopsy report or other medical documentation, bring that to your appointment as well.
Questions to Ask
There are certain questions you will want to ask the medical team at your consultation. This may include asking about any research you should do including visiting websites or reading brochures about treatment recommendations. You may also want to ask whether they think the mole could be cancerous or pre-cancerous and if the mole should be biopsied.
You should feel free to ask any questions at this time about alternative treatments or what the team believes is the best next step in your situation.
Questions to Answer
Expect to be asked several questions during your consultation so the professionals can assess your situation and make the best recommendations. You will be asked about your general health including any illnesses or conditions you have recently dealt with or are ongoing. You will also be asked if you smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, or take drugs.
You may be asked about any recent hospitalizations or injuries and whether you have allergies to any medications. Also be prepared to answer questions about when the mole first appeared and if there have been any changes to its color, size, or overall appearance. You will also be asked if the mole is painful or bothering you in any way.
Family History
Genetics and your family history play a role in the treatment of moles and skin cancer. You are more likely to have moles on your body if you have had family members who have skin similar to yours and have had moles. You are also more likely to develop skin cancer if relatives have had cancerous moles removed. Get as much information about those circumstances as you can.
Healing
Healing Time
The time it takes for the treated area will depend on the size of the mole and the way the removal was performed. You will probably be able to take off any bandages or wrappings within 24 to 48 hours after the treatment and you may have to visit the office again to have this done and to check the area.
In most cases, it will take a few weeks for the area where the mole was removed to heal completely.
Medications
The medical team may recommend that you use special creams or topical ointments after the treatment is done. They will give you instructions about how much to use and when to use it. You may also be given medication to take.
Sun Damage
It will be important after the treatment to be sure you keep the area away from direct sunlight. You will also want to carefully protect the rest of your skin because once you have a mole removed, the chances of having to repeat the treatment with additional moles are high. Be sure that you wear sunscreen every time you go outside, and also wear wide-brimmed hats and clothing that covers your moles.
Avoid anything like tanning beds or chemical treatments that can irritate the area or introduce harmful rays. This is important to keeping moles free of cancerous cells. Don’t spend time out in the sun without protecting yourself.
Facial Products
Let the treatment team know about any facial products you plan to use after your treatment has been completed. These may be cleansers, moisturizers, wrinkle creams, or serums. The medical professionals can tell you what is safe to use and how long to wait before you use products that are not gentle to the skin.
Mole Removal Miami
Whether you are concerned that your mole may be cancerous, your mole is irritating your, or you just don’t like the way a mole looks, you can easily have it removed. Contact Biotech Cosmetic Surgery and Laser Center in Bay Harbor Islands, FL to schedule a consultation. You will be able to ask questions about the moles you are considering having removed, and you be able to have the area examined and assessed. You will feel confident with recommendations from experienced professionals.