Dermatology-Online

Remove the mole

Synonyms

Birthmark, mal, nevus (= Mal, plural Nevi, Nevus cell nevus, pigmentosus nevus, junctional nevus, compound nevus, dermal nevus
Medical: Navus
English: liver spot, beauty spot

Removal of a mole

In principle, the acquired moles do not have to be removed as they are usually benign in nature.

However, if it is suspected that it has converted to skin cancer, the nevus is surgically removed (Excision). (see also: Mole and skin cancer) A safety distance of a few millimeters is maintained and the material is then examined microscopically in order to reliably determine any degeneration.

The patient's wish to remove the cosmetically disturbing mole (without suspicion of degeneration) is also a reason for excision. Here, too, a microscopic examination should be carried out afterwards.

It is also recommended to cut out the mole that is constantly subject to trauma, for example on the soles of the feet.

In all other cases, i.e. if there is no risk of skin cancer, self-observation by the patient and, if necessary, regular checks by the dermatologist is sufficient.

The therapy is similar for congenital moles. But since there is an increased risk of degeneration, the mole should be checked regularly by the dermatologist, ideally using photo documentation.

Smaller changes can be surgically removed from the age of 12, larger changes should be done from the 6th month of life. However, if skin cancer is suspected, the moles must be removed immediately.

Overall, with regard to the excision, the risks for the presence or development of skin cancer, for the operation and the cosmetic risk must be weighed.

Methods of removal

Especially suspicious Moles should be removed and used histological Examination to be sent to the testing laboratory. The largest number of liver spots are usually normal at first, and regular check-ups by a dermatologist are sufficient. The removal of inconspicuous moles for cosmetic reasons in one of the numerous beauty and beauty institutes should be given sufficient consideration.
Probably the oldest method of removing moles is that Excision, that is, cutting out the suspicious area. Here, the superficial skin area is first used Local anesthetic injected under to numb the skin area. Usually means will be like Lidocaine or Scandicain used. Before and after the anesthetic, the relevant skin area is generously disinfected and an appropriate exposure time is observed. Then a scalpel is used to cut around the mole and then the corresponding skin area is levered out or pulled off with tweezers. It is important to note that the entire mole is reached and removed deep down. Depending on the size of the cut-out area, the skin must then have one or two small ones Seams which are then supplied after 7-10 days can be withdrawn after the wound has healed. Usually, depending on the suturing technique used, a small scar remains. The most gentle is the so-called intracutaneous suture, where there is only one puncture point and one puncture point. The entire thread runs under the skin. There is no larger scar.

A newer method is that Laser technologywhich aims at the sole removal of the mole. Here, however no samples can be obtained for histological examinations. Hence a statement about a possible malignancy not possible. For this reason, laser removal occurs almost exclusively with the cosmetic mole removal for use. Through the laser treatment, the Pigments of the mole is dispersed in the skin, a wound is not created during the laser treatment, a suture is therefore not necessary.

With both removal methods, the surgical site is covered with a Association covered that 1-2 days should remain on the skin area. The mole removal is a less risky Intervention. But it can always be too Secondary bleeding or Skin irritation (especially after laser surgery). After the surgical removal of the mole, it can become too Wound healing disorders come, which in some rare cases have to be reoperated. Blood-thinning medication should be discontinued 2-3 days before the procedure to avoid complications.

Distance with the laser

Laser removal of moles is growing in popularity. Hardly any other method eliminates the disturbing skin symptoms so quickly, painlessly and with few side effects.

However, the procedure is not suitable for everyone Moles! In contrast to surgical removal (Excision), no subsequent histological assessment is possible after laser removal. There is thus the possibility that dangerous black skin cancer (melanoma) will be removed unnoticed and not treated further.

Therefore, dark moles may only be removed after a careful assessment by specialists, i.e. dermatologists. We strongly advise against having laser treatments performed in cosmetic studios or by other, non-medical personnel. Particularly large and noticeable moles are also not suitable for this method.

Before the laser treatment begins, your dermatologist will thoroughly disinfect the affected area. Local anesthesia may be required, and the application of a pain reliever cream is usually sufficient. As a rule, those affected only feel a slight burning or tingling sensation during this time. After treatment, the wound heals on its own within 7-10 days.

Scar after removal of a mole

After removing one or more moles, many sufferers are understandably afraid of leaving scars. Concerns are particularly great in the face area.

Nowadays, however, small and superficial skin symptoms can in many cases be removed without scarring. In the meantime, threads can often be dispensed with, particularly in the case of minor interventions in the facial area. Even in the context of laser treatments, only very rarely relevant visible scars remain. If the removal of moles results in larger wounds and sutures have to be used, more cosmetically more appealing results can be achieved with special intracutaneous sutures.

However, the larger the mole to be removed, the more likely it is that a permanent scar will remain. In addition to the visible size, the depth is also decisive. Because the deeper a mole grows vertically into the tissue, the deeper the dermatologist has to cut with a scalpel.

In order to achieve optimal wound healing, the sutures must then remain in place for a sufficiently long time. The following overview can serve as an orientation aid for the optimum time to remove the seam:

Face: 7-10 days
Neck and throat: 10-14 days
Remaining head: 7-10 days
Trunk: 10-12 days
Limbs: 12-16 days

Find out more now: Scar care

Different creams after removal

After a mole removal, the treating dermatologist will usually give you individual advice on care along the way. Usually, a nourishing wound and healing ointment, such as e.g. Bepanthen®, applied. A plaster then often remains on the wound for several days, so that the additional use of nourishing cream is not necessary.

After wearing the patch, you should still ensure that you have adequate sun protection with a high sun protection factor.

If larger scars remain after removing the mole, nourishing creams or oils can be used. They keep the scar supple and support the tissue in healing.

Cost of mole removal

If you have decided to have one or more moles removed, the question of possible costs quickly arises. Unfortunately, no uniform cost information can be given.

Basically, however: As soon as your treating dermatologist determines a medical need for the removal of the mole, your health insurance company will cover the costs.
Medical necessity, stands in most cases for the so-called "Risk of degeneration". This means that behind the supposedly harmless mole, either a preliminary stage of skin cancer or even actual skin cancer could be hidden. Studies have also shown that the number of liver spots can be seen as the strongest factor in the development of skin cancer.
In case of doubt, the suspicious mole is removed and then pathological (microscopic) so that clarity quickly regarding the "Question skin cancer“Arises.

Cosmetic removals, on the other hand, have to be paid for by those affected. In particular, aesthetic aspects play no role. Exceptions can be very large or disfiguring moles.

What should you watch out for when it comes to sport?

Active people, in particular, want to post as soon as possible Mole removal resume their sporting activities. But when is sport even allowed? Ultimately, the final cosmetic result depends crucially on the external conditions of the wound healing! Unsightly, bulging or "excessive" scarring can be caused by tearing open the wound edges, e.g. when exercising, are favored.

It is therefore advisable to refrain from exercising for the first few days or weeks. Of course, the location and size of the wound must also be taken into account. E.g. after removing small moles from the face, often after a few days with the sport.

However, if scars on e.g. areas with more intensive activity, such as If your legs or arms are lying down, you should avoid exercising for a longer period. Simply speak to your dermatologist, he will be happy to give you an individual recommendation!