Treating Moles

We now offer a new mole examination technique utilizing state-of-the-art E.L.M. (Epiluminescence) microscope for more in-depth evaluations.

Most moles are harmless and safe to ignore. Moles may be treated under the following conditions:

1. A mole that has bled, has an unusual shape, is growing rapidly, or changing color noticeably is giving warning signs of possible malignancy.
2. A mole that is irritated by your clothing, comb, or razor is only a nuisance, but Dr. Ellerin can remove it to prevent ongoing irritation.
3. A mole that is unsightly can be removed for "cosmetic reasons."

Treating a protruding mole is a simple procedure. After numbing the skin, the doctor removes the projecting part of the mole with scissors or a scalpel. He may, as a matter of course, send the removed portion to a laboratory for microscopic examination. The wound heals to leave a flat mole, but the color generally remains the same. As a rule, dark moles leave dark spots.

Complete destruction of a mole requires removing the full thickness of skin. The resulting scar may be more noticeable than the mole was. For that reason, I avoid complete removal of facial moles and urge you to forget about treatment. Instead, think of moles as beauty spots.

Moles sometimes grow annoyingly coarse hair, and it may be safely removed by shaving or plucking. Permanent removal of the hair, which has roots deep within the skin, requires electrolysis or complete surgical excision of the mole.