Some people call them beauty marks, others call them moles. Whatever you call them, they all look similar, but some are harmless and others are cancerous and require immediate removal. The average person has 10 to 40 moles on their body, and some have even more. Whether you want to or you need to get rid of your mole, we can help. At Orlando Dermatology in Orlando, FL, we will make your mole removal quick and painless.

How Long Does a Mole Removal Take?

If you don’t like how your moles look, or you are worried about your health because of a mole, we can help. Typically, a mole removal from start to finish can take up to an hour, depending on your particular mole or how many moles you are having treated. We know that a mole removal appointment is one of the last things you look forward to in any given week, which is why we do everything possible to make the entire process as painless as possible.

What Is a Mole?

In technical terms, moles are called nevi. Moles are a group of skin cells that can take on different appearances. When it comes to location, they have no preference and can appear anywhere on the body. They appear in some of the most seemingly unlikely places including the scalp, the area between the fingers and the toes, and even under the nails.

Color, Shape, and Size

Some moles are flat, some are raised, but most are round or oval-shaped and come in varying sizes. Most moles are brown, but they can also appear as pink, red, black, blue, or tan marks on the skin. It’s completely normal for a mole’s size, shape, and color to evolve over time. Some changes can be completely normal and result from hormones.

Other changes can also be indicators of melanoma, in which case your mole may need to be further evaluated. The best way to avoid an issue with your moles is to schedule an annual appointment to get them checked. During these appointments, one of our skilled dermatologists can examine your moles, look for any changes in their appearance, and help determine if mole removal is necessary to preserve your health.

What Happens During a Typical Mole Removal Treatment?

Your treatment will begin with a consultation. We’ll ask you some questions about your mole to get more information, including how long you’ve had it, if it has changed at all, and whether you’ve ever experienced a removal treatment before. We’ll also discuss your health, family history, and your sun exposure history so that we can learn more about your skin. A questionable mole will have certain characteristics that most likely will require removal.

If this is the case, we can do one of two things. We can perform a mole biopsy to test it for cancer and then remove it, or we can remove it altogether and test it later. We’ll determine this during your consultation. If your mole is benign, and you want to remove it for cosmetic concerns, we can move forward and remove it. We will discuss the treatment in detail so that you know exactly what to expect.

Your Treatment

Once your consultation is complete and we develop a treatment plan for you, we will schedule your appointment. There are different ways to remove a mole, but generally, the treatment steps are the same. First, we’ll analyze the mole to gather some key information about it. We’ll measure it, map it, photograph it, and then clean the area.

To ensure that you remain as comfortable as possible during the treatment, we’ll use local anesthesia to numb the surrounding area so that you don’t feel a thing. Then, we’ll use the best method to remove your mole so that you get the best results.

Are There Any Aftercare Requirements?

There are some directives that you should follow after your treatment to get the best results. Once your removal is complete, we’ll typically put a bandage on to cover your mole. We’ll also provide you with a list of aftercare requirements so that you get the best results once the area heals. Depending on the location of your mole removal, you may be asked to avoid showering or getting the treatment area wet for at least 48 hours.

We may also ask that you avoid exercise for a few days. We will also give you complete instructions on how to clean your mole and care for the surrounding area. You should also stay out of the sun following your treatment so that you get the best results and can protect your skin so that it can heal quickly.

Schedule Your Consultation

Moles can’t always be prevented, but they can always be removed. If you have a mole that’s causing you discomfort, annoyance, or self-consciousness, we can remove it quickly and easily. If you have a questionable mole that’s causing you concern, we can analyze it and remove it so that you can stay healthy. Contact us today at Orlando Dermatology in Orlando, FL, and schedule your initial consultation with one of our experts to learn more about mole removal.