Mole Treatments
Moles are common skin growths that typically appear black or brown. Although most moles are benign, removal is often the best course of treatment to prevent complications.
It is usually quite easy to remove moles surgically. Usually there is a trade involved – removing the mole in exchange for a small scar. If the mole is large and the scar will be less noticeable, then it is a good trade. If the mole is tiny, it may not be reasonable to get a small scar.
Mole Removal Methods
There are generally two ways to remove moles (nevi).
The Most Common Method
The most common method is to take the mole off flat with the skin after numbing with local anesthesia. Usually this method leaves an almost invisible or barely noticeable scar in place of the mole. Healing usually takes one to two weeks and the site may be pink or brown for several months but does fade and return to its original color.
Disadvantages to removing moles with this method include the possibility of it growing back in the future, but if that happens, the same procedure can be repeated with an excellent cosmetic result. Additionally hair follicles are not removed, so if the hair growing from the site is bothersome you have choices.
Other Mole Removal OptionsÂ
In some cases tweezing or cutting the hair is the easiest solution.
Other options include electrolysis of the hair or perhaps laser hair removal. If neither option is appealing, then there is another type of surgical removal of the mole.
This second method involves taking a small cookie-cutter like instrument that is approximately the same size as the mole and removing the entire mole. Prior to the procedure the area is numbed with local anesthesia.
The wound is then closed with sutures (stitches).
The disadvantage to this second method is that it leaves more of an obvious scar, but it also depends on the location of the mole. On some areas of the face and body, these scars can be easy to hide while other areas are quite difficult.
Your dermatologist can advise you on what would be the best option for you.
Most of the time you do not need a plastic surgeon to remove a mole unless it is in a particularly bad location.
LEARN MORE AT YOUR CONSULTATION IN ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ TODAY
Skill and precision are essential when removing a mole. To schedule a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist, contact our office today.
OTHER Medical DERMATOLOGY
Mohs Surgery
Mohs surgery is the most effective treatment for certain types of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States and around the world. While dangerous, skin cancer is treatable with early detection.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) is a medical treatment that involves two steps: the use of a light-sensitive drug and the application of a light source to destroy abnormal cells.
Phototherapy
The narrowband phototherapy lightbox is Scherl Dermatology’s latest innovative treatment. Carefully controlled, it is an extremely effective tool for treating inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.Â
Eczema
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that involves irritated and itchy patches of skin.
Rosacea
Many people suffer from rosacea. It is not contagious, but there is some evidence to suggest that it is inherited. There is no known cause or cure for rosacea.Â
Rash
“Rash” is a general term for a wide variety of skin conditions. A rash refers to a change that affects the skin and may appear as a red patch, small bumps or blisters on the skin.Â
Warts
Warts (Verrucae) are common growths that are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). These can commonly involve the fingers, hands, feet, while certain strains can cause genital warts.
Skin Growths
REMEMBER you may have multiple types of bumps and bumps and some that may not be listed here:
- Small, hard, white bumps (milia)
- Enlarged oil glands (sebaceous hyperplasia)
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease characterized by itchy or sore patches of various sizes. Often theses patches of skin have, silvery scales.
Thousands of People in the Metro Area Trust
Scherl Dermatology
CONTACT US
Scherl Dermatology
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
Same-Day Appointments Now Available
CONTACT US
Scherl Dermatology
140 Sylvan Ave. Suite 302,
Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
Same-Day Appointments Now Available
Scherl Dermatology
©2024 Schweiger Dermatology Group. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | The information available on this website is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to replace a medical consultation where a physician's judgment may advise you about specific disorders, conditions and or treatment options. We hope the information will be useful for you to become more educated about your healthcare decisions. If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact us at 201.568.8400 .