There are two primary approaches to mole removal: surgical excision and shave excision. Both methods have their own set of advantages and disadvantages, and its important to consult with your Dermatologist to determine which one is suitable for you.
Surgical Excision: Surgical excision is a commonly used technique for mole removal. After numbing and cleaning the area, your surgeon uses a scalpel to carefully detach the mole from your skin. Depending on the mole's type, they may remove a small portion of healthy skin around it to ensure complete removal of any abnormal cells. The mole is then lifted away using forceps. Some bleeding is normal, and your surgeon may apply pressure or use cauterization to stop the bleeding before closing the area with stitches.
Shave Excision: Shave excision is another common method for mole removal, and it is less invasive than surgical excision. In this procedure, your healthcare provider may shave off the mole's surface instead of making a deep cut. Shave excision can provide a tissue sample for analysis, and most people are satisfied with the results after the healing process. However, it may not be suitable for examining deep tumor margins or differentiating between various types of skin cancer.
For shave excision, your healthcare provider employs a single or double-bladed razor to gently remove the mole until it's flush with the surrounding skin. They may also use cauterization to enhance the appearance of any scars that may form after healing. Moles removed through shave excision have a slightly higher chance of recurrence compared to those removed through surgical excision.
Other Methods of Mole Removal: While some healthcare providers have used methods like lasers, electric current (cautery), or liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) in the past, these techniques are generally not recommended. These approaches do not provide a mole sample for analysis, making it difficult to identify the type of mole. Additionally, moles removed using these methods are more likely to return (recur). In some cases, benign moles that come back after non-surgical removal can exhibit characteristics of skin cancer.