Edit Mole removal treatment

<p><strong>Mole Removal Options/Techniques</strong></p> <p>Depending on the nature of the mole being removed, there are a number of options as follows:</p> <p><strong>Cryotherapy / Freezing</strong></p> <p>The use of liquid nitrogen to <a title="freeze" href="/treatment/cryopen-cryotherapy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">freeze</a> the skin lesion is predominantly for warts and skin tags; but can be used on some types of moles such as seborrheaic keratosis to remove them quickly and cheaply. Not commonly used for other types of moles such as intradermal naevi or compound naevi.</p> <p><strong>Laser Mole Removal</strong></p> <p>Laser mole removal is generally recommended for smaller, flatter and lighter-coloured moles that are being removed for cosmetic reasons. A major advantage of laser mole removal is that it leaves a neat result with minimal scarring compared to the surgical options.  There is a small risk of recurrence but patients are often happy with the result.</p> <p>After examination, the doctor or surgeon will choose the most appropriate laser technology depending on the mole. The lasers that can be used are generally <a title="IPL (Intense Pulse Light)" href="/treatment/laser-skin-rejuvenation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IPL (Intense Pulse Light)</a>, KTP (potassium titanyl phosphate) or ND-Yag laser. These all emit specific wavelengths of light to target the darker <a title="pigment" href="/conditions/pigmentation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pigment</a> in the skin and evaporate it. Laser is also cauterises the wound which means that it wound is left with almost no bleeding and heals quickly.</p> <p><strong>Shave Excision Surgery</strong></p> <p>Raised moles or those that protrude from the skin are suited to removal via shave excision surgery.</p> <p>Normally a tiny injection of local anaesthetic is used to numb the area, and then a special scalpel / surgical blade is used for a tangential excision removing the mole to leave flat, mole-free skin without any stitches.</p> <p>The procedure only takes a few minutes and the wound takes 7-10 days to heal with mild pink redness for 3-4 weeks that gradually fade over the coming months to leave a small or negligible scar.</p> <p><strong>Ellipse Excision Surgery</strong></p> <p>Ellipse excision surgery is the most invasive option of the three. It is normally chosen for suspicious moles or those that are not suitable for laser or shave excision.</p> <p>After a small local injection, the mole is removed using a scalpel. A skilled surgeon will seek to remove the entire mole in one go and then bring together the skin with tiny dissolvable stitches before covering with a dressing. The procedure takes about 20 minutes. After initial healing, the scarring will continue to fade to leave a thin white line instead of a mole.</p>

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