Mole surgery can be done to remove moles that are bothersome. However, apart from purely aesthetic or aesthetic reasons, this procedure is also sometimes performed for medical reasons. Especially if the mole is suspected of being skin cancer.
Moles are small spots no more than 5 millimeters in size, brown or black in color, and round or oval in shape that can appear anywhere on the skin.
Moles are formed from cells that produce color or skin pigment called melanocytes. The appearance of moles is actually not a serious condition, because normal moles are not cancerous.
This is a sign of an abnormal mole
The following are some signs of abnormal moles that need to be watched out for and must be removed by mole surgery, namely:
- Measuring more than 6 millimeters.
- Irregular shape.
- Moles become hard, itchy, or bleed.
- Moles change shape or color.
- The skin around the mole becomes dry or scaly.
Generally, doctors will recommend mole surgery if they detect the characteristics of a mole that is suspected of being skin cancer. After the abnormal tissue is removed, the doctor may perform a biopsy to determine whether the mole is cancerous or not.
Mole Surgery Procedures According to Medical Rules
A number of ways can be done to remove moles, but it depends on the shape, size, and location of the mole on the body.
Before surgery, the doctor will first see the condition of the mole and the patient's skin. If there is no change in shape, color, and size, and is not suspected of being skin cancer, generally the mole does not need surgery because it is considered harmless.
However, if the mole is suspected of being cancerous and has been confirmed through a biopsy, the doctor will recommend mole surgery.
There are several mole surgery procedures that are generally performed, namely:
- Shaving surgery (shave removal)This method can be used to remove small and slightly raised moles. Initially, the doctor will anesthetize the area to be removed by injecting a local anesthetic. Then, a scalpel is used to remove the entire mole. This surgery does not require stitches at the surgical site because the skin usually heals within a few weeks. However, the results of this mole surgery may cause scars.
- Excision surgeryMole surgery with surgical excision is done to remove larger moles. Like a surgical procedure of shaving, the doctor will use a scalpel to remove the mole to the roots. After surgery, the used skin area is covered with moles and will be sutured.
- Laser surgerySurgery using this laser is one way to remove moles that is often done. Laser use is done by shooting a special laser beam to the part of the body that is overgrown with moles to remove the pigment on the skin in that part.
Apart from the above methods, mole surgery can also be performed using frozen surgery and electrosurgery or cautery.
The operation of the mole above has several risks and complications, such as leaving scars on the skin, pain, and infection. However, surgery for smaller moles usually heals quickly and leaves only a small scar.
Tips for Preventing the Appearance of Moles
The existence of moles is generally based on genetic or hereditary factors. If moles appear because of these factors, then there is no way that can be done to prevent them.
However, for newly removed moles, there are some tips that can be done to prevent them from reappearing, namely:
- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when going out in the hot sun.
- Wear clothes that protect from the sun, such as hats, long-sleeved shirts, jackets with hoods, and long pants.
- Protect yourself in the shade and avoid exposure to direct sunlight under hot weather, which is around 10.00-16.00.
Mole surgery can be done as long as the mole you have is suspected of being dangerous or has the potential to become cancer. If you feel that the mole you have is abnormal, immediately consult a dermatologist for further examination and treatment.