Although generally harmless, moles can be quite annoying, especially if they are large. However, moles should not be arbitrarily removed. Learn how to safely remove moles so they don't cause scars and infections.
Moles are small black or brown patches or bumps on the skin. Moles can form anywhere, either singly or in groups. Usually, moles appear before the age of 20 years, but can also appear since infancy.
Most people have 10–40 moles and some of them can change or fade over time. Moles themselves are generally benign and harmless. However, there are also moles that are malignant, namely melanoma skin cancer, and must be removed.
If the mole is not malignant, the decision to remove the mole depends on the individual. However, if the mole changes color, size, and thickness, even to the point of causing pain or bleeding, immediately consult a doctor for further treatment.
Some Ways to Get Rid of Moles
Some ways to remove moles require a relatively short time and without hospitalization. The following are some ways to remove moles that you can make choices:
1. Shaving excision
This method of removing moles uses a thin tool such as a razor with a small electrode at the end to slice the mole. After the procedure, the doctor will examine the mole under a microscope for signs of skin cancer.
2. Surgical excision
If the mole is large, the doctor will use the surgical excision method. The doctor will anesthetize the area around the mole, then cut the mole and the surrounding skin tissue with a scalpel. After that, the doctor will close the surgical wound with stitches.
Usually, the doctor will check for signs of skin cancer. If it refers to skin cancer, the doctor will recommend a skin biopsy to confirm it.
3. Frozen surgery with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy)
The frozen surgical procedure is performed by spraying very cold liquid nitrogen on the mole you want to remove. Later, this liquid nitrogen will work by destroying the tissue, so the mole can be lost.
After the frozen surgical procedure is performed, the skin will develop blisters the size of a mole. However, you don't need to worry because these blisters will heal on their own in about 7–10 days.
4. Electrosurgery (cautery)
Another way to remove moles is to burn the skin layer on the mole, also known as cauterization.
In this procedure, the doctor will anesthetize the area of skin around the mole site, then apply electricity through a metal instrument to the skin tissue. This technique will dry the skin and make the brown spots on the skin come off.
5. Laser surgery
This technique uses a laser beam to destroy the mole cells on the surface of the skin. However, laser surgery carries the risk of scarring and hyperpigmentation of the skin, so you need to consider carefully if you want to remove moles in this way.
The risk that can arise after undergoing the above method of removing moles is a scar infection. Therefore, it is important to keep the wound clean and covered. In addition, scar tissue and discoloration of the skin can also appear on surgical scars.
The mole removal procedure is a medical procedure that must be performed by a dermatologist or surgeon. You are not advised to remove moles yourself at home, because there is a risk of infection and bleeding.
The doctor's considerations and explanations about how to remove moles need to be used as a reference so that you don't feel doubt or regret it in the future. If you experience complaints due to moles, you can consult a doctor for advice on the right treatment.