Mole Removal &
Examinations
Our board-certified dermatologists perform mole removal and examination on men and women living in and around Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Kendall, in order to check for cancer and restore self-confidence.
What Is a Mole Removal?
Moles are formed by a cluster of skin cells that produce melanin called melanocytes. While melanin is what gives skin its pigmentation when evenly distributed, when it clumps together it forms moles. Moles are usually benign and vary in size, shape, and color. They can protrude or lay flat on the surface of the skin and may appear anywhere on the body.
Mole removal is the surgical process of removing moles either by shaving them off the surface of the skin or by surgically excising them. The procedure depends on the type of mole and the health concerns it may pose.
WHY ARE MOLES EXAMINED?
While most moles are benign and pose no health risks, others may be malignant or prone to turn into cancer. When moles are removed, it is best to have them examined to see if they contain cancer cells. If in fact, they are malignant, the moles are removed to eradicate cancer cells.
BENEFITS OF MOLE REMOVAL AND EXAMINATION
Mole removal and examination can prevent skin cancers from spreading to other parts of the body when caught early. Mole removal offers the following benefits:
Increases self-confidence
Removes protruding moles
Eliminates any skin irritation to moles from rubbing or catching on clothing or jewelry
Reduces the risk of cancer
HOW IS MOLE REMOVAL PERFORMED?
Mole removal is performed using several methods depending on the type and depth of the mole. The most common procedures to remove moles involve excision, shaving, and laser treatments. During a consultation, one of the dermatologists at Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute will decide the best option for mole removal after a thorough evaluation. The procedure may or may not involve stitches and typically takes no more than an hour to complete based on the extent of the mole being removed and if there are multiple moles that need to be removed.
HOW ARE MOLES EXAMINED?
While most moles are benign and pose no health risk, it is always beneficial to have them examined in a lab to check for any sign of cancerous cells. It is important for anyone over the age of 40 to have a total body exam to examine moles on the body. At Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute, we utilize an imaging device that allows us to look at moles to detect cancer. Additionally, we take photographs of moles to follow over time to see if they change. These methods of examining moles can help in detecting and preventing skin cancer.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM MOLE REMOVAL AND EXAMINATION?
With mole removal and examination, the recovery is very quick. Any discomfort requires only over-the-counter pain relievers for a couple of days. The wound typically heals within two weeks and may leave a small, unnoticeable scar that fades over time. A physician or staff member typically contacts patients once the results are complete to let them know whether or not the mole was pre-cancerous.
AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR MOLE REMOVAL AND EXAMINATION?
If you have a mole that makes you self-conscious about your appearance or one with which you are concerned, we recommend you schedule a consultation with Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute to have it evaluated.
If you’re a resident living in and around Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Kendall and are concerned about a mole on your body, contact one of our board-certified dermatologists at Miami Dermatology and Laser Institute to schedule your mole examination.
