Mole Removal New York City

Mole Removal
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Abnormal or unsightly moles can generally be excised in a brief and straightforward outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia by Dr. rience in skin cancer treatment, particularly in the treatment of malignant melanoma. Dr. Rapaport’s experience and expertise in skin cancer treatment makes him an ideal specialist for the identification and treatment of both “normal” non-cancerous moles and “abnormal” pre-cancerous moles. Along with his knowledge of skin cancer treatment, Dr. Rapaport’s aptitude for cosmetic surgery enables him to minimize the potential of an unsightly scar formation during the mole removal.
When Should You Choose to Remove a Mole?
Most moles are benign or non-cancerous. That said, because there is always a possibility that a mole is cancerous, it is best to get medical advice if you notice a mole that suddenly changes in size, shape or color, bleeds, itches, or becomes painful.
Types of Moles and Their Characteristics
Skin Tags
Skin tags are small growths that generally have small and narrow stalks. Skin tags are usually skin-colored, but may also be darker in color, and are usually painless.
Flat Moles
Raised Moles
The Mole Removal Procedure
Mole removal surgery and recovery generally is simple. If the depth of the mole merits an excision, stitches are used for closure and are left in for approximately one week. If the mole is superficial, it may be shaved, and no stitch will be required. In these cases, the mole removal site will form a scab that will fall off within a week. Once the scab comes off, the underling area is usually a pink or reddish color, which may take several weeks to blend in with the surrounding skin. Regardless of the technique used for mole removal, the area should be kept clean and protected from the sun with a high SPF.
A Warning About Shaving Moles
As noted above, it is possible to remove a mole by “shaving” it off. Shaving a mole offers the advantage of not having sutures, but has the clear disadvantage that if the mole extends beneath the surface of the skin, as most do, it will predictably grow back, usually within weeks of being shaved off. It is for this reason that does not recommend shaving off moles. Many patients who go to a dermatologist complaining of moles will end up having the moles shaved, because many dermatologists are not comfortable with performing excisions and fine suture closure. Many dermatologists deal with these moles by performing what is called a “deep shave.” This means that the lesion is essentially “scooped out,” with the shave extending lower than the surface of the skin. While this is more likely than a flat shave to remove the entire mole, the resulting scar is generally quite unfavorable, appearing as an indentation in the skin, much like a chicken pox scar. does not perform deep shaves for the reasons noted above.
How Long Does a Mole Removal Take?
Mole removal surgery generally takes less than half an hour.
Anesthesia
es local anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the mole removal process. Many patients also opt to take an oral medication (such as Valium or Ativan) before the procedure starts to be more relaxed.
Where is the Mole Removal Procedure Performed?