Mole Removal
Moles are pigmented groups of cells that appear on the skin, often before the age of 20. Most moles are brown although some may appear black, blue, or skin-colored. Generally, moles are harmless and you won’t suffer any pain or discomfort unless something rubs against them.
Skin tags are harmless flaps of soft skin that rise above the skin surface on a narrow stalk. The reason for their appearance is not known, but they commonly occur in the armpits and body folds, and also on the trunk and neck.
Facial plastic and reconstruction surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian provides mole and skin tag removal to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding communities.
Should You Remove Moles or Skin Tags?
If the mole or skin tag is not causing you any discomfort, you need not do anything about it. Sometimes, skin tags get enmeshed in jewelry or clothing causing pain and irritation of the skin. In such situations, or if you feel the skin tag mars your appearance, you may choose skin tag removal surgery.
Moles that have remained unchanged do not need removal. If you find a particular mole has changed in size, shape or color compared to the others, have it examined by a doctor. If necessary, the surgeon will perform a biopsy to rule out the presence of cancer.
How is Mole and Skin Tag Surgery Done?
Skin tags are generally snipped off using surgical scissors or a scalpel. Moles may be shaved off the skin. Deeper moles need to be excised out of the skin to prevent their re-growth. When a cut is made, it will require to be stitched with sutures.
Electro surgery involves the passing of an electric current through a wire which is then used to burn away the skin. For skin tags, the stem holding the tag is burnt away, detaching the tag. For moles, the upper skin layers are burned off. Multiple sessions may be necessary for complete mole removal.
Burning may be slightly painful and therefore, the doctor numbs the area with local anesthesia before the procedure. Surgeons may choose to spray or swab the mole with liquid nitrogen in super-cold condition. A small blister forms due to the freezing and this later falls off on its own, healing the skin below.
In case there is any bleeding, the surgeon applies some medication to stop it and bandages the area. The skin tag and mole removal procedures rarely leave any visible marks or scars.
Don’t Remove Moles and Skin Tags at Home
Cutting off skin tags with nail clippers or using mole removal pastes can be dangerous. It may cause bleeding and scarring and infections of the skin. It is best to have your moles examined by the surgeon who can then decide if it needs removal and carry out a safe procedure in their office.
Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for mole and skin tag removal.
Contact Us For a Consultation with Southern California Facial Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian
For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.
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