Possibly you have ever wondered if you can remove that unsightly mole or wart that sticks out somewhere on your body. Or that maybe it gets irritated from time to time, starts to bleed or even black hairs come out of it.
I'm sure you have a solution! But first of all, the most important thing is to make a correct pre-surgical dermatological diagnosis to avoid problems in the future. Now I will explain why.
What will this article cover?
Why is it important to make an accurate diagnosis?
The first step for a successful treatment is to make a correct diagnosis of this wart or mole. There are different dermatological lesions that may present as raised lesions on the skin both benign as well as malignant.
There are many differential diagnoses of moles and warts and only a dermatologist is trained to diagnose them correctly.
Here are a few examples of some lesions that may look like moles on the face:
-
Dermal nevus -
Basal cell carcinoma -
Nodular melanoma -
Xanthelasma -
Seborrheic keratosis -
Dermal nevus -
Angioma -
Viral wart -
Acrocordones
As you can see, many times what we call moles or warts can have different diagnoses and therefore the treatment will be very different in each case. In some cases we can even find malignant lesions such as melanoma or basal cell carcinoma that can also present clinically as warts.
Therefore, it is important to consult a dermatologist before performing an operation on any lesion.. In our profession we are used to make accurate diagnoses by dermoscopy and in difficult cases even by confocal microscopy that will allow us to remove a mole safely.
The good news is that if we do everything correctly we can get very good results like the ones I show you below.
Is a mole or wart the same thing?
One of the things I see most often in my practice is patients who come in to have burn their "warts". However, lesions that patients interpret as warts are rarely warts. Knowing the difference between a mole and a wart is very important so that avoid applying treatments at home that may worsen the situation.
A mole is a group of cells called melanocytes. which are usually brown or black and can appear anywhere on the body. They usually appear before the age of 20 and most are benign.
On the other hand, the warts are viral lesions produced by the human papillomavirus (HPV). These warts have different clinical presentations depending on the site where they appear. In this way we can find them in the office:
- Palmar and plantar warts
- Genital warts (condyloma)
- Flat warts in children
It is important to know that viral warts are contagious and can continue to appear more if left untreated. But this is not what I will cover in this post.
How to remove a mole safely?
Once we have made the correct diagnosis of a dermal mole or other benign lesion we must choose the most appropriate procedure. There are different surgical techniques that should be assessed depending on the initial diagnosis of the lesion to achieve the best esthetic result.
Among the different surgical techniques we can find:
- Punch biopsy: A circular punch is placed over the mole to remove the mole with the smallest possible diameter.
- Excision by shaving (shave): We reserve it for raised lesions that look like warts in which we shave the lesion at the skin level. The aesthetic result is excellent.
- Surgical excision: We normally use it in flat lesions in which we need to remove the entire lesion to make a correct diagnosis. In this case stitches must be used.
- Ablative laser or CO2 laser: In benign and non-melanocytic skin lesions we can use the CO2 laser for vaporization. It has an excellent aesthetic result.
- Cryotherapy: Only in some benign lesions confirmed by dermoscopy can we apply cryotherapy. Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to generate extremely cold temperatures (-196°C) to destroy the cells. Although it is a quick and easy procedure to perform in the office, the aesthetic results are worse, so I prefer to use other methods.
Subsequently, all lesions that we remove require a histological study, i.e. a biopsy and microscopic examination to rule out signs of skin cancer. It is not uncommon for a skin cancer to appear on a mole and sometimes the only clue to the diagnosis is microscopic study of the lesion.
Do you want me to assess if your mole can be removed?
Removing flat or raised moles
Removing a flat mole and a raised mole are different procedures due to the unique characteristics of each type of mole. This is very important when deciding whether to remove a mole or leave it alone.
Removing flat moles
Flat moles are found deeper in the skin. In order to remove them we will need to make a deep incision to be able to remove the entire mole and analyze it correctly under the microscope.
Generally, in these cases, the removal of these moles tends to be avoided.The reason? Well, because removing them involves undergoing a slightly more complex surgical procedure. As illustrated in the image below, the challenge is that removing a flat mole requires the application of stitches, which inevitably results in the formation of a scar. Consequently, we remove flat moles when we suspect that there is any suspicion of malignancy.
Removing raised or dermal moles
Dermal moles rise above the surface of the skin giving a warty appearance. Although these moles can be much more noticeable, in most cases they do not represent a medical problem and their removal is simpler than that of flat molesThe most common options are laser surgery or surgical removal by shaving.
In the following illustration you can see how we perform a shaving procedure to remove a mole with relief.
What can I expect after mole removal?
Once a mole has been removed, there will be a phase of recovery or regeneration of the skin. During this phase the patient will play a key role as it will require a specific wound and scar care protocol to be followed.
Healing time after mole removal depends on the individual. Younger people tend to heal faster than older adults. And, of course, a larger incision will take longer to close than a smaller one. In general, a mole removal scar will take at least two to three weeks to heal.
If everything goes well, we can observe very good results as the following picture shows the result after removing a dermal nevus or mole with relief.
Initial phase of healing
During the initial phase (0-14 days) when we still have a scab or surgical stitches in place will be very important:
- Follow the guideline specific care that your doctor has left you when removing the mole.
- Avoid exposure of the scar to sunlight, as it can cause it to heal more slowly. It can also make the scar darker and more noticeable.
Recovery phase
The recovery phase will begin when the scab from a shaving wound has fallen off or when the surgeon has removed the stitches. Normally the healing process usually lasts from a few months to 1 year. It will be essential for your care:
Massage the wound
Massaging the scar can help to make it less hard and improve vascularization. You can do this 1 to 3 times a day by gently massaging the scar for 1-2 minutes.
Use silicone-based products
Silicone products, such as silicone sheets and gels, can improve healing and have been the most studied. You can use them under makeup and clothing and for a minimum period of 3 months.
- Silicone sheets: Silicone sheets can help make your scar smoother and flatter. To use a silicone sheet, cut it to the size of your scar and apply it over it. You can leave it on for up to 7 days without changing it. Some brands of silicone sheeting include Trofolastin silicone patches and the Cica-Care
- Silicone gels: To use a silicone gel, use it 2 times on your scar and let it dry. Some brands of silicone gels are Mederma silicone gel with sun protection and also Dermatix gel
Protect your scar from the sun
Laser-assisted healing
If you are very concerned about aesthetics, lasers can further aid in the treatment of surgical wounds by speeding recovery and improving scars. Acting quickly and performing them as soon as possible is advantageous, maximizing benefits and scar quality. If you have any questions you can ask us.
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Are there any risks when removing a mole?
The biggest risk after surgery is that the site may become infected and leave a visible scar. If you carefully follow the instructions we will give you to care for the wound until it heals, it is very rare for this to happen.
Will there be much scarring?
Whether from surgery or a scrape on the knee, all skin wounds can leave a scar. A scar is the body's natural way of closing the skin and healing a wound.
If you follow all the post-surgical instructions, the chances that you will be able to the wound heals well will be very high and will leave little mark. It is always important to talk to your dermatologist before any procedure to assess the risk of scarring depending on the location and size of the mole.
Can I remove my moles at home?
You should never apply an anti-wart treatment or try to remove something from your own skin if you do not know the diagnosis. Many times we find in the consultation with moles very irritated by treatment that do not correspond and end up leaving a scar or residual hyperpigmentation. This is something we see very frequently in our office and that is why I decided to write the following article: Why is it not a good idea to remove a mole at home?
But not all concerns are aesthetic. The biggest problem associated with removing something from your skin on your own is that there is no way of knowing whether you are removing a benign lesion or a malignant one. At the Melanoma Unit of the Hospital Clínic de Barcelona we repeatedly encounter patients or people not trained to make a proper diagnosis who burn malignant lesions. This leads to late diagnosis of malignant lesions that can be potentially fatal.
Messages for home
In conclusion, I always recommend you to go to a dermatologist to correctly assess your moles or other skin lesions and choose together the best treatment for your case.
If you plan to have a mole removed, talk to your dermatologist about your options for minimizing scarring. Share your concerns up front and ask what you can do after the procedure to help make the scar as faint and small as possible.
353 Responses
I have a mole on the edge of my eyelid. It's black and growing. Sometimes it itches. I had it removed with a laser 10 years ago, but it grew back.
Hi Sara,
If you have a mole that is growing and itching, it is an important reason to have it evaluated by a In-person dermatologist with dermatoscopy. It surely won't be anything bad, but it's worth checking to be sure.
Doctor, good evening.
I have a mole on my upper left eyelid, meaning above my eye. 2 to 3 cm in diameter. Completely circular.
My question is, if I remove the mole through surgery, when it comes time to suture, will one eyebrow look lower than the other?
I am 25 years old, fair-skinned.,
Hello Alexia,
If it is indeed 2-3 cm and is a melanocytic nevus, it would be good.
Anyway, I don't think it's an easy thing and it's better to be appreciated in person.
Best regards
Good evening, how are you? I would like to ask you a question about a mole my daughter has on her head and part of her face. She is 3 months old. Is it malignant or benign? Thank you.
Hello Jazmin,
First and foremost, and to help put your mind at ease, it's important to know that it's extremely rare to have a malignant mole during childhood. Most of the time, they are congenital nevi (benign) that do not require any follow-up. However, to make the correct diagnosis, it is always recommended that a specialist examine it in person and using dermatoscopy.
Therefore, peace of mind above all and go to a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis
Good afternoon, approximately 3 years ago I had a mole removed that I always had. I did it for aesthetic reasons. I had it on the border between my nose and my cheek. Now, inside my nose at the height where I had the mole, something hard and bothersome is growing. Could it be a root? Or something like that?
Hello Maricel,
It depends on how it was initially removed. If it was removed by superficial shaving (without stitches), which is what we most frequently do for raised moles, it's possible that after many years it could grow back a little. In these cases, the ideal solution is for a specialist to evaluate it and review the mole if they deem it necessary.
Best regards
Good afternoon, I have a mole above my lip, which is a bit raised, and I would like to have it removed. When is the best time of year, and what would be the most suitable procedure? How long would it take to heal?
Thank you
Hello Beatriz,
The most important thing when evaluating your questions is to see the patient in person, assess their age, skin type, skin color, and fundamentally, make a good diagnosis of the lesion.
In general, the best time is in winter, as the sun can darken the wound. If you indeed have a mole, removing them with a CO2 laser or by shaving are very good options. And the healing will depend on many factors that you will need to discuss during your consultation with your dermatologist.
Best regards
Hello, I have a raised mole between my eyebrows, I was wondering if it can be removed, and if it will leave a scar. Should I go to the dermatologist?
Hi Maria,
When answering your questions, it is always recommended that you consult a dermatologist to evaluate the lesion you want to remove. In our consultation, we will assess the diagnosis and your skin type, and based on this, we will determine the optimal treatment for its removal and the risk of scarring.
Best regards
Hi, I have a mole on my cheek a few centimeters from my nose; it's about a centimeter in size. I've had it for as long as I can remember, and it hasn't caused me any pain or discomfort to date. It just seems a bit unsightly to me. I'd like to know the cost to remove it, please.
Dear Mariana,
To assess whether it can be removed, I need to see you in person. The price varies slightly depending on whether a microscopic study of the mole is necessary and the technique used for its removal. You can find out more calling the clinic where I work.
Yesterday I decided to cut off something that looks like what's called an angioma in the photos you published in your article... after I cut it, I applied a cotton ball with alcohol and tape, and after all night, this morning it was still bleeding when I removed the bandage... but after a while of letting it bleed, it stopped... Now that I've read your article, I'll look into going to a dermatologist tomorrow, lol, because I have another smaller one next to the one I cut off, and I have some more in other parts of my body.
Hello Gregory,
Yes, the problem with removing them that way is that there's no way to stop the bleeding afterward, and we also won't know the diagnosis. I'm glad you've decided to go to the dermatologist so they can evaluate them and give you the correct treatment. If you want to know more about the topic, I wrote a article dedicated to hemangiomas.
Best regards
Hello, I would like to know what procedure I can follow to remove a mole that has appeared on my forehead between my eyebrows for some time now. A few days ago I went to the dermatologist to address this issue, and they didn't give it much importance, saying that I could end up with a scar on my face. I also went to remove a small wart I had, and they removed it using cryotherapy. I still have the wart and I don't know if this is normal or if I'm not healing it properly. I am also concerned about the possibility of a scar, as I have seen that it is not a very aesthetically pleasing method.
Hello Patricia,
Regarding the mole on your forehead, it will surely be benign, and the only reason to remove it would be for cosmetic purposes. To assess the risk of scarring and how it will look, we need to see the mole. This will allow us to evaluate if it can be removed safely.
As for warts, cryotherapy is an effective method for removing them; however, we often cannot be 100% sure whether they will be completely removed. In these cases, it’s best to follow up with your dermatologist for a repeat treatment session. In my daily clinical practice, I prefer to remove them with a laser or electrosurgical unit because I have better control over the depth, and I can tell right then and there during the appointment whether they’ll be completely removed.
Greetings
Hi, I have a mole on the left side of my nose, in the middle, and I'd like to have it removed.
But I don't know if there will be consequences if I remove it.
I await your response
Thank you
Hi Crystal,
To determine treatment options and the possibility of scarring, it is always essential to assess the mole in person. Depending on the type of mole or other skin lesion, it will be possible to establish whether it can be removed and what potential complications/consequences there may be.
Best regards
I just had a mole removed by cauterization. It's been 2 months, but a little spot has reappeared. Can the mole grow back in the same place?
Dear Alex. If a mole has been removed by cauterization, the «roots» of the mole always remain in the skin. It can happen that it repigments and has an unusual brown to black color. Or, it can also happen that it grows back outwards like a wart.
As I always say, one of the most important things is to have a good diagnosis of the lesions before removing them, and especially when burning them with a method like cauterization. Any doubts regarding your treatment should be discussed with your dermatologist.
Best regards
I have a mole on the side of my nose that looks like a wart, and I'd like to remove it, but because of my young age, I don't know if it can be done.
Hello Estrella,
When we remove a mole for aesthetic reasons, we always consider its characteristics to offer the best treatment. Age is not normally a limiting factor in these procedures. If the specialist who evaluates you believes it is easy to remove and can do so without problems despite your age.
Best regards
Excellent article, Doctor.
Tomorrow I'm going to the dermatologist. I've had what looks like a skin tag on my back for a week, but I'm starting to worry because I've noticed it's irritated and has been bleeding a lot the last few days.
Your article has helped me to see the bigger picture better and not get too scared anymore. Grateful once again.
Hello Daniel,
I'm very glad the article helped you. It's always important to see a dermatologist when lesions change or become irritated, but the most frequent diagnoses are usually benign. So you're doing perfectly, and it's always best to have it checked by a specialist.
Best regards
Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you a question. I had a mole removed using the cauterization method. Two days have passed, and I realized it wasn't completely removed. What are the risks? Can it be treated again?
Hola Silvia,
First of all, it would be good to know if what was removed is indeed a melanocytic nevus. If so, it is always recommended to have a microscopic study of it to be sure of the correct diagnosis. Without a diagnosis of the lesion, I cannot comment much further, but usually, reoperation is possible.
I have a mole near my anus, it's protruding.
I would like it removed, but because it's close to the anus, I'm afraid of it getting infected.
Hi Manuel,
In principle, there are no problems with performing a procedure in this area. Your doctor should provide you with guidelines for specific aftercare to prevent infection.