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
Hello Doctor
My.
The doctor (not a dermatologist) said it.
The mole or wart is small, round, black, symmetrical, and grows to the same size each time it appears.
What could it be?
Thank you
Dear Carlos,
My recommendation in this case is that you go to the dermatologist so they can examine your child. . Many different diagnoses come to mind, and it's impossible to say anything without seeing you in person.
Best regards
Thank you for your prompt response.
Hello
Hello Maria Jose,
As for the area, it can surely be removed. But as I explain in this article, the most important thing Before removing a protruding lesion, a good diagnosis must be made.
Best regards
Good morning, about a month and a half ago, I had a mole cauterization procedure. A scab formed, and I used sunscreen every day. In fact, I tried not to go out much. But a black mark appeared where the mole used to be. It looks like it grew back. What could have happened? Thank you very much.
Dear Cristian,
Despite taking the correct protective measures, it is possible that in a percentage of moles removed by electrocauterization, a phenomenon called «recurrent melanocytic nevus, recurrent nevus, or pseudomelanoma». This happens because the melanocytes of the mole that remain in the wound regrow in an abnormal pattern. The main problem is that any dermatologist who sees this type of pigmentation will see it as abnormal and may mistake it for a «bad mole.» That is why it is important for your dermatologist to examine it and for all lesions removed from the body, especially moles, to be examined under a microscope.
Based on your description, I imagine you have this recurrent nevus phenomenon. To be sure, I would have to see it in person or you would have to go to your referring dermatologist.
Best regards
Best regards
Good afternoon, doctor. On April 13th, several moles were removed from my face. They are healing well, but I notice a reddish color in those areas. I would like to know how long it takes to heal completely or if that color will remain there permanently. I also don't know if I can use any scar cream yet, as the doctor prescribed me Fitostimuline. I'm unsure if I should continue applying it for scarring or if it was just for when I was recovering from the scabs. Thank you.
Hi Lyzeth,
I'll answer your questions. The reddish color after mole removal is a normal phenomenon and can persist for a few months. The important thing during this stage is to use the regenerative creams that your doctor has given you, or even silicone patches or gels, which improve healing. Furthermore, it is essential that you protect yourself from the sun a lot throughout the regeneration process and always use sunscreen.
Best regards
Hello
Good evening
I have a mole above my lip on the left side of my face. It's a raised mole, and I'd like to have it removed. What procedure should I follow, and what would be the cost?
Hello Yessenia,
It is certainly possible to remove the mole, but to determine the best method for doing so, an in-person visit is necessary. My query is located in Barcelona, Spain in case you need more information.
Good afternoon, my three-year-old son has a mole on the sole of his left foot. It appeared two years ago, measures approximately 1cm, is elongated in shape, and has brown and black coloration. It was analyzed by a dermatologist using a dermatoscope (dysplastic melanocytic nevus), and she suggests removing it. For this, we contacted a plastic surgeon who suggests performing the removal under general anesthesia due to my son's age. My question is whether it is necessary to remove it. Thank you very much.
Dear Hector,
First of all, I have to say that this is a very difficult question to answer without assessing your child in person.
Moles in children are relatively common but are a major cause of concern among parents. Today we know that malignant lesions in children are very infrequent, and from a dermatological perspective, if we don't see criteria for malignancy in the moles, we prefer to use a Periodic digital dermatoscopic monitoring or even do more specific techniques like confocal microscopy.
In conclusion, without visiting your son in person, I cannot make a recommendation on the course of action.
Best regards
Very grateful for your response
Happy to help. Best regards, Hector.
Hello doctor, a few weeks ago I had two moles removed near my lip and nose. They were removed with a scalpel and then I had one stitch in each. Four days ago the stitches were removed and the scab has fallen off. What I've noticed is that one of them looks a bit raised, like a pimple. My question is whether it will stay like this or become smooth later on. The other one is fine. I am applying a scar cream that the doctor prescribed.
Dear Lorena,
The most recommended thing in your case is to have the doctor who removed the mole examine it. If there are any complications, it's best to get it checked as soon as possible, as that's when we can best treat these things.
Greetings
Good evening. Since I was a child, I had a mole between the edge of my nose and my cheek. It was removed with a scalpel over 3 years ago, but now I have something like a wart in the same spot, but on the inside of my nostril. Could this be the root of the mole, or a new mole? It inevitably gets touched and causes me pain all over my cheek, up to my eye on that side.
Hello Maricel,
In your case, it's necessary to see it in person. Several possible diagnoses come to mind, and one of them is that it could be a residual part of a mole that was removed. But you should definitely have it checked by a dermatologist.
Greetings
Hello! Good evening
I have a mole near my lip that has grown a little and become raised.
I like it, however I wish it would go back to how it was before (smaller than it is now). Is there a way to make the mole smaller?
Can it only be completely removed?
I would appreciate a response
Greetings!
Hi Maria,
That's a very good question. Unfortunately, we don't have effective ways to reduce the size of a mole and return it to how it was before. It's very common for moles on the face to become raised over time, and in these cases, what we do is remove it.
Best regards
Hello Sebastian, I'm 40 years old, and five years ago, very small moles started appearing under my eye in the tear trough area. I stretched one of them 🤦🏻♀️, and it became large and very dark (black). I don't know if I should get surgery; it's very unsightly, and it itches. Thanks for your comments.
Hello Rebeca,
Based on what you're telling me, it would be strange if they were moles. They are most likely skin tags or fibromas. It would definitely be a good idea for you to get them checked out, and if the diagnosis is confirmed, they can be treated with a laser or a similar technique.
Best regards
Good afternoon
First, thank you for your quick response!
I'm left with 3 questions, I was hoping you could resolve them for me:
The most important one is this:
If a mole is removed, can cancer appear where that mole was? And if it can appear, would it be visible? I mean, would a spot form again? If it's burned off with a laser, for example, is that area more prone to developing cancer?«
Are melanocytic nevi like a spot that has a slight elevation in the center?
Regarding other injuries, those that theoretically could be removed, is there a risk of scarring? As I've read here, it's best to do it in winter, right?
Thank you
Greetings
Hi Juan,
I'll answer you point by point
1- If a mole is removed, can cancer appear where that mole was?
The area where a mole has been removed is not more prone to developing cancer. The problem is that sometimes nevi are not analyzed under a microscope, and we could miss a cancer diagnosis. That is why we should always perform a microscopic histological study when dealing with a melanocytic lesion.
2- Are melanocytic nevi like a spot that has a bit of elevation in the center?
Melanocytic nevi can take on many shapes and colors. It is necessary for an expert to examine you using dermatoscopy to make an adequate diagnosis of each lesion on your skin.
3.
Whenever we perform a procedure, a scar will remain. However, it can be barely visible if we do everything correctly and the patient follows the aftercare instructions. One important thing is to protect it from the sun, which is why we sometimes prefer to do it in winter.
Hello,
I have a lot of moles, some raised and some flat. On one arm, I can have about 30. I think I'm getting more and more all the time. In the last month, 4 bright red ones have appeared on my chest, about 4-6 cm apart on the shorter side. Is it normal for more to keep appearing? Can some be removed, since I have so many and I'm not comfortable with how they look?.
I've seen two dermatologists; one told me that some of them were skin tags and could be removed, while another dermatologist told me they couldn't be removed without a biopsy.
If a mole is removed, can cancer appear where that mole was? And if it can appear, would it be.
I have a «keratosis» on my leg, about 4 mm, according to what they told me. Can that be burned off too?
I am 32 years old and recently had surgery for a basal cell carcinoma on my forehead. I have fair skin and hardly.
Hi Juan,
Based on what you've explained, I can summarize your history as a patient with a background of non-melanoma skin cancer, and you also have many moles and different types of benign skin lesions. Given your history, regular follow-up with dermatology would be recommended.
Regarding the different injuries:
Melanocytic moles can be removed without problems as long as they are analyzed under a microscope afterward.
Different benign skin lesions should be evaluated by a specialist, and if the diagnosis is clear (acrochordons, seborrheic keratoses, or angiomas), they can be removed without further analysis using laser, cryotherapy, or electrocautery.
Best regards
Good afternoon.,
I had a viral wart removed by surgery and received stitches. My question is, can I exercise?
Thank you,
Greetings!
Dear Paulina,
As long as you have points, it is recommended that you do not exercise.
Good afternoon, I have a mole on my neck and I've been recommended to remove it by excision and stitches. Could it leave a very large scar?
Hello Andrea,
Regardless of any type of surgery, some kind of scar will always remain. Scarring will depend on several factors such as:
– From the doctor: Perform a neat surgical approach, using intradermal sutures if possible and following the skin tension lines.
– Patient: Perform wound dressings correctly and following the doctor's instructions. Protect it from the sun over the next few months. Use silicone patches for faster healing. In some cases, even guide recovery with laser to reduce scarring.
Best regards
Hello, I have a mole on my eyelid (it's in the middle). It's black and protrudes, and it's round. I've had it since birth, and as I've grown, it has grown a little. But now that I'm an adult, it has stopped growing.
I would like to know if it
I would appreciate your response
Good afternoon Somin,
It is most likely a congenital nevus. Depending on its size and specific location, it could be removed, but only by experts. If they are very large, we usually work with plastic surgeons or ophthalmologists who specialize in eyelid surgery (oculoplastic surgeons). It would be worth seeing it in person to evaluate whether surgery is appropriate.
Best regards