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:
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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
Excuse me, after the procedure, can I exercise normally? I have the mole in the breast area.
This will depend on the type of procedure used. If stitches are not used, it's usually not a problem.
Hello, I'm writing because four weeks ago I had a mole removed from my face. Now the scab has fallen off, but it still has the same pigment and it itches. I've been using the cream my dermatologist prescribed and a lot of sunscreen. But I don't understand why it itches and the pigment hasn't disappeared; it still looks brown.
Hello Juliana,
In your case, I have no doubt that the best decision you can make is to go back to the dermatologist who removed the mole and have her assess what is happening to you.
A year ago, I had a mole on my back cauterized because it bothered me and disturbed me while sleeping. The dermatologist just looked at it and told me it could be removed to avoid problems. I had it removed and then cauterized. Now, a year later, I feel an itch near the area and notice a lump. I took a photo, and it looks like the mole has reformed. Is that normal? Is there a possibility it could be cancer?
Dear Sherley,
First of all, it is very important to get a more complete medical history and see the results of the histological study (under the microscope) of the mole that was removed a year ago. Without a doubt, it needs to be looked at again by a dermatologist to rule out anything serious. If you are in Barcelona, I will be delighted to visit you.
Best regards
Hello, good morning,
I had a mole removed 6 months ago, but the skin where the mole was is still pink. Will it stay that way, or how long will it take to return to my natural skin tone?
Hi Erick,
Healing can be a long process that can take anywhere from a few months to 2 years. Therefore, what you are experiencing is normal. As long as the wound remains pink, it is very important to protect yourself from the sun to prevent pigmentation.
Hello. Well, I have a flat mole on my lower lip and I don't like it aesthetically. Could I have it removed without scarring?
Hello Linda. First, it's important to evaluate your mole to see the possibilities of removing it. In general, any surgical procedure will always leave a mark/scar. Depending on the type of mole, it can sometimes be imperceptible. But it's always important to evaluate it on a case-by-case basis.
Best regards
Hi, could you give me some advice?
I'm telling you that I have a mole on my cheek, and I've already had the corresponding tests done by a doctor. The problem is that she needs to do a mini-surgery, and according to what they told me, the scar will be three times the size of my mole. Besides that, they told me that I don't have expression lines in that part of my face and that it would be a bit more difficult to try and hide it. But I'm still left with a doubt: will I feel like the skin is stretched out in the end? Additionally, if I'm not careful, could the scar darken? I know I have to take care of it, but how long after the mini-surgery should I be worried about the area darkening?
Hello,
I hope you are doing very well. I don't know the exact type of mole and the type of surgery you will have, but in general I can answer the following.
Scar care begins the same day as surgery. For the first few days, you must follow the wound care guidelines as indicated by the professional. Subsequently, and for a period of 3-6 months, it is very important to protect the scar from the sun, and in my opinion, use silicone patches or sheets during this entire period to improve healing. Nowadays, dermatologists are also using laser-assisted scar healing to obtain even better results.
Best regards
Good afternoon. About 10 years ago, a mole appeared on my brow. It sometimes turns a greenish color and bleeds. Can I have it removed?
Hi Jesy,
Every time we are faced with a mole that bleeds, we have to go to the dermatologist to be sure it is not a Lunar bad. During the visit, they can tell you how to remove it.
Good morning, Doctor.
I have a concern, I have a mole near my eye. I have already visited a doctor who recommended laser treatment. I have also visited another doctor who offered me treatment with a scalpel and fine stitches. Which of the two would you recommend? LASER OR SCALPEL?
What I don't want is for there to be a large scar, and for the mole to reappear.
I await your response, please.
Thank you
Dear Marcia,
That's an excellent question. However, the answer isn't that simple because it depends on two things. Firstly, it depends on the type of mole, whether it's raised or flat, and its specific diagnosis. Secondly, it also depends on the professional, as some colleagues have a lot of experience using a scalpel and achieve incredible results, while others are more comfortable with lasers and also get excellent results.
I believe that in your case, you should consider which specialist gave you more confidence and with whom you felt more comfortable.
Best regards
Good afternoon.,
I have a mole near my eye. It's transparent, and I'd like to know if I can remove it since it bothers me at times.
It has grown and is now the size of a pencil eraser.
What do you advise me? Can I remove it with vinegar?
Hello,
The most important thing with an injury that is growing and causing discomfort is to have it evaluated by a specialist. There can be multiple diagnoses, and it's always good to confirm that it is a benign mole. I never recommend removing skin lesions without them being evaluated by a specialist first, especially not with home remedies. Here is the explanation in an article as to why.
I have a mole with black hairs on the left side of my lip since childhood, and it has grown a little now. Can I have it removed? Thank you.
Dear Felipe,
In principle, it shouldn't be a problem, but above all, it's important to assess this mole to see the surgical options and evaluate the risk of scarring.
Hello,
A family member had a nevus surgically removed from approximately the space between the 3rd and 4th toes. It was sent for biopsy, and the result was a benign nevus. I've been looking at their foot, and it seems like it's growing back; a pigmented spot is visible. Can it grow back? In this case, what should we do? Thank you in advance.
Hello Pilar,
What they should do is visit a dermatologist. It's possible that after surgery the scar can regain pigment, and also if the mole wasn't completely removed, it could grow back a little. During an in-person visit, we can get a better look at these changes.
Best regards
Hello,
I would like to have a mole removed from my forehead. Could you please provide me with the contact information for a professional?
Hello,
Of course, My appointment is located in Barcelona, Spain.. I will be happy to assist you. Best regards
Sebastián, I have several warty moles, as I call them, on my back and chest. They don't bother me, but now that I'm at the gym and losing fat, they're becoming more noticeable.
I'm afraid of surgery, what do you advise me?
Hi Paco,
I recommend that you first go to a Dermatologist specialist so that I can evaluate these moles and see what type they are. If they are warty as you say, there are many techniques to remove them very easily, without pain and with very good aesthetic results.
Good day. A few years ago, I went to the dermatologist, and she removed or burned off a mole on my nose. She told me that if it had roots, it would grow back. Indeed, it did grow back. What can I do? Is there a way to get rid of it permanently?
Hi Barbara,
Indeed, when a mole is incompletely removed, there is a possibility that it will grow back. In these cases, the procedure can be repeated or CO2 ablative laser can be used to remove it. Of course, first and foremost, it is important for a dermatologist to evaluate it with dermatoscopy to ensure it is a benign mole.
Best regards
Good morning, I would like to inquire about the following. About two years ago, a mole was removed from my forehead. The subsequent analysis revealed it to be malignant, but with clear margins. Therefore, the dermatologist reassured me, saying it had been completely removed.
Lately, I've noticed a small lump in the area that's a bit uncomfortable to touch and shows very slight redness.
I must tell you that I always use SPF 50 sunscreen, and even a hat when I plan to be outdoors for a long time.
I've tried to make an appointment with the dermatologist, but I wouldn't be able to get one for a few months, so I'm reaching out here in hopes of getting an answer sooner.
Very grateful
Dear José,
I hope you are doing very well. This week I am inaugurating telemedicine service so that I can get closer to patients like you and resolve these doubts professionally. Ideally, it would be good to have the original report of the malignant mole and also current high-resolution photographs to be able to evaluate it. In the With the following link, you will be able to make the virtual consultation..
Best regards
Do it right now. If your own dermatologist can't, go to another one. Go to the emergency room if you have to, don't put it off, it might be nothing or it might be quite serious.
Hello, I had some small, flat moles removed from my face a few days ago. The dermatologist performed a punch excision procedure because they needed to be removed from the root. Of course, they left small holes, but they are already drying up and healing little by little. They were small moles. Do you think I might have a very noticeable scar? Thank you.
Hi Samuel,
I believe that if you take good care of your wounds as your dermatologist indicated and protect yourself from the sun for a few months, your wounds should heal very well.
Hello
I just had my mole removed from my nose. I had it done with laser 1 week ago and it's red around where the mole was, and inside there are some remaining bits of the mole that I imagine will dry up and fall off. I wanted to know if this is normal?
And what are the risks of roots causing cancer? That's what I heard, and obviously
Hi Giuliana,
I hope you are very well. Regarding the evolution of your mole, I can't comment much without seeing it in person. You need to consult with the professional who performed your treatment.
Regarding the second question. There is no increased risk of future cancer, and the probability of develop a melanoma it will be the same as any other mole on the body. It is always fundamental that before removing any mole Correctly examined by a dermatologist with dermatoscopy.
Best regards