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.
Download my free photoprotection guide
Access my complete guide to photoprotection, where I share all my exclusive tips and recommendations - get it now!
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, I had a mole removed but my stitches are burning, is that normal?
Hello Liz, it's normal to have some discomfort the first few days after surgery. If the pain and discomfort persist or increase, it's advisable to discuss it with your doctor.
Best regards
Hi Doctor, I have a question. I have some flat moles on my face that have been there since I was little. Most of them are quite small and they don't bother me much, but I have one that's a bit larger on my cheek that I really don't like aesthetically. Another doctor already diagnosed it as benign and said there's no medical need to remove it, however, for aesthetic reasons, I would like to get rid of it. Is there a way to remove it? What do you think would be the best option? Thank you very much.
Hello Xabier,
To know if it can be removed and the best way to do it, I need to see this mole first. Normally, if they are flat moles, surgery with stitches is required, and the aesthetic result will depend on several factors. If you'd like, we can do a online written visit and send me some photos or also one In-person visit in Barcelona.
Best regards
Hello doctor, I have a question. I have a café au lait mole around my eye, what do you think would be the best option for me?
Dear José,
If it is indeed a congenital café-au-lait spot, there aren't many treatment options available. But may I ask, has a specialist confirmed this diagnosis for you? Usually, what we see around the eyes are Nevus of Ota.
Best regards
Good evening, doctor, I have a question: I have a mole that appeared about 10 years ago under my lower eyelid. I've noticed that it has grown in the last year, and even more in the last month. Would you consider it dangerous to remove it?
Hello Marcelo,
For any mole that is growing, it is necessary to have it checked by a dermatologist for a correct diagnosis. Depending on this, the possibility of removing it can be evaluated.
Good afternoon, Doctor.
I wanted to ask you about the post-operative care after microsurgery. Yesterday, I had a mole removed that had been growing as I grew, and they put in stitches. They only told me to clean the wound every day with povidone-iodine, hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol. I wanted to ask if the cleaning should only be done once a day or if it should be done in the morning and at night, and what is the best way to perform the cleaning. I would greatly appreciate your help.
Thank you very much, first of all.
Dear Bryana,
I hope you are doing very well. The truth is there isn't a single universal guideline for surgical scar care. The important thing is to follow the recommendations your dermatologist has given you, depending on the type of surgery you had.
Best regards
Good evening, Doctor! I found your page while searching for information on moles. I wanted to ask you, I have a mole on the sole of my foot that appeared approximately 6 years ago. The dermatologist who saw it recommended surgery and biopsy. How dangerous or risky can it be to have a mole on the sole of the foot?
Hello Glenda,
A mole on the sole of the foot is just as dangerous than any other mole on our body. Historically, we've been told that moles on the feet are more dangerous, but nowadays we know that's not the case. The problem is that many patients with melanoma or other skin cancer on their feet may take a long time to seek medical attention, and the cases we see may be more advanced due to a delayed diagnosis of a malignant lesion. In any case, if you have a mole or spot larger than 5mm or that appeared in adulthood and continues to grow, it's important to consult your dermatologist. I've also written an article with Diagnostic clues for identifying a malignant mole.
Best regards
Good morning.
In my case, I have a mole on my cheek, which also protrudes a little because of a follicle, I think that's what it's called, where hair grows. They recommended that I first remove the hair with laser, in case this reduces the «inflammation» and makes it less visible, and then, if I'm still not happy with its appearance, remove it with Plasma IQ laser.
Do you think it's good to remove mole hair with a diode laser?
Hello Marta. Laser hair removal will depend a bit on the color of the mole. To be able to give you a recommendation, it would be best to see it. Regarding mole removal, I only recommend doing it with dermatologists and never burning them without a clear diagnosis. In this article I'll leave you the explanation of why it's important to analyze moles.
Dear doctor, my case is simple. I have a mole on my lower lip. It's flat and not benign. Aesthetically, I don't like it and it makes me feel insecure. It's hereditary, as my parents have it too. What home or natural remedy would you recommend? The truth is that it causes me a lot of insecurity problems. I've been using aloe on the mole, and it seems to have lightened a bit. I've tried apple cider vinegar, but it stings when I apply it. Please help me eliminate it naturally 🙁
Hello Linda,
I hope you are doing very well. Your mole is possibly a benign melanocytic nevus or mole; however, I won't know for sure until I can examine it. Generally speaking, the only effective way to treat these moles is through a surgical procedure or laser treatment, depending on the shape and location of the mole.
What it is never recommended I'm not going to try to remove moles of this type with home remedies for many reasons. In fact, this question is so common that I've written a full article on why you shouldn't use home remedies for mole removal. Please, I ask that you read it and consult with a professional to resolve your problem.
Best regards
Good afternoon, doctor.
Your article is very interesting and important.
Here's the situation: I have a flat, round, bluish-black mole or nevus about 4mm in size on my nose, specifically on the front right side. I don't really remember how it appeared, although I think it was suddenly (when I was about 19 or 20 years old) because I don't recall having anything there. I've had it for over 30 years, and it hasn't grown. I've seen several dermatologists, but they advised against removing it because the scar would be less aesthetic and larger than the mole. One of the dermatologists told me it was a broken and clotted blood vessel.
The truth is, I often feel self-conscious, more and more so because it's very noticeable and I can't hide it with makeup.
What would you recommend?
Thank you very much.
Dear Inma,
I imagine you don't like this mole and would like to do something about it. To be sure of the diagnosis and the possibilities of having surgery, it would be necessary to see you. You can find my contact information in the contact section.
Best regards
Hello Doctor, thank you very much for your article, very clear and precise. I would like to discuss my case with you. I have a mole on the upper part of my lip (not attached, above the corner of my mouth). I am 22 years old and have always had it, but it has grown as I have. I haven't had any problems with it; I've had it checked, and dermatologists say it's benign. The issue is that it's always been rather large, and I don't know if it would be better (aesthetically and for future health) to remove it. In one appointment, the dermatologist told me that given the type of mole, if it were removed with a laser, it could grow back, and worse. Therefore, they advised surgery, but with the drawback that it would include a larger scar (around 1 cm) since they would be able to remove the entire mole. I honestly don't know what to do. She tells me that aesthetically it might be better to remove it, but that it would be exchanging a mole for a scar, which could be quite large, and I don't tend to scar well.
What would you advise me, Doctor? Thank you very much for your attention.
Hi Luisa,
Without a doubt, it's a difficult decision, but let's review a few points:
1- Removing a mole for health reasons: We only remove moles for health reasons when we can. to think it is a malignant mole. If a dermatologist has already examined it and found it to be fine, there is no medical or preventive reason to remove this mole.
2- Aesthetics: Therefore, if there is no health concern, the only reason to remove this mole is for aesthetic purposes. Depending on its exact location, size, and depth, one technique or another can be chosen for its removal. Without seeing your specific case, I cannot give you personalized recommendations, however, if you wish, you can request a written visit and I will be able to evaluate your photos and give you a personalized response.
3- In case of mole removal: In the event of mole removal in a visible area like the face, we want the best possible outcome and for the scar to be as unnoticeable as possible. For this reason, you will use silicone sheets for several months to improve healing, and I would recommend using lasers (laser-assisted healing) in the months following surgery. This way, we greatly improve the appearance of the scars.
Best regards and I hope I have answered your questions.
Hello, could you help me? 13 days ago, three moles were removed from my face. They were removed with a scalpel and I had stitches. The moles were smaller than a pencil eraser and were located near my nose (two below the nose and one to the side).
My question is: After how long can I start resuming my activities? I take yoga classes and, well, right now due to the pandemic, I have to wear a mask outside, but I don't know if there's a problem with wearing it since I also have to resume my work activities, and I don't know if wearing it will help my wounds heal well.
The doctor told me I could do yoga and that to go out, I should put a gauze pad to cover the wounds so they wouldn't get contaminated by bacteria in the mouth when talking. But I'd like a second opinion to avoid any risks. Thank you very much!!!
Hello Tan,
I hope you are doing very well. I think your doctor's recommendations are excellent. Once the stitches are removed, you can perfectly return to your daily activities and play sports without any issues. It's important that during the healing process (3-6 months), you protect yourself a lot from the sun (by covering up or using SPF 50+ sunscreen) and use a scar cream or silicone sheets like the ones I've posted on this blog. The more we care for scars in the first few months, the better they will look. For larger scars, we also offer laser-assisted healing, but in your case, it's not necessary.
Hello, I have a mole near my lip. I went to two dermatologists, and they both said the only way to remove it is with an incision because it's benign and has a root that would supposedly grow back. I don't want to do it that way because I understand it leaves a bigger scar than laser treatment. I read that if it did grow back, it would just be a matter of using the laser again. Can this be done?
I would love for you to resolve my doubt, perhaps it's the technology in my province that's the problem, or the professionals are outdated with their methods. 🙁
Hi Flor,
Good afternoon. To be able to make the best decision on how to remove your mole, I need to see it to make a correct pre-surgical diagnosis. But generally speaking, CO2 laser or simple surgical techniques can have very good results depending on who performs them. There are excellent dermatologists and surgeons who, by making surgical incisions, leave very subtle scars. I also have colleagues who are big fans of the CO2 laser and also achieve excellent results.
The most important thing here is that you feel comfortable with the professional performing the lesion excision, whether it's with a laser or surgery. Additionally, it's important that the professional has a good diagnosis of the mole, which we achieve with a thorough dermatoscopic examination and a mole biopsy. If you have any doubts and want me to examine your mole, you can go to the section online visit and request a written consultation with me. 😃
I hope I was able to help you. Best regards.
Dear Doctor, I have a question. Six months ago, I had a birthmark removed with a CO2 laser, and now the area has turned brown. It appears to have grown back. Six months ago, the dermatologist who removed it told me that a biopsy was not necessary... but now I'm feeling insecure.
Would you recommend I have it lasered off again, or would it be better to have it surgically removed for a biopsy? What are the consequences of having a mole removed with a laser without a biopsy? Would malignant cells spread rapidly throughout my body without me knowing? I'm worried.
Thank you for your attention.
Dear Jessy,
I would be more at ease if a dermatologist had seen it and examined it with a dermatoscope before you removed it. Often, when a mole is removed with a CO2 laser, there can be a repigmentation of the scar, which is called a «recurrent melanocytic nevus.» The important thing, whenever we have these cases, is to go to the dermatologist who performed the procedure to assess whether this repigmentation is normal or has any suspicious component. It is likely a benign pigmentation, but the only way to know for sure is during a consultation. For now, you shouldn't assume you have anything serious until the mole is examined.
Best regards
Thank you for your response, Doctor. Actually, you didn't examine it with a dermatoscope. One last question: if it were a «recurrent melanocytic nevus,» would you recommend treating it with laser again? Or what should I do? My appointment is still next month.
Thank you very much.
Hello Jessy, it's difficult for me to recommend anything further without assessing your lesion with a dermatoscope. If it is indeed a recurrent melanocytic nevus, we could try a shave biopsy or laser again. However, this will depend heavily on the clinical and dermatoscopic appearance.
Hello. If I remove a mole, will more grow back?
Hi Fran. Not at all! If you remove a mole, more don't have to appear just because you removed it.
Greetings
Hello, good day.
I have a mole on my neck since I was little, it's a bit raised and a few hairs grow from it. I'd like to know if it can be removed with CO2 laser or only with surgery. On the other hand, I'd like to know if I could continue playing sports during the healing process, since between the mask and the sweat, I'd be a little afraid of it getting infected given these factors. Thank you
Dear Javier,
To know which therapeutic method is best, it's necessary to evaluate it in person. However, if the mole is raised and has hairs, it's very likely that it can be removed with a laser.