However, if you have an unusual mole or one that’s changing rapidly, you should have it inspected by a health professional right away. Some abnormal moles can indicate the presence of cancer. Thankfully, most skin cancers are very treatable when they’re diagnosed and cared for early.
But, even if a mole is benign, you may want it removed for aesthetic reasons.
In either case, Farzin Kerendian, DO, FACOS, FAACS, can help. At Desired Beauty in Beverly Hills and Bakersfield, California, he performs mole removal and can send the tissue to a lab for skin cancer testing.
Reasons to have your moles removed
Below are the two most common reasons for removing moles:
Aesthetics
If your moles are harmless, but they bother you due to their location or appearance, you may want to have them removed. However, if you have a particularly large mole, you’ll need to consider whether you’d prefer the mole or a scar. While smaller moles can leave some scarring, the scarring tends to be more noticeable with the removal of large moles.
Cancer
If your mole is cancerous, you should have it removed. Furthermore, if you have risk factors for skin cancer, you should get routine skin checks, because some moles can become cancerous. Risk factors for skin cancer include:
- Family or personal history of skin cancer
- Having more than 50 moles
- Having a mole that changes in color, size, shape, or texture
- Getting lots of UV exposure via the sun or tanning booths
No matter your reason, Dr. Kerendian can discuss your concerns and discuss your next steps.
How mole removal works
At Desired Beauty, Dr. Kerendian removes moles through a simple excision procedure. After administering local anesthesia to your skin to make sure you stay comfortable, he removes each mole using a scalpel.
He may remove a bit of surrounding tissue as well. From there, he applies an ointment that soothes the area and guards against scarring.
What to expect after mole removal
After your mole removal procedure, you might notice soreness in the treatment area while the local anesthesia wears off. You can manage these symptoms with over-the-counter painkillers or by applying an ice pack periodically.
If one or more of your moles seems potentially cancerous, Dr. Kerendian will send the tissue to a lab for testing. As soon as he receives your results, he’ll contact you and guide you toward any needed additional steps.
Your excision from the procedure should heal within a few weeks. And while the area will appear red for a while, the redness and scar should gradually fade. You can help the scar fade by protecting it from the sun and by applying any recommended topical products.
To learn more about mole removal or to get started with treatment, book an appointment online or over the phone with Desired Beauty today.
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