Mole removal is a quick outpatient surgery that can be done for both health and cosmetic reasons. Most moles are harmless, but a healthcare provider might recommend removing a mole if it looks suspicious or if it is causing cosmetic concerns. It is important to note that mole removal should not be done at home, as it can be dangerous and lead to complications.
There are different methods for mole removal, including surgical excision, which is the most common method. Other methods such as lasers, electric current (cautery), or liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) are not usually recommended as they can cause the mole to recur and there is no sample of the mole to study in order to identify what sort of mole it is.
After removing a mole, a healthcare provider will apply petroleum jelly (Vaseline®) to the area and cover it with a bandage. The area should be kept moist with the jelly for a few days and cleaned daily. It is important to watch the area closely for changes that might indicate trouble healing and to follow the doctors instructions to avoid complications such as scarring or infection.
It is worth noting that there are potentially dangerous products being sold that claim to help remove moles, skin tags, or other skin lesions. These products are sold as ointments, gels, sticks, and liquids and may contain high concentrations of salicylic acid or other harmful ingredients. The FDA advises consumers to avoid these products because of their potentially harmful side effects and serious risks, including skin injuries, infection requiring antibiotics, scarring, and delayed skin cancer diagnosis and treatment.
In summary, mole removal is a quick and relatively easy procedure that can be done for both health and cosmetic reasons. It is important to have a healthcare provider perform the procedure and to follow their instructions for aftercare to avoid complications. It is also important to avoid potentially dangerous products marketed for removing moles and other skin lesions.
