mole removal

[lin]

Hi!

I am trying to get rid of a few flat moles on my face, especially a red dot near my eye bag and one black mole. Wanted to know if there is any good recommendation? Whats the procedure like and as well as the cost. Thanks for sharing.

[avicenna]

Moles, or nevi, are frequently removed for a variety of reasons. They can be removed by two surgical methods:

•excision (cutting) followed by stitches and without stitches

•excision with cauterization (a tool is used to burn away the mole).

Another well-known method of mole removal is laser treatment. With this procedure, there will be no scarring but the laser is not able to penetrate deeply into the skin. Therefore, this method is not suitable for treating deep moles.

Typically, the doctor or dermatologist (a skin specialist) may choose excision with or without stitches, depending on the depth of the mole and the type of cosmetic outcome desired.

Take less than an hour to be removed based on the number of moles which need to be eradicated.

Risks of mole removal methods vary from infection to anesthetic allergy and nerve damage. It is always prudent to choose a dermatologist or surgeon with appropriate skills and experience with these removals. This will decrease your risk associated with this procedure.

One of the most common difficulties after mole removal is a scar. Many people will attempt to remove moles for cosmetic reasons, not realizing that each and every removal may result in a scar. Many times your surgeon can give you an idea of the type and location of a scar after mole removal before you make your decision about removal.

•Removal with simple cutting without stitches
The surgeon takes a scalpel and shaves the mole off flush or slightly below the level of skin.
Then, either an electrical instrument will cauterize or burn the area or a solution will be placed on the area to stop any bleeding.
After this, a topical antibiotic is placed on the wound.
The wound is then covered with a bandage.
The doctor will give you instructions on how to take care of your wound. You are usually able to leave shortly after.

•Removal by cutting with stitches
Moles removed by excision (cutting) with stitches are usually darker in color or flat moles, or both.
The surgeon maps out the mole and then sterilizes or cleans the area and numbs it.
Then a scalpel is used to cut the mole and a border surrounding the mole. The border size depends on the concern of the surgeon about the possible chances of precancer or cancer for the mole being removed.
Depending on the depth, stitches are placed either deep (these are absorbed by the body and do not have to be removed) or on the upper surface of the skin (these don't absorb and will be removed later).

SGD 100 per mole.

[Keira]

Hi, for mole removal, you can try:

- National Skin Centre
http://www.nsc.gov.sg/shownews.asp?id=11#moleremoval

- Dermatologists in Private Specialist Clinics:
http://medicalhub.com.sg/index.php?opti ... &Itemid=26

[lin]

Thanks Avicenna and Keira! I heard about CO2 Laser treatment, so is it the Laser treatment that was mentioned? I saw many Dermatologists available and was wondering if anyone had his/her mole removed and hoping to hear some feedbacks. The unusual dark like pencil lead colour mole on my face grew over the years and I am worried if it will turn out into something else, so I thought of removing it since now is school holidays.