Surgical Mole Removal

Moles, sometimes referred to as beauty marks, can be a cosmetic asset. For some, however, moles are undesirable and may indicate an increased risk for melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Removing unwanted moles requires a talented surgeon who can address any aesthetic concerns while also looking out for your skin health.

Dr. Jennifer Harrington is more than just a board-certified plastic surgeon. She’s also highly skilled and experienced with the removal of moles. While many dermatologists offer surgical mole removal, Dr. Harrington combines her aesthetic sensitivity with her medical background in treating skin cancer and reconstructing wounds.

Harrington + Associates Plastic Surgery has helped women and men from the Twin Cities and beyond with surgical mole removal. Contact us online or call our Plymouth office today at 651-290-7600 for more information about mole removal surgery, including pricing.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Surgical Mole Removal?

Most people who are in good overall health can be good candidates for mole removal surgery. The most common reasons to consider removing your moles include:*

  • You have a high presence of moles, indicating a higher than average risk for melanoma
  • One or more moles have an unusual shape, more than one color or are larger than a pencil eraser
  • You dislike the appearance or placement of moles on your face or body

Your Mole Health

Most moles are perfectly healthy and harmless, but some moles can show signs of disease. When melanoma is detected early on, it’s almost always completely treatable. That’s why it’s important to understand what healthy and unhealthy moles can look like so you can be proactive if a mole begins to exhibit troubling characteristics.

Many experts recommend keeping a mole map. A mole map is a method of keeping track of any changes that occur in your moles. When examining your own moles, keep an eye out for the ABCDEs:

  • Asymmetry
  • Border irregularity
  • Color changes
  • Diameter longer than 6 millimeters
  • Evolving or changing moles

If you detect one or more of the above characteristics, it may be time for a professional examination.

Your Mole Removal Surgery

Mole removal is a same-day procedure performed at our licensed surgery center. Surgical mole removal is usually performed in one of two ways:

  • To remove the mole without the use of sutures, Dr. Harrington will shave the mole down using a scalpel to slightly below the skin level. She will then cauterize the area and apply a bandage to keep the wound clean.
  • In cases that are cosmetically sensitive, such as moles on the face, she may recommend mole removal using excision. In this case, the mole will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. Dr. Harrington will then carefully excise the mole from the skin. She will then carefully suture the skin to encourage optimal healing and a natural-looking result.*

Depending on your goals, Dr. Harrington may suggest additional treatments to help you achieve the look you want. Patients who are concerned about the appearance of a scar after a previously performed mole removal surgery sometimes use injectable fillers to fill in the depressed area in the skin. Additional skin rejuvenation treatments, such as microneedling, may be recommended as a scar treatment after you have healed from mole removal surgery.

Mole Removal Recovery

Recovering from surgical mole removal is a fairly simple process.* Most patients do not need to take time away from their normal activities, although if a mole has been removed from your face, you may wish to avoid going out for the first few days.* Dr. Harrington will ask you to keep the treated area moisturized with a layer of Vaseline® and you should clean the area at least twice a day. You may also be asked to wear a bandage for the first several days of your recovery.

Most people do not experience complications resulting from surgical mole removal. However, it’s still important to understand any potential risks before your procedure. If you have any sudden, sharp pain or persistent bleeding, notify our office immediately.

Next Steps

Surgical mole removal can be important not just for cosmetic concerns, but for your health.* If you have questions or would like more information, contact us online or call our Plymouth office at 651-290-7600 to request your mole removal consultation.

*This information is for education only, and is not meant as a guarantee of results. Your results may vary.