Mole Removal: Spring Cleaning for Old Skin Blemishes

Spring is a time of renewal, a time when we’re looking for ways to face the new season with confidence. But if you have one or more moles on your body, you may not feel as comfortable in your own skin as you could. Not only can moles feel or look undesirable—some can be dangerous markers of skin cancer.

Just like you perform spring cleaning in your home, you should do the same for your skin. If you no longer want or need that blemish, toss it out! Now is the perfect time to consider mole removal and work on spring cleaning for old skin blemishes. You’ll look better, feel better, and be more at ease knowing that your moles and blemishes are gone for good.

First Steps: Is the Mole Cancerous or Benign?

Most moles are benign, meaning that they aren’t cancerous. They can range in size from barely more than a freckle to a major skin spot. But no matter what size of moles you have on your body, it’s important to check them frequently, paying attention to see if any look odd or unusual. 

Unusual moles should always be checked by a dermatologist to make sure they aren’t cancerous. So, what signs should you look for? Just remember your ABCDEs!

• A for Asymmetry: normal moles are symmetrical, or perfectly round.

• B for Border: normal moles have smooth, even edges; cancerous moles have scalloped or notched edges.

• C for Color: normal moles are usually one single shade of brown, not multiple colors.

• D for Diameter (or Dark): normal moles should be smaller than the size of a pencil eraser (¼ inch diameter).

• E for Evolving: watch for any changes in size, shape, color, or elevation, as well as symptoms like itching, crusting, or bleeding.

Mole Removal Procedures

Whether benign or cancerous, you have options when it comes to mole removal. There are four basic mole removal procedures: 

• Freezing: your provider uses super-cold liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove the mole
• Shave removal: your provider uses a thin, razor-like tool to carefully slice away the mole.
• Excision: your provider cuts the mole away with a scalpel, going deeper into the tissue than with shave removal.
• Laser removal: using a highly sophisticated laser tool, your provider directs bursts of light to break down the mole’s skin cells.  

The most common removal methods are excision and cutting, but laser removal is always a wise choice for harder-to-reach areas and for eliminating several moles at the same time.

At Pinnacle Dermatology, our skin experts can help you decide which mole removal method is best for you. With mole removal, you can prevent the spread of cancerous and precancerous cells as well as take care of cosmetic concerns—all in one effective and simple procedure.

Why See A Dermatologist

While moles are usually harmless, a dermatologist can evaluate the mole and let you know for sure that your mole is non-cancerous. Of course, there are many other reasons why you may want to have a mole removal procedure!

Moles, skin tags, and keratoses (another common skin growth) can cause discomfort when they rub against clothing. Moles, freckles, and liver spots often also appear in places where we’d rather not have them. If a mole or other skin lesion is causing you physical discomfort or affecting the way you feel about your reflection in the mirror, then it’s a good idea to have it removed.

The dermatologists at Pinnacle Dermatology are highly trained in removing skin lesions with the least invasive techniques. We know how the best ways to avoid scarring, pain, irritation, and other unwanted side effects that can come with at-home mole removal treatments or less qualified providers.

Spring Cleaning for Your Skin Made Easy

Here at Pinnacle Dermatology, we understand that there are many reasons you may want to remove a mole or other troublesome skin lesion. This season, there’s no longer any reason to let a nuisance mole hold you back from feeling like your most confident, beautiful self inside and out. Whether you want a second opinion about an unusual spot or simply want to clear your skin for the warm weather ahead, let us help you feel great in the skin you’re in!

Pinnacle Dermatology: Expert Mole Removal in Beaufort, SC

At Pinnacle Dermatology, we use the latest and greatest methods to remove moles and other skin lesions, blemishes, and irregularities. Our expert dermatologists are here to help you evaluate and remove unwanted spots on the skin with the most comfortable possible procedure. Get started by calling 843-524-5550 or scheduling your consultation online today!