What are Moles and Birthmarks?
Moles and birthmarks are irregular skin lesions that can be present at birth or develop later in life in the case of moles. Depending on the location and extent of these irregularities, some individuals may find their confidence and self-esteem negatively impacted, in which case removal may be a suitable option. Plastic Surgeon Dr Matt Starr offers several methods for removing skin lesions, such as excision, radiofrequency, and laser treatment. If there is a mole requiring removal that looks concerning, a biopsy will need to be done before any removal to determine if the mole may be cancerous or not. Mole and birthmark removal can significantly improve an individual’s quality of life, as larger moles can irritate the skin, become infected, and cause discomfort. Birthmarks can often be hard to hide because of their dark pigmentation, and if in a prominent location, they can make it challenging to cover up.
Treatment method
Surgical excision
There are two types of excision for mole removal, depending on whether the mole is cancerous or not and the mole’s size. Excision with cauterisation involves slicing off the mole before using an electrical device to cauterise the wound and prevent excess bleeding. Excision with stitches involves using a scalpel using stitches to close the wound. Birthmark removal uses excision with a scalpel and may involve deeper or broader incisions that could require stitches. No matter the technique, a local anaesthetic will help to mitigate any discomfort.
