Mole Removal

If you examine your skin and discover changes in a mole’s size, shape, or color, it may be time to take action. To protect your skin’s health and aesthetics, board-certified dermatologists Andrew Nesterovitch, MD, and Kathleen Herne, MD, offer mole removal services at Integrated Dermatology of West Palm Beach in West Palm Beach, Florida. They keep a watchful eye on moles and growths for signs of skin cancer and develop personalized treatment plans. To schedule a mole removal, call the office or use the online scheduling tool today.

Do I need mole removal to prevent or because of skin cancer?

Moles are very common and usually harmless, but mole removal is advisable if a mole is potentially malignant (cancerous).

Keep in mind the ABCDE criteria for concerning moles:

• Asymmetry
• Border irregularities
• Color variation
• Diameter over 6 millimeters
• Evolving shape, color, or size

As a good rule of thumb, if a mole changes in color, size, or shape or becomes symptomatic, schedule an evaluation with a dermatologist at Integrated Dermatology of West Palm Beach.

What can I expect from mole removal?

At Integrated Dermatology of West Palm Beach, a few steps are required for a mole removal procedure. Before beginning the procedure, your provider generally numbs the area with a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort.

There are a variety of removal techniques, and Integrated Dermatology of West Palm Beach tailors your treatment based on the mole’s characteristics and your reason for removal. They may recommend:

Surgical excision

For this procedure, your dermatologist uses a scalpel to cut out the entire mole, including a small margin of surrounding skin. This is best for larger moles, potentially malignant moles, or moles that extend deep into the skin. It requires stitches and may leave a scar, but it enables your provider to remove the mole completely and protects your health.

Shave excision

With a surgical razor, your dermatologist shaves the raised portion of a non-cancerous mole — no stitches required.

Punch biopsy

If you have a small mole or a mole requiring a biopsy, your provider may use a circular tool to take a cylindrical sample.

Laser removal

Laser energy can target and destroy mole tissue. This is best for small, pigmented, benign moles.

Cryotherapy (freezing)

Your dermatologist carefully applies liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy the mole. This is a quick, effective therapy that may require only one visit.

Can I remove a mole I don’t like?

Absolutely. Even if a mole poses no health risks, you may dislike how it looks and seek a removal method emphasizing safe, aesthetically pleasing results.

Comfort is also an important factor — does the mole get caught on accessories or irritated from clothing friction? Removing the mole can eliminate a persistent annoyance and make you more comfortable in general.

To book a mole removal consultation, call the Integrated Dermatology of West Palm Beach office today or book an appointment online anytime.