MOLES ::

 
Moles, medically known as nevi, are clusters of pigmented cells that appear as small, dark spots on the skin, and can vary greatly in size and colour. Moles typically appear on the face, arms, legs, and torso, but can develop anywhere on the body. Although most skin moles are harmless, in rare cases they can become precancerous, necessitating surgical removal. Some patients also opt to remove benign moles for cosmetic reasons using surgical mole removal.

MOLE REMOVAL ::

Although mole removal is crucial for patients who have developed melanoma, many patients choose to have their skin moles removed as a precautionary measure, or because they dislike the mole’s appearance.
For patients with cancerous moles, surgery is the only effective method of removal.
For those who want their moles removed for cosmetic reasons, surgical mole removal is one option.

MOLE REMOVAL SURGERY ::

Skin moles that are flat or malignant are usually removed with excisional surgery, wherein the surgeon cuts the mole out entirely and closes the wound with stitches.
Removing a mole is usually a quick and straightforward procedure and is performed as an out-patient procedure.
We start with the explanation of the advantages and possible risk of the minor surgical intervention, explore any possible allergies to anaesthetic agents and then a consent form is signed.

After the area of the mole is disinfected and isolated (surrounded with sterile materials) the minor surgery procedure is usually carried out under a local anaesthetic, which means that the affected skin area will be completely numb but you stay awake. The introduction of local anaesthetic agent is the only slightly unpleasant moment of the procedure and it lasts for only a few seconds.
The anaesthesia is almost instantly effective in the skin and excision of the mole using a scalpel can begin.
The ellipse excision is done with a safety margin, to the full depth of the skin. The excised tissue is placed in formalin and the wound is sewn up with stitches. In case of shave excision placement of stitches is not necessary.

After this the area is covered with thin plastic surgery strips to improve the final appearance. Finally sterile bandage is placed on it, which should be protected from water or dirt, so you are advised to be careful when washing yourself and to avoid sports while it is healing.

Three days after the surgery, the sterile bandage needs to be replaced. After two weeks the sutures are
removed, and the results of the histology report is delivered and explained to you.

Mole removal surgery lasts approx. 20 minutes (30 min appointment). It is advisable to eat before
the surgery as you will only have a local anaesthetic.

After the procedure you will be able to leave the premises on your own and drive a car.

MOLE REMOVAL FAQ ::                          

What is a mole?

A mole or nevus is a dark, raised spot on our skin comprised of skin cells that have grown in a group rather than individually. These cells are called melanocytes and are responsible for producing melanin, the pigment (colour) in our skin.
Moles can form from sun exposure, but we are also born with them, inheriting them genetically. Although the number of moles varies from person to person, fair skinned people generally have more moles due to lower amounts of melanin in their skin, and the average adult has between 10 and 40 moles. Moles can even come and go with hormonal changes such as pregnancy or puberty.
Most people develop more moles on their skin naturally with age and sun exposure, and - most of the time - these moles are harmless. However, we need to conduct skin checks regularly (recommended monthly, especially if you have a relative with skin cancer, or at least every three months) to see if our moles have changed.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS