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At OC MedDerm in Irvine, Orange County, CA, mole removal is performed by our physician Dr. Parvin Shafa, who has over 20 years of experience evaluating and removing benign, atypical, and suspicious moles. Each mole is carefully examined to determine the safest removal method with the best cosmetic outcome.
There is no single “best” method for mole removal. The appropriate technique depends on several important factors, including the size, shape, depth, color, and location of the mole, as well as the patient’s expectations for cosmetic results.
At your complimentary consultation in our OC MedDerm Irvine office, Dr. Shafa will evaluate your mole and explain which removal option is most suitable for your individual case and what results you can realistically expect.
Moles that are small, skin-colored, mole-like vascular lesions, or skin bumps that are sitting on the skin can be cauterized or treated by laser. Heat from laser or cautery thins and shrinks the tissue overlying a mole and vascular lesions. The treatment creates a small wound in the treated area, after which the skin goes through the wound healing process. The area, after treatment, develops a scab that should fall off after one to two weeks and heals with a small, barely visible scar tissue. Afterward, skin at the site of the healed area usually looks slightly fresh and pink, but it usually will fade to skin-colored over time.
This method is used in the following cases:
The procedure is shaving the mole off of the skin level. Then, the site of shaving will be cauterized (have a solution applied to stop the bleeding). Both methods create a fake scab that covers the area of mole removal and allows the wound to heal beneath it. The removed tissue can be sent to a pathologist for a final confirmed diagnosis.
After we anesthetize the suspicious area, a special medical device can be used to “punch out” a cylinder-shaped piece of skin and tissue. It will then be sent to a laboratory for further examination.
This method can be used for the removal of suspicious moles or any deep skin lesions when a deeper tissue layer under the mole is needed for evaluation to rule out cancer. It is usually used in areas of the body that you are not concerned with a result of scarring. The area can be closed with one or two stitches or left alone to close by itself.
This method is used when a mole is deep in the skin, diagnosis is uncertain, or if there is a suspicion of skin cancer. During this procedure, we need a reasonably sized, thick piece of tissue for the pathologist to evaluate under a microscope. The area will be completely numbed and the mole will be cut out in an eye shape with some of the skin around it. The cut area will be closed with stitches, and a follow-up appointment will be needed to ensure it is healing well.
There is a wide variety of “natural mole removal” creams and pastes on the market. Many over-the-counter “natural mole removal” products contain bloodroot or corrosive agents. These products claim to make moles scab and fall off, but moles grow deep in the skin and do not simply fall away.
Using these products often leads to permanent scarring, incomplete removal, or regrowth of pigment beneath the scar. More importantly, destroying a mole without proper evaluation can delay the diagnosis of skin cancer.
A mole needs to be evaluated and biopsied by a physician before it is destroyed to rule out skin cancer.
The above patient had an improper procedure (laser) done on her moles which caused scars at the site of the moles. The result of destructive topical agents is similar to an incorrect laser procedure. The scar left behind can oftentimes be worse than the original mole.
Healing after treatment depends on many factors, such as location, size, and method used to remove the mole. Generally, it can take 1 to 2 weeks for the lesion to heal. If there is a residual pink mark, it can take up to six months to fade back to skin-colored. Results may vary, so Dr. Shafa will inform you of exactly what to expect for the healing process in your individualized case.
Yes. Following standard medical care, all removed moles are sent to a pathologist—even when they appear benign. This ensures that early cancerous changes are not missed. This is because even the most experienced dermatologists cannot be 100% sure with the naked eye that there are not any cancer cells developing within the mole. If abnormal cells are found, additional treatment or wider excision may be recommended.
If you are considering mole removal treatment in Irvine or Orange County, call +1(949) 551-1113 or schedule a complimentary consultation at OC MedDerm. Dr. Parvin Shafa will provide an expert evaluation, explain your options, and help you choose the safest and most effective treatment.
The best method depends on the size, depth, color, and location of the mole, as well as your cosmetic goals. At OC MedDerm in Irvine, Orange County, CA, Dr. Parvin Shafa carefully evaluates each mole and recommends the safest and most effective option, which may include laser removal, cautery, shaving, punch biopsy, or surgical excision.
Most mole removal procedures are very well tolerated. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, so discomfort during the procedure is minimal.
Healing time varies based on the removal technique and location of the mole. In most cases, healing occurs within 1 to 2 weeks. Any remaining pink discoloration may take several months to gradually fade.
Any skin procedure can leave a small scar. However, at OC MedDerm, mole removal techniques are carefully selected to minimize scarring and achieve the best possible cosmetic outcome.
Yes. As part of standard medical care, removed moles are typically sent to a pathologist for microscopic evaluation, even if they appear benign. This ensures that skin cancer is not missed.
No. Over-the-counter or “natural” mole removal products are not recommended. These products can cause burns, scarring, incomplete removal, and may delay the diagnosis of skin cancer. Physician evaluation is essential before removing any mole.
A mole should be evaluated if it changes in size, shape, or color, bleeds, becomes painful, or looks different from your other moles. Early evaluation allows for accurate diagnosis and safe treatment.
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We are experts in Acne, Pinch blepharoplasty, Ear lobe repair, Xanthelasma repair, Syringomas removal, mole removal, Keloid removal, Body and face piecing or piercing repair or removal, lump and bumps removal, Acne scar removal, Spider vein treatment, fungal infection, Co2 resurfacing, Warts and more.
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