Mole removal (nevi)

Nevi — is the medical name for moles: formations on the skin that most often have a brown or dark-brown color and arise due to the accumulation of pigment cells. Usually, moles are benign, but if they change, are often injured, bleed, or simply interfere in everyday life, it is worth contacting a dermatologist.

At the «Oxford Medical» clinic, patients can undergo an examination by an experienced dermatologist and, if necessary, dermatoscopy. The doctor will carefully assess the formation, explain whether it needs to be removed, and select the most appropriate method. Depending on the type, size, and location of the mole, laser, radio wave, or surgical removal may be used.

Moles form due to the accumulation of melanocytes — cells that produce the pigment melanin. Their appearance is influenced by heredity, ultraviolet irradiation, hormonal changes, and individual skin characteristics.

The most common factors in the appearance of nevi:

• hereditary predisposition — the number and type of nevi are often determined genetically;
• ultraviolet light — active sun exposure can stimulate the appearance of new pigmented formations and changes in already existing ones;
• hormonal changes — during adolescence, pregnancy, or endocrine fluctuations, moles may become more noticeable;
• skin type — light skin is more sensitive to the influence of the sun and ultraviolet light;
• mechanical irritation — constant friction from clothing or accessories can injure the formation.

Moles can differ by external appearance, size, localization, and changes over time. These very signs help the doctor determine whether observation is sufficient, whether there are indications for removing the formation and, if necessary, conducting a histological examination.

Depending on how deeply the cells of the mole are located in the skin, the following are distinguished:

• junctional nevi — the cells are located mainly at the border of the epidermis and dermis, therefore such moles more often look like flat pigmented spots;
• compound nevi — the cells are contained both at the border of the skin layers and deeper in the dermis, therefore the formation may be slightly raised above the surface;
• intradermal nevi — the cells are located mainly in the dermis, because of which the mole often has a convex shape and may be flesh-colored, light-brown, or brown.

By external appearance, moles can be:

• flat — located at the level of the skin;
• convex — rise above the surface and are more often injured;
• pigmented — have a brown, dark-brown, or almost black shade;
• weakly pigmented — may be light-brown, pink, or flesh-colored.

Benign moles usually have a symmetrical shape, even edges, uniform color, stable size, and do not cause discomfort.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend not assessing moles only by external appearance. Even a small formation should be shown to a dermatologist if it changes, bleeds, itches, or is often injured.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend undergoing dermatoscopy before removing any pigmented formation. The examination helps to assess the structure of the mole in detail, as well as determine whether it can be removed by a minimally invasive method, or whether surgical removal with histological examination is needed.

Mole removal is not always performed immediately on the day of the visit. In some cases, the procedure is temporarily postponed until the general condition is stabilized or additional diagnostics are carried out. This helps to safely choose the removal method and reduce the risk of complications.

Possible contraindications and restrictions:

• acute inflammation or skin infection in the area of intervention;
• elevated temperature, acute viral or bacterial infection;
• exacerbation of a chronic disease;
• blood clotting disorders or taking medications that affect clotting;
• decompensated diabetes mellitus;
• pregnancy or lactation period, if the removal is planned and has no urgent medical indications;
• suspicion of a malignant formation, if it is first necessary to determine the correct tactics of diagnostics and treatment.

If a nevus grows quickly, changes shape or color, has uneven edges, bleeds or hurts, it is not removed by a standard aesthetic method without preliminary diagnostics. So-called malignant moles require a mandatory examination by a dermatologist with dermatoscopy. After assessing the formation, the doctor determines safe tactics. Most often, surgical excision with histological examination is recommended.

The removal method is chosen after an examination by a dermatologist and, if necessary, dermatoscopy. The doctor takes into account the type of nevus, its size, localization, the patient’s aesthetic wishes, and the need for histological examination.

Main methods of removing skin neoplasms:

1. Laser removal — is used for small benign formations. The laser beam acts pointwise on the tissues and coagulates small vessels, so the procedure usually takes place with minimal bleeding, and after healing the trace often remains barely noticeable.
2. Radio wave removal — is used for careful removal of small benign formations. The radio wave acts pointwise, injures the surrounding tissues less, and promotes faster healing.
3. Electrocoagulation — involves removing the formation using high-frequency current. During the procedure, the tissues are simultaneously coagulated, which helps reduce bleeding. It is suitable for individual superficial benign elements.
4. Surgical excision — is used for large, deep, or suspicious formations. The doctor removes the nevus within healthy tissues, after which the material can be sent for histological examination.
5. Cryotherapy — is a method of cold exposure that can be used for some superficial benign formations. For pigmented nevi, cryotherapy is not a universal removal method and is used only according to the appropriate indications.

If a mole has suspicious signs: it grows quickly, changes shape or color, bleeds, or has uneven edges, surgical removal of the mole is performed. In such cases, complete excision with subsequent histological examination helps to accurately determine the nature of the formation and choose further tactics.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» warn: even if a mole interferes only aesthetically, before removal it must be examined by a dermatologist. You must not cauterize, cut off, or treat a mole with aggressive agents on your own. This can lead to a burn, infection, a noticeable scar, and complicate further treatment.

On average, after minimally invasive removal, the superficial wound heals within 7–14 days. After surgical excision, recovery may take longer — up to 3 weeks, especially if the formation was large or deep.

Typical stages of healing after mole removal:

• the first 1–2 days — moderate redness, sensitivity, and mild discomfort are possible;
• days 3–7 — a protective crust usually forms on the surface of the wound;
• days 7–14 — the crust gradually comes off, and a new layer of skin forms underneath it;
• 2–6 weeks — redness decreases, the area gradually becomes lighter;
• several months — the mark after removal gradually changes and becomes less noticeable.

The doctors of «Oxford Medical» recommend not tearing off the crust and not treating the wound with alcohol, iodine, peroxide, cosmetic creams, or other agents without prescription. This can irritate the skin, prolong healing, and increase the risk of a noticeable scar.

After a properly performed procedure and following the doctor’s recommendations, complications occur rarely.

Possible complications:

• infection of the wound — can develop with improper care or injury to the area;
• a rough or noticeable scar — can form with deep intervention, a tendency to scarring, or improper healing;
• post-inflammatory pigmentation — darkening of the area after healing, especially with sun exposure;
• hypopigmentation — a lighter spot in the removal area due to a change in skin pigmentation;
• reappearance of pigment or a neoplasm — possible if nevus cells remained in the tissues.

If after removal the pain intensifies, purulent discharge, an unpleasant odor, sharp redness, bleeding appear, or the temperature rises, you need to consult a doctor. Such manifestations may indicate inflammation or another complication.

Proper care of the mole after removal helps reduce the risk of infection, support normal healing, and make the mark after the procedure less noticeable. Recommendations may differ depending on the removal method, so it is important to follow exactly the instructions given by the doctor.

General care rules:

• do not tear off the crust;
• do not rub the area with a washcloth or towel;
• do not apply alcohol solutions, acids, or cosmetic products without prescription;
• use only those antiseptics or healing agents that the doctor recommended;
• protect the area from the sun;
• do not visit a sauna, swimming pool, and solarium until complete healing;
• consult a doctor in case of pain, swelling, discharge, or increased redness.

In the first weeks after the procedure, it is especially important to avoid ultraviolet light. The sun can provoke pigmentation in the healing area, so exposed areas should be protected with clothing, and after the completion of primary healing — with sunscreen according to the doctor’s recommendation.

The cost of the procedure depends on the type of formation, removal method, size, localization, and the need for histological examination. The final price of mole removal is determined after a doctor’s examination, since first it is necessary to assess the nature of the nevus and choose safe tactics.

You can preliminarily familiarize yourself with the prices for doctors’ consultations and other medical services here. To schedule a consultation, contact the contact center or use the online appointment form on the website.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

• PubMed
• NCBI Bookshelf
• American Academy of Dermatology Association