Your Laser Mole Removal Questions Answered

Moles are among the most common skin irregularities around. In fact, nearly everyone has at least a few of them. Some people like the originality that a mole brings to their appearance, but many others are unhappy with the way their moles look. Fortunately, cosmetic mole removal can be a rather simple process, and at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center, our licensed and experienced aestheticians can skillfully remove a variety of moles and leave patients with clearer skin. To help you learn more about this procedure and whether it may be an option for you, we’ve gathered some of the most common questions patients ask about laser mole removal.

What is a mole?

A mole is essentially a collection of pigment cells in your skin. Called “nevi” in the medical community, moles can vary in size and color, but most of them are brown and can be either flat or raised. Their direct cause isn’t known, but they are believed to be genetic, and some may be triggered by sun exposure or tanning (with the exception of airbrush tans).

Are moles a form of skin cancer?

In most cases, no. Melanoma, a form of skin cancer, does often form in moles, but the vast majority of moles are harmless. With that being said, you should always keep an eye on whether your moles change in appearance or begin to itch or bleed. These can be signs of melanoma or other types of skin cancer, so in addition to annual skin cancer screenings, you should schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist if your mole develops any of these symptoms.

How do I know if laser mole removal will work for me?

There are several options for mole removal, and it all depends on the characteristics of your mole and how susceptible you are to scarring from each method. Laser mole removal is often best suited to smaller moles which are either flat or only slightly raised above the skin. For larger moles, you may be referred to double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Whiteman, who can remove them with a brief procedure using only local anesthesia.

What can I expect during a laser mole removal treatment?

To help you be as comfortable as possible, our Laser Lights staff may begin with a local anesthetic. The laser will then be used solely on the mole (or moles) you are having removed, so that no other skin is affected. Depending on the size of your mole(s), you may need between one and three sessions for optimal results.

Is there any recovery time after laser mole removal?

Laser treatments for mole removal are minimally invasive, so they require little to no recovery time. You will form a scab which will fall off naturally within a few weeks, and you may also have some temporary redness in the treatment area.

Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder, and a mole is one of those anomalies which can be either a blessing or a curse, depending on your outlook. But at Laser Lights, we believe everyone should be able to feel confident and empowered by their appearance, so if you have a mole you’re unhappy with, we’re happy to help. To learn whether you’re a candidate for laser mole removal, schedule a complimentary consultation at Laser Lights Cosmetic Laser Center. Or, to learn more about the many other laser-based and non-laser cosmetic treatments we offer, explore our website and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.