What are moles?

Moles are also known as nevus, in plural called nevi. Nevus comes from the Latin word nevus which means birthmark. The name itself suggests that there is a genetic reason for moles to occur and that they are more commonly seen in young people. Moles are typically a collection of pigment producing cells called melanocytes. These are very different from other similar looking conditions like skin tags which are due to epithelial cells and collagen and not primarily due to melanocytes. Moles do not have roots and do not have stems unlike warts. Moles are typically embedded inside the layers of the skin. Check the causes & symptoms section to see why moles occur?

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What are different types of moles? Which moles are dangerous?

The following list is based on the sequence of most commonly seen moles at Smart Surgeons. Moles are classified based on their appearance, or how deep the cells (melanocytes) are. The depth of the cells is particularly important for removal of the mole.

Dermal nevus: this is the most common nevus presented at our clinic. The reason for this is that these moles can have hair growth, are raised and most commonly seen on the face. These moles can be perceived as ugly due to these reasons.
Congenital nevus: there are many customers who complain of having moles or nevus since childhood. The most common reason customers come to us to remove these is due to an upcoming life event like marriage, or job promotion.
Freckles: These are not exactly moles, but rather mole-like. As freckles are more in numbers and dispersed, their treatment modality is completely difference from a typical mole.

Another important way to differentiate moles is by seeing how deep it is:

Dermal nevus: this is the most superficial type of mole that is solely located in the dermis (dermal layer). Since they are dermis they can get raised and appear more flesh colored.
Junctional nevus: These are relatively more superficial and located at the junction of dermis and epidermis. As they are relatively superficial, they can be darker.
Compound nevus: These nevus or moles extend in both dermis and epidermis.

Based on these different classifications, our doctor chooses the type of treatment that will work best for your kind of moles. E.g. for larger and deeper moles surgical excision gives much better results versus laser. But for smaller moles, a simple laser removal that offers faster healing will be the choice. “Important Note: mole that you must immediately show to Smart Surgeons or any dermatologist near you - Dysplastic nevus”. These nevus has the following symptoms that you should not ignore:

Irregular borders: which are sometimes poorly defined
Size: these moles tend to be larger in size. In fact larger size moles have shown to have higher risk of cancer development
Color: dysplastic moles can have different colors or change color over time.
Overlying skin changes: the skin above the mole can become dry, itchy or hard

If you see any of these symptoms on a mole, you must show it to a doctor and know what is happening with that mole.

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Why do celebrities not remove moles? Why do some people choose to retain their moles even if they are prominent?

Moles also have a cultural aspect related to them. In India, there are varying beliefs and symbolism attached to moles. Moles are also referred to as beauty spots especially if they are in particular locations with a particular location - these come from some historical beauty trends and perceptions attached to it. In India, moles have symbolism attached to it. Example,

Mole on the forehead is considered to symbolize wisdom and prosperity.
Cheek moles signify caring a responsible nature.
Moles on the chin symbolize determination and stubbornness

In some fashion trends moles on the cheek, neck, above the lips are considered sexy. You might remember that older Indian movies would show the villain with a large mole of the face. That trend has faded away with time. Please note that all of the above is just symbolism and fashion trends and thus do not have any kind of evidence or proof. However, these do influence people’s choice to remove or retain a mole. Choice to keep a mole or to remove it is a personal one and people have different reasons for removing the mole. The only time it is medically necessary to remove a mole is when the mole appears to be cancerous.‍

Why do moles appear? Why do people get moles?

Genetics is the most common reason for moles. People with family history tend to have moles
Sun exposure, especially during childhood, causes moles. UV radiation from sunlight causes localized genetic damage, especially in melanocytes - the skin color pigment producing cells. It is this genetic damage when uncontrolled, causes melanoma (a kind of skin cancer) in Caucasian population. BRAF mutation is a specific mutation identified for melanoma formation, with higher propensity for this mutation in Caucasian population
Environmental causes that can cause this genetic damage can also cause moles
Younger people are more prone to get moles, due to sun exposure and hormonal changes

While the above causes and mechanism sound scary, there is no need to be scared. There are different kinds of moles and Indians are relatively safe from melanoma.

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Do moles get bigger with age? Do moles get darker with age?

Yes, moles can get bigger with age and this primarily happens if there are environmental factors like sun exposure or exposure to certain chemicals that may cause genetic damage. As Indians, here is some good news associated with moles:

Moles tend to be more stable in size in darker skinned people, as with higher melanin content in the skin, the skin cells are less prone to genetic damage
Moles in darker skin people also tend to be less noticeable, so darker individuals might not notice if their moles become darker
Lower incidence of melanoma is seen in darker skinned people, again due to the protective action of the melanin pigment and therefore lower DNA or genetic damage

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What is the difference between a mole and other naturally pigmented areas of the body, e.g. nipples?

While moles are clusters or collections of melanocytes, our hyperpigmented body parts have uniformly higher concentration of pigment. Besides, it is believed that hyperpigmented body parts also have some functional value. Example it is believed that darker nipples help infants spot the nipples that help in breastfeeding.

Do you need to self examine moles?

While in more than 95% cases moles are harmless in India, there is a need to examine them closely. We have seen 1-2 cases at Smart Surgeons, where the patient thought that she had a mole, but after examination, removal and biopsy we have identified low grade cancers. This is not to scare you, but to educate you. So when should you self examine moles and suspect if something is wrong? Here are some of the common things that should raise suspicion

Any mole in the body has increased in size, within a few weeks or months. Since moles tend to be rather stable in Indians, sudden increase in size should be seen with suspicion.
If a mole has become rough, hard or raised, this indicates that there may be unhealthy cell growth causing it to become like this
If a mole starts to itch or bleed, then it should be seen with suspicion.

If you are not sure about your moles, please avail the free counseling at Smart Surgeons, where you can share the pictures of your moles on WhatsApp and our counselor will guide you correctly.

Who is the best person to remove a mole? Can a regular doctor remove a mole? Can a dermatologist remove any mole?

Primary care doctors can help you understand if a mole is suspicious or potentially dangerous. However, if you are removing moles for cosmetic reasons, then in our opinion surgeons are the best people to remove moles. A well trained surgeon in cosmetic procedures can remove moles using RF or laser or cautery or surgical removal, depending on the size and location of moles.

When a mole is not removed using the right technique it can have cosmetically disastrous outcomes. Example for large or deep moles surgical excision is better suited. While both surgeons and dermatologists can remove moles, dermatologists are restricted to laser mole removal, as they are not trained in surgery, a well trained surgeon can do both all kinds of mole removal.

How do doctors diagnose moles? How do they differentiate different moles?

Doctors follow the ABCDE rule is used to identify suspicious moles:

Asymmetry
irregular Borders,
multiple Colors,
large Diameter (greater than 6mm),
Evolving size, shape or color

They use this rule to first rule out any cause for concern. If the doctor feels that any mole is suspicious as per the ABCDE rule, then he or she might recommend you to remove the mole and send it for biopsy. At Smart Surgeons we have had suspicious moles in less than 0.5% of the cases. Biopsy is a preventive test which must be done to rule out suspicion. But in 98% of cases just a visual examination by our doctor is enough to diagnose the mole and then decide the right method for its removal.

Can I remove my mole permanently? How do I permanently remove til from my face? Can flat moles be removed? Can black moles be removed?

With the advancement of technology, moles can be easily removed permanently. Largely there are 2 techniques for mole removal.

‍Laser or RF removal: laser machines send targeted laser beams on the mole tissue to permanently destroy them. They are most effective for smaller moles. Sometimes, you may need more than one sitting for laser mole removal to permanently remove them

‍Surgical technique: These are used for larger moles and more deeper moles. Surgical techniques need only one sitting. However, sometimes the mole is very large, in this case to help in wound healing, the surgeon might use a skin graft to cover the area for less scarring. All kinds of moles, flat, black, pale can be removed using the above techniques. A trained healthcare provider at Smart Surgeons can better guide you on what technique will be suitable for your mole removal.

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Is getting a mole removed painful? Is laser mole removal painful?

No, the procedure is painless, as we use either a numbing cream or local anesthesia injection to numb the area.

What age is good for mole removal?

Moles can be removed at any age, the ideal timing depends on the child's developmental stage, ability to cooperate, and potential psychological impact

Early childhood (ages 3-6) may be a good time to consider mole removal if the child is already distressed by the mole's appearance. Preschool-aged children may have a better understanding of the procedure than infants.
School-aged children (ages 6-12) are generally more cooperative than preschoolers and may be able to understand and cooperate with mole removal procedures without sedation. This could be an ideal time to consider removal if the child expresses interest.
During adolescence (ages 13-18), self-image becomes increasingly important. Prominent moles may lead to decreased self-confidence and impact social life
Most non-cancerous moles appear before age 25. If a mole appears in adulthood, after age 25, it should be checked by a healthcare provider to ensure it is benign

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‍How long does mole surgery take?

Mole removal is a quick and easy procedure and at Smart Surgeons, with no waiting time, you can get your moles removed in 30 minutes. You may need more time if you want multiple moles to be removed.

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Is it better to remove a mole by laser or surgery? What is the best method for mole removal? Is it better to remove a mole by laser or surgery? Is shaving or laser better for mole removal?

Both surgical and laser have their own advantages and disadvantages. You should discuss the choice of technique with our doctor before agreeing on a particular technique.

HTML Table Generator

	Surgical Excision	Laser / RF Mole Removal
Procedure	Cutting out the mole using a scalpel	Using a energy to break down the mole's pigment
Invasiveness	Invasive	Minimally invasive
Cost	Higher	Lower
Scarring	Minimal or none	Minimal or none
Ideal for	Deeply rooted or larger moles or suspicious moles	Smaller or superficial and benign moles

Is skin mole removal safe? Is laser mole removal safe? Is it healthy to remove moles?

Yes, mole removal is safe when removed by a qualified healthcare provider. There are some important considerations before mole removal:

Ensure that you consult with a qualified doctor for mole removal
Professional methods like laser, surgical shaving and excision are generally safe, provided they are carried out by a qualified surgeon in sterile procedure room
Home remedies and DIY methods are not recommended as it can harm your skin
If the moles are not showing any changes need not be removed. In this case mole removal is just a cosmetic choice

What is the recovery time after laser mole removal?

The immediate recovery time is just 3-5 days. Immediately after laser mole removal, there might be a mild irritation. There will be a scab formation on the treated area which typically falls off on its own. Please ensure that you do not pick or rub the scab and let it heal on its own. After laser mole removal you do not need a dressing and the area is left open after the procedure.

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What precautions should you take after laser mole removal?

After laser mole removal, it is crucial to follow proper aftercare to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. Here are some precautions to take:

Keep the treated area clean: by gently cleaning it with clean water. Avoid using harsh soaps or cleansers that can irritate the skin.
Apply sunscreen: of SPF of at least 50 to protect the fresh skin from sun exposure. Apply sunscreen daily to the treated area to prevent further irritation and promote healing.
Avoid heavy exercise for 3 to 5 days to minimize the risk of bleeding and promote healing
Avoid sun exposure: Avoid direct sunlight on the treated area for several weeks to prevent further irritation and promote healing.
Monitor for signs of infection: such as redness, swelling, increased pain, or pus. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult Smart Surgeons immediately
Follow up with Smart Surgeons Doctor: to ensure the area is healing correctly and to address any concerns or questions you may have.

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What is the recovery time after surgical mole removal?

Surgical mole removal is done typically for larger moles. The recovery time could therefore be 7-10 days.

‍Initial Healing: takes around 1 week, during which the wound will start to close and the area will become less red and swollen.

‍Full Recovery: might take 2-3 weeks for the wound to fully heal and for the area to return to its normal appearance.

You can return to Normal Activities immediately with proper dressing and precautions.

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What precautions should you take after surgical mole removal? Can you shower after surgical mole removal?

After surgical removal, typically the surgeon will give you a waterproof dressing. The dressing has to be kept for 3-4 days. In case your dressing comes off early for whatever reason, do not worry, contact Smart Surgeons in such cases, so that we can guide you on reapplication of the dressing. Since we apply waterproof dressing you can shower the next day after the procedure.

Once the dressing is removed, you can begin cleaning the area with clean water and avoid harsh soaps and chemicals.

After cleaning the area, apply the antibiotic ointment prescribed by the doctor and take the medicines, if any are prescribed.

If you have received stitches please ensure you come for your follow-up appointment on the 5th or 7th day. Removing the stitches takes just 10 minutes. Please do not keep the stitches for long as it increases the risk of scarring.

Will removing a mole leave a scar?

A minor scar will be visible immediately after removal, but this typically fades away within a few weeks. If moles are properly removed it leave no to minimal scars. However, larger or deeper moles might scar more and might take longer to heal.

Is mole removal successful? Do moles come back after removal? How long does mole removal last? Do moles come back after laser removal? Do flat moles grow back?

Moles do not generally grow back if they are removed properly using the right technique by our doctor. The choice of the technique plays an important role in ensuring that the mole is removed permanently. The difference between most common techniques is mentioned under our “Treatment Options” Tab on this page. At Smart Surgeons we also have a 6 months guarantee that will allow you to repeat the procedure in case your mole returns back.

Can I remove moles at home? Can you remove moles at home? Can you remove moles at home?

No, it is not recommended to remove moles at home. This increases the risk of scarring and infections. You can also miss out on an opportunity of diagnosing a dangerous mole. There are some dangerous and unproven DIY mole removal tricks trending on social media. We highly recommend not to fall for such unproven methods.

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What is the fastest way to remove a mole naturally? Are there natural ways to remove moles? Can garlic remove moles? Can toothpaste remove a mole?

While natural methods may be appealing, there is no scientific evidence to support their use for mole removal. Hence there is no proven natural way to remove moles.

Methods like applying garlic, castor oil, apple cider vinegar, iodine, and other natural substances have been suggested, but their effectiveness is unproven.

These, “natural ways” might sound harmless but can prove harmful due to potential risks of skin irritation, redness, and scarring. For example, garlic can cause skin burns, and apple cider vinegar can make the mole worse initially.

Toothpastes contain dehydrating chemicals that dehydrate and irritate your skin. People use toothpaste on all sorts of skin conditions like acne or pimples. Please do not harm your skin with these unproven methods. If toothpastes really worked on moles, skin tags and pimples, you think the toothpaste company would let go off such a million dollar opportunity?

Professional mole removal is the only proven way for safe and effective mole removal.

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Do mole removal cream work? Which cream is best for mole removal?

Mole removal creams are available in the market, but not a single cream is approved by any health authority for its safety and efficacy. These creams contain chemicals like salicylic acid or zinc chloride. These chemicals in lower concentrations might not harm your skin, but it will not remove moles either. The mechanism of action of these chemicals is to cause bleaching, similar to those of fairness creams. We all know that fairness creams do not work.

Please note there is not a single FDA approved mole removal, mole bleaching cream. Please do not fall prey to false advertisements.

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