Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIs Removal Needed?How it’s DoneRecoveryDangers of Home Removal
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Is Removal Needed?
How it’s Done
Recovery
Dangers of Home Removal
Mostmolesdo not need to be removed. However, if you have a mole that has changed in shape, size, or color, then it needs to be evaluated for skin cancer. You should never attempt to get rid of a mole at home.
Mole removalshould always be done in a healthcare provider’s office. There are several techniques that can be used for mole removal, including excision (cutting) and shave removal. Mole removal aftercare focuses onpreventing infectionand scarring.
This article covers the various techniques that healthcare providers use to remove moles as well as what to expect during recovery. It also explains how to check your moles for signs of skin cancer, and when to contact your provider to have a mole checked.
What Benign Moles Look Like
Verywell / Jessica Olah
When Do Moles Need to be Removed?
Most moles are what dermatologists call “common moles.” Common moles don’t pose any health risk. It’s important to understand when a mole could become a problem, though. Your dermatologist needs to evaluate a mole to determine whether it is appropriate to be removed.
If you notice a new mole or one that has changed in shape or size, see your dermatologist as soon as you can. The mole should be evaluated formelanoma, a form ofskin cancer. Other possible signs of melanoma include moles that itch or bleed.
How to Tell the Difference Between Skin Cancer and a Mole
Is Itching Normal?While itching is usually a harmless condition, an itchy mole could be a sign of melanoma.Even if you have been able to identify the cause of the itching, if you’re at all concerned, see your dermatologist for a skin cancer check.
Is Itching Normal?
While itching is usually a harmless condition, an itchy mole could be a sign of melanoma.Even if you have been able to identify the cause of the itching, if you’re at all concerned, see your dermatologist for a skin cancer check.
Dysplastic Nevus: When Atypical Moles Are Precancerous
How Are Moles Removed?
Mole removal should always be performed under a healthcare provider’s care. Talk to your dermatologist about which moles you’d like removed and if they have changed at all recently. Your practitioner will then be able to recommend the right mole-removal method for you. Mole removal usually takes place in the healthcare provider’s office and requires no downtime.
Suspicious Skin Moles to Worry About
Surgical Removal
Shaving
To shave off your mole, your dermatologist will numb the area, then use a surgical blade to shave off the mole. This method is more common when your healthcare provider is not concerned about the mole being cancerous.
Testing for Cancer
Laser Removal
Laser mole removal can also change the cells underneath the mole. These cells will appear abnormal under a microscope and may cause a benign mole to lead to a false cancer diagnosis.
What Can I Do About Flat Moles on the Face?A healthcare provider can remove flat moles on the face, but in most cases will only do so if the mole has turned into melanoma (skin cancer) or if new moles have appeared. Flat moles do not often turn into melanoma but should still be evaluated and removed. However, if the mole undergoes any of the following changes, reach out to a healthcare provider:The mole changes color, size, shape, texture, or heightThe mole feels hard or lumpyThe skin on the mole’s surface becomes dry or scalyThe mole starts to itchThe mole bleeds or oozes
What Can I Do About Flat Moles on the Face?
A healthcare provider can remove flat moles on the face, but in most cases will only do so if the mole has turned into melanoma (skin cancer) or if new moles have appeared. Flat moles do not often turn into melanoma but should still be evaluated and removed. However, if the mole undergoes any of the following changes, reach out to a healthcare provider:The mole changes color, size, shape, texture, or heightThe mole feels hard or lumpyThe skin on the mole’s surface becomes dry or scalyThe mole starts to itchThe mole bleeds or oozes
A healthcare provider can remove flat moles on the face, but in most cases will only do so if the mole has turned into melanoma (skin cancer) or if new moles have appeared. Flat moles do not often turn into melanoma but should still be evaluated and removed. However, if the mole undergoes any of the following changes, reach out to a healthcare provider:
Recovery After Mole Removal
After your mole removal procedure, your healthcare provider will give you a set of instructions for keeping the affected skin area clean and protected. The best thing you can do for a swift recovery is to follow your provider’s instructions closely.
If you have stitches or an open wound, you may be instructed to:
Even though mole removal is a minor surgical procedure, there are still risks involved, including the risk of infection. If you notice any signs of infection, call your healthcare provider right away.
Signs of infection may include:
Can You Remove Moles at Home?
Removing moles on your own at home is not recommended because of the potential complications. What appears to be a benign mole could be skin cancer. Removing the growth yourself could mean putting off seeing a healthcare provider who could diagnose and treat it early.
Infection is also a serious risk of at-home mole removal. Most of us do not have the same sanitizing capacities as our healthcare providers, leaving us open to bacteria and infection. An infection could result in redness, pain, and a thick scar.
Scarring is a concern with DIY mole treatments, and your healthcare provider may not be able to help once it’s happened. Cutting off a mole at home could also result in uncontrolled bleeding, which could mean a visit to the emergency room to stop the bleeding.
Summary
Most moles never need to be removed. However, a dermatologist may recommend mole removal if they think your mole should be checked for skin cancer. Mole removal is typically done with a cutting or shaving technique. You should never attempt to remove a mole at home.
Although mole removal is a minor procedure, it does come with a risk of infection. If you notice any signs of infection after the removal, such as pus drainage, a red streak, or increased pain, contact your health provider right away.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.When is a mole a problem?.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What are the symptoms of skin cancer?.American Society of Clinical Oncology.Melanoma: symptoms and signs.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Moles: Diagnosis and treatment.American Cancer Association.Tests for melanoma skin cancer.Skin Cancer Foundation.DIY don’ts: Why at-home mole removal is a bad idea.National Cancer Institute.Common moles, dysplastic nevi, and risk of melanoma.Mount Sinai.Skin lesion removal - aftercare.Seattle Children’s.Wound infection.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Dermatology Association.When is a mole a problem?.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What are the symptoms of skin cancer?.American Society of Clinical Oncology.Melanoma: symptoms and signs.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Moles: Diagnosis and treatment.American Cancer Association.Tests for melanoma skin cancer.Skin Cancer Foundation.DIY don’ts: Why at-home mole removal is a bad idea.National Cancer Institute.Common moles, dysplastic nevi, and risk of melanoma.Mount Sinai.Skin lesion removal - aftercare.Seattle Children’s.Wound infection.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.When is a mole a problem?.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What are the symptoms of skin cancer?.American Society of Clinical Oncology.Melanoma: symptoms and signs.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Moles: Diagnosis and treatment.American Cancer Association.Tests for melanoma skin cancer.Skin Cancer Foundation.DIY don’ts: Why at-home mole removal is a bad idea.National Cancer Institute.Common moles, dysplastic nevi, and risk of melanoma.Mount Sinai.Skin lesion removal - aftercare.Seattle Children’s.Wound infection.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.When is a mole a problem?.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.What are the symptoms of skin cancer?.
American Society of Clinical Oncology.Melanoma: symptoms and signs.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Moles: Diagnosis and treatment.
American Cancer Association.Tests for melanoma skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Foundation.DIY don’ts: Why at-home mole removal is a bad idea.
National Cancer Institute.Common moles, dysplastic nevi, and risk of melanoma.
Mount Sinai.Skin lesion removal - aftercare.
Seattle Children’s.Wound infection.
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