Mole or lesion removal can be a quick and simple surgical procedure. You should have any suspicious or unusual moles evaluated by your dermatologist. They will determine the treatment course based on the characteristics of the mole, such as shape, size, and color. When a mole or lesion is on the face or neck most patients prefer a board certified plastic surgeon, to remove it in order to minimize the potential of scarring.

Surgical techniques for removal include shave removal, punch biopsy, excising, electrocautery, and staged or serial excisions. Most of these procedures are done in the office. For those patients who may not be able to be awake during the procedure, there is an option for sedation. If the mole or lesion has any suspicious characteristics the tissue would be sent to a dermatopathologist to evaluate further.

The recovery and wound care will be based on the surgical treatment used. If sutures are used they are usually removed within the first week following the procedure. After any surgical procedure you may experience some swelling, inflammation, paraesthesia (numbness to surgical site) and possible bruising. There are some activity restrictions following these procedures. The restrictions help minimize the risk of widening or stretching the incision site causing a potential scar.