Often when people have moles that are visible on their skin such as on their face or neck, even if the blemishes are benign, the question of getting them removed will arise at some point or another. Is it safe? Does it work? How long does it take? These are all valid questions regarding mole removal. There are a variety of techniques by which dermatologists remove moles from the body and depending on your circumstance and medical history, you’ll be recommended a course of action for removal. It’s important to know that with excision and sometimes cryotherapy, a scar may be present after removal. Often with years the scar will begin to take your natural skin color and fade until it’s barely noticeable.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Depending on which method you use, the process of mole removal can take anywhere from a few hours with a few weeks of recovery to a few months. Natural remedies that are blended at home take the longest, but in severe cases of malignant moles, go under the knife and get the mole removed immediately! Don’t take chances with moles that begin growing, changing color or growing hair: consult a dermatologist as soon as possible through a clinic that offers mole removal as a service. They will be able to schedule you a meeting, bring you into their office, diagnose your mole and treat it effectively. They’ll also let you know exactly how long the procedure takes and how long to expect applying aftercare such as staying out of the sun and applying aloe vera or other topical ointments that may be prescribed.
Will it Hurt?
Again, the level of pain greatly varies between techniques and circumstances. If you happen to be allergic to anesthesia, excision could be a very painful event for you, for instance. If you aren’t allergic to anesthesia, excision usually aches at worst and pain medication may be prescribed in the case of large open wounds. Laser and radio wave therapy have been reported as to be virtually painless. Laser therapy generally takes two sessions, so if you do find it painful upon the first session, you’ll have to suffer through one more for it to ensure that your mole won’t come back. Radio wave therapy generally works the first time, but in rare cases it will require a second treatment. Home remedies even hurt – freezing your mole off versus filing it down until it bleeds and applying topical cream are your options. There are options across the board with varying levels of pain depending on who you are, and what your dermatologist recommends for your mole.
How Much Will it Cost?
Home remedies are cheapest between mole removal options and radio wave and laser surgery are most expensive. Depending on the clinic you go to, prices can vary in the hundreds of dollars; sometimes the thousands. Email different clinics to find the best deal available and remember that laser treatment requires two sessions no matter what.