Though people are often afraid of surgery, mole removal is entirely safe and offers unique alternatives if you prefer not to go under the knife. Through radio wave technology and laser equipment in plenty of clinics across the States, moles are easily removed in just one or two sessions. These options are virtually pain-free and will keep moles away over the long haul with minimal scarring so long as aftercare treatment instructions are followed. If you’re considering mole removal, think about the following types and consult a dermatologist to speak about your mole and what method you would prefer.
Excision: Most Used, Least Safe
Going under the knife is sometimes the only option when it comes to mole removal. While radio wave and laser therapy are effective, some malignant moles are best surgically removed to ensure that no cancerous growth is left. Often with large cancerous moles, radiology will be prescribed afterwards or Chemotherapy, or both in severe cases. Because the surrounding areas of the mole will often be scraped to ensure no cancer remains in an affected area, disfigurement could be a result of the surgery depending on where the mole is found on your body. Scarring is almost inevitable with excision though doctors will do their best to align their cuts with natural grooves of the skin. Some good insurance plans will cover reconstructive surgery if disfigurement does occur, but this will require going in for yet another surgery. With all of the open wounds involved in excision, it is the treatment with the most risk for infection. Open wounds must be cleaned often and new gauze must be applied regularly.
Laser Treatment – 0% Risk of Infection
With the latest advances in laser technology, low-intensity lasers are being used to literally zap moles off the body. Laser treatment isn’t always covered by insurance plans so check your policy before going to a doctor. It also usually requires two treatments to be effective. Small skin tags will even require two treatments even though after the first, the hanging flesh will be incinerated in a puff of smoke. The skin will be level, but perhaps a bit swollen at first, with the rest of your skin immediately after the first treatment. A second treatment is necessary for penetrating the skin and killing the cells causing the mole growth. Since no incision is made, there is the least risk of infection with laser treatment.
Cryotherapy: DIY Without Incision!
Cryotherapy has recently been legalized for over-the-counter sale at pharmacies. Basically, liquid nitrogen is contained within a canister that sprays a medicine at somewhere around negative three-hundred degrees directly onto the affected area. This kills the cells after prolonged spraying. If this process disgusts you or if you’re uncomfortable freezing a mole off of your skin, over-the-counter creams have long been a safe, effective remedy for mole removal. Cryotherapy is quick but for best mole removal results, you should apply treatment for the exact prescribed time in the instructions included with the spray.