Moles are among the most common skin conditions seen in dermatology. For some people, it is important to have moles removed for cosmetic reasons. In other cases, mole removal is necessary if it appears to be cancerous. What should you expect when visiting Dr. Lazor for mole removal at the New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Weymouth, MA?
What to Expect
In General
Mole removal usually takes less than one hour. It doesn’t require sedation, and most people recover quickly enough to return to work immediately. Most people are fully healed within two to three weeks.
On the Day
On the day of your mole removal surgery, the front desk will make sure all patient and insurance information is up-to-date. You will be called from the waiting room by Dr. Lazor’s team, who will escort you into the minor surgery room. The medical assistant will take your vitals, including blood pressure, heart rate, breathes per minute, and temperature.
Next, the medical assistant will explain the procedure and ask if you have any questions. They will start by cleaning the skin before applying topical anesthesia to the area around the mole. Typically, the numbing effects will take hold after a couple of minutes. Alternatively, if the mole is large, the doctor may choose to do an anesthesia injection. In that case, the numbing effects will start right away.
Types of Mole Removal Procedures
Depending on the type of mole, the surgeon will choose the appropriate surgical technique. The vast majority of mole removals are quick and painless. If there is no concern about skin cancer, the doctor may choose to freeze the mole off instead. Freezing is the most common way to remove a non-cancerous mole.
In cases where the mole is large, the surgeon may decide to cut or shave the mole until it is completely removed. This procedure does not require stitches as the incisions are cauterized. Then, the doctor or medical assistant will bandage it and explain how to best care for the wound.
If melanoma is suspected, the surgeon will perform an excision biopsy to remove all cancer cells. In this procedure, the mole and surround skin will be removed using a surgical blade. Stitches are common for this type of surgery.
What Is the Recovery Process?
Mole removal is a day surgery, so you can go back to work that same afternoon. There is no special skincare routine needed afterward. The doctor will instruct you on the best way to treat the wound after the surgery. All mole removal surgeries have the same after-care steps.
The wound needs to be cleaned twice a day using hydrogen peroxide. Then, apply a layer of petroleum jelly before reapplying the bandage. If stitches were used to close the wound, they will normally dissolve after five to seven days. The wound will is healed when the scab falls off.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you need a mole removed, contact Dr. Lazor at the New England Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in Weymouth, MA to schedule an appointment!