Mole Removal Covington, LA

Most of the time, moles are fairly innocuous, but occasionally they can become malignant, requiring clinical removal. In other instances, moles may be irritating or aesthetically displeasing.

Moles can usually be removed quickly and easily on an outpatient basis. The Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center of South Louisiana provides mole removal options for patients throughout the Covington, LA area. Our team is here to counsel you about any questions you have regarding the mole removal process.

Mole Removal Explained

A mole is simply a growth on the skin, made up of cells that produce color (also called pigment). Moles may appear anywhere on your skin, sometimes alone and sometimes in a cluster. The vast majority of moles are harmless and will only cause discomfort if they rub against clothing.

A mole is not quite the same thing as a skin tag, a soft piece of skin that protrudes from the body on a thin stem. Skin tags are generally harmless but may require removal if they get caught on clothing or become otherwise irritated.

While most moles do not need removal, you may choose to have them removed for any of the following reasons:

• Your mole appears somewhere highly prominent or visible, compromising your appearance or your self-confidence.
• Your mole gets irritated and inflamed, particularly when it rubs against clothing.
• Your doctor believes that the mole could be cancerous and advises that you have it removed and biopsied.

It is important to note that when you have a mole removed, your doctor will perform a routine biopsy of the mole, simply verifying that it is not malignant.

How Is a Mole Removed?

Your doctor will recommend a treatment method based on the size and location of the mole. Some of the most common options include:

• Cutting the mole. Many moles can be shaved or cut off. The area will first be numbed to prevent you from experiencing any pain. This method of mole removal can take mere minutes.
• Freezing the mole. Dr. Brandner may also recommend freezing off the mole with liquid nitrogen. This is an effective method, though it may result in some temporary blistering near the treated area.
• Burning. Moles and skin tags can be burned off, which is a method used when the doctor wants to do everything possible to minimize bleeding. For moles, it usually takes more than one treatment session to burn it off completely.

Other Things to Know About Mole Removal

As you prepare for your mole removal, we want to make sure you feel fully confident and informed. Dr. Brander is here to answer your questions and spend as much time as you need to understand the treatment process fully. In the meantime, here are some of the most common questions we hear about mole removal.

Does Mole Removal Leave Scars?

Having a mole removed will result in a scar. However, for many patients, the scars heal to the point of being virtually invisible. The extent to which your scar heals may depend on your age, the quality of your skin, and the type of mole removal method your doctor employs. Dr. Brander will be happy to talk with you in advance about what you can expect in the way of scarring and let you know about ways you can reduce the visibility of your scar.

Are Moles Permanently Removed?

For most patients, moles are removed permanently. Depending on the mole’s size and the area where the mole is located, it may take two treatment sessions to ensure that the mole is completely gone.

Do Moles Grow Back?           

Moles are most likely to grow back if you have them removed via the shaving method, as a few cells from the mole will be left behind on the body. With that said, most patients who have their moles removed never experience the mole growing back.

Schedule a mole removal consultation by calling our office in the Covington, LA area at (985) 687-1616.