Laser Mole Removal Treatment
Moles are common skin growths that can occur anywhere on the body. While most moles are
harmless, some may be cosmetic concerns or have the potential to become cancerous. As a result,
mole removal is a standard procedure for medical and cosmetic reasons. Today, we will explore the
different types of moles, the various mole removal methods, and each treatment option’s potential
risks and benefits.
Laser Treatment For Moles
Laser treatments can be an effective way to remove certain types of moles on the body. The specific type of laser treatment used depends on the type of mole being treated and the size, location, and depth of the mole. Some of the different kinds of laser treatments for body moles include:
Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser:
This type of laser can be used to remove small, raised moles on the skin. The laser works by vaporising the mole, which causes the mole to dry up and fall off.
Radiofrequency mole removal:
It is a type of procedure that uses high-frequency electrical currents to remove moles from the skin. The process involves numbing the area around the mole with a local anaesthetic and using a device emitting high-frequency radio waves to heat and vaporise the mole.
Electrosurgical mole removal:
It is also known as electrosurgery or electrocautery; it is a method of removing moles from the skin using an electric current. This method involves numbing the area around the mole with a local anaesthetic and then using a device emitting a high-frequency electric current to cut and burn the mole off. During the procedure, an electric current is used to remove the mole tissue, which is cauterised to stop bleeding.
Excision mole removal
is a standard method for removing moles from the skin. The process entails numbing the surrounding area of the mole with a local anaesthetic and then using a scalpel or other surgical method to cut out the mole and a small spot of surrounding skin. Once the mole has been
removed, the wound is closed with sutures or stitches, typically removed after a week or two.
However, the damage is left to heal, and a small scar may remain.
Round excision mole removal:
A specific technique for removing a mole from the skin using a circular incision. This technique involves numbing the area around the mole with a local anaesthetic and then using a surgical instrument to make a circular incision around the mole. The mole and a
small spot of surrounding skin are then removed, and the wound is closed with sutures or stitches.
Erbium YAG laser:
This type of laser can be used to remove both flat and raised moles. The laser targets the pigment in the mole, which causes the mole to break up and be absorbed by the body.
Surgical excision:
This technique involves numbing the area around the mole with a local anaesthetic and then, using a scalpel or other surgical cut out the mole and a small spot of
surrounding skin. The size and depth of the excision depend on the location and size of the mole, as
well as whether the mole is cancerous. If the mole is suspected to be cancerous, the surgeon may
perform a broader and deeper excision to remove all cancerous cells.
Surgical shave mole removal:
It is another technique for removing a mole from the skin by shaving it
off with a scalpel or razor blade. This technique is typically used for moles that are raised above the
skin surface and do not penetrate deeply into the skin. The wound is typically cauterised to stop
bleeding and left to heal independently.
Freezing the mole: Cryotherapy
is a standard method for removing moles from the skin. This technique involves applying liquid nitrogen or another freezing agent to the mole to freeze and destroy the cells. During the procedure, the area around the mole is with a local anaesthetic to numb the skin area, and then the freezing agent is applied to the mole using a cotton swab or spray device. As a
result, the mole and surrounding skin may blister or scab over, and the scab will eventually fall off,
leaving new skin in its place.
Erbium-YAG laser mole removal:
This technique uses a laser that emits light at a specific wavelength to remove moles from the skin. The pigmented cells within the mole absorb the laser light, causing them to break down and be removed by the body’s immune system. In addition, the laser emits short pulses of energy absorbed by the pigmented cells within the mole.
How many sessions are required for the mole removal treatment?
The number of sessions required for mole removal treatment can vary depending on the size,location, type, and method used to remove the mole. In some cases, a single session may be
sufficient to remove the entire mole, while in other cases, multiple sessions may be needed.
For example, if the mole is being removed using a surgical technique, such as excision or shave
removal, a single session may be enough to remove the entire mole. However, if the mole is being
removed using a non-surgical technique, such as laser or freezing, multiple sessions may be needed
to achieve the desired result.
The dermatologist or medical professional performing the procedure can advise on the required number of sessions based on the individual case. It’s essential to follow the recommended treatment
plan to ensure that the mole is completely removed and to minimise the risk of scarring or other
complications.
Using a laser to remove moles from the skin is a non-invasive technique commonly employed for small, benign moles that aren’t deeply embedded in the skin. The procedure involves cleaning the
mole’s surrounding area and applying a local anaesthetic to numb the region.
However, laser mole removal may not be appropriate for all mole types, particularly more prominent, deeply embedded moles or those suspicious of cancer. While there may be a slight chance of
scarring, laser mole removal typically has a lower risk of scarring than other mole removal methods.
Dermatologists or medical professionals are available to suggest the best course of action for each
case.
Risk & Compilation
While laser mole removal is generally considered safe and effective, there are potential risks and complications that patients should be aware of before undergoing the procedure. Some of the
potential risks and complications of laser mole removal include the following:
Scarring: Although the risk of scarring is generally lower with laser mole removal than with other
methods, there is still a chance of scarring, mainly if the mole is large or located in an area with thin
skin.
Discoloration: Laser mole removal can sometimes cause changes in skin colour, leaving behind light
or dark spots in the treated area.
Infection: Anytime the skin is broken, there is a disease risk. Patients should keep the treated area clean and follow their dermatologist’s aftercare instructions to minimise disease risk.
Pain: While the procedure is usually quick and relatively painless, patients may experience discomfort
during and after the treatment.
Bleeding: There is a risk of bleeding during and after the laser mole removal procedure, mainly if the mole is deep or has an ample blood supply.
Reoccurrence: In some cases, a mole may reappear after laser removal, particularly if the entire mole was not removed during the procedure.
What is the duration required for the skin to heal after mole treatment?
The healing time after mole treatment can vary depending on the type of treatment used and the size and location of the mole. In general, less invasive treatments like laser removal or freezing may require less healing time than more invasive treatments like surgical excision.
After laser mole removal or freezing, the treated area may scab over and heal within one to two
weeks. However, the scab will eventually fall off, and the skin underneath may be pink or slightly
discoloured for some time.
After surgical excision, the treated area may require stitches and may take longer to heal, typically
taking between two to four weeks for the skin to fully recover. As a result, patients may need to avoid
strenuous activity or exercise for some time and take steps to minimize scarring, such as keeping the
area clean and using scar treatment products.
Conclusion
Mole removal is a standard procedure for both medical and cosmetic purposes. Excision, laser
treatments, electrosurgical mole removal, surgical shave mole removal, and freezing the mole are
some methods used for mole removal. While the procedure is generally safe, there are potential risks
and side effects associated with each plan. Therefore, discussing the potential benefits and risks with
a dermatologist or medical professional before undergoing mole removal is essential.
