Almost all people have moles on different parts of the body; it is believed that on average one adult can have up to ten to fifteen of them. In most cases, these characteristic marks become a “highlight” of appearance and do not interfere with their owner in any way, however, in some situations, moles can be deadly. Some nevi can degenerate into skin cancer and melanoma; in order to prevent a dangerous disease, dermatologists recommend removing suspicious tumors. “Does it hurt to remove a mole?” - a question that worries everyone who is faced with the need for this procedure. The answer can be found in this article.
The essence of the problem
A mole, or nevus, is a benign skin formation. It occurs when the pigment melanin accumulates, in the formation of which the pituitary hormone plays a major role. Given this role of this important element of the endocrine system, it is believed that the appearance of moles is largely determined by hormonal changes. This conclusion is confirmed by the increased formation of nevi in adolescents during puberty, in pregnant women and during menopause. In addition, an increased risk of their occurrence has been established with excessive exposure to sunlight, as well as in people with light skin.
Most often, moles do not pose any danger to human health and remain quietly in their place throughout their lives. People can be irritated by the aesthetic side of the problem, especially when such defects are located on the face and are of significant size. At the same time, nevi are not always so harmless. In some cases associated with exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation or frequent mechanical damage (friction, abrasion), there is a possibility of transformation of moles into a malignant formation with all the ensuing serious consequences.
Thus, in the question of the need to combat such a phenomenon as a mole, there is an alternative. If it does not interfere with life (and many even like such piquant spots) and does not cause emotional distress, then it should be left alone and no measures should be taken. In cases where moles are fraught with danger of both a pathological and psychological nature, you should think about their removal.
Also read what to do after removing papillomas with a laser.
Reason to take action
The decision on the need to remove moles is made for the following main reasons:
- localization on an open area of skin (face, décolleté, etc.), which causes nervous disorders due to disturbances in appearance;
- location in a place where the mole is often subjected to mechanical stress, which causes its damage (especially with bleeding);
- the appearance of signs of malignancy.
Dangerous signs that require urgent medical attention include the following:
- glossy tint and smoothing of the surface of the nevus;
- blurred contour and the appearance of asymmetry;
- rapid increase in size;
- the appearance of itching, peeling or burning;
- wet surface;
- bleeding;
- disappearance of the nevus with the appearance of a new formation in its place.
Sometimes laser removal of warts is required.
Video of laser mole removal:
Can I remove it at home?
Many products have been developed to remove lesions at home. But before using them, you need to make sure that the mole is not prone to malignancy (degeneration into cancer). Otherwise, tumor relapse and cancer cell metastasis are possible.
Some of the most effective drugs are:
- cryopharma;
- Wartner Cryo.
They operate on the principle of cryodestruction. The active ingredients are: dimethyl ether, propane.
A mixture of these components is contained in an aerosol can. A special holder with an applicator (included) should be placed on the latter. Then press for 3 seconds. and remove from the container.
During this period of time, the applicator will be saturated with refrigerant and after 20 seconds it should be applied to the problem area for 20 seconds.
Suitable only for removing flat, small moles (no more than 5 mm). If the formations are convex, hanging, or wide, then the method will not be effective enough, as a result, part of the mole will remain on the surface of the skin. The drug costs about the same as cryotherapy.
Also, if the mole is flat and small, it can be lightened. On sale you can find drugs that reduce the production of dark pigment and destroy it (expigment, Melalite forte, etc.).
Their active ingredient is hydroquinone. The result will not be noticeable immediately. It will take several weeks, or even months, to achieve lightening of the skin.
Creams have conflicting reviews and contraindications, so consultation with a dermatologist is required before use.
It is better not to self-medicate, do not remove moles yourself. There is a very high risk of encountering cancer as a result of incorrect actions.
Dermatologist Michael Rogers
Formation removal technology
Removing moles on the face or body can be done in different ways. Laser technology is among them in a leading position for a number of reasons. The following advantages contribute to the popularity of this method:
- absence of surgical intervention (non-invasive method);
- only tissues with a changed structure are affected, without damage to neighboring areas;
- almost complete absence of pain and bleeding;
- short postoperative recovery period; small postoperative scars and scars;
- exclusion of relapses;
- the ability of laser radiation to accelerate skin regeneration; no need for hospitalization;
- eliminating the risk of infection, because laser radiation has antiseptic properties.
Here you can learn about laser vein removal.
Laser removal is carried out using special installations. The most commonly used lasers are neodymium, erbium or CO2 lasers. The technology is based on the principle of ablation, i.e. evaporation of abnormally changed cells by directing a focused laser beam at them. The process is carried out by layer-by-layer removal of abnormal tissue on the mole, and the procedure is carried out until a microscopic wound appears.
As a rule, removing a defect requires 1 session, which lasts several tens of seconds. If the nevus is large, several procedures may be performed. In this case, the interval between them is 1-2 weeks.
After each treatment, a solution of potassium permanganate is applied to the affected area, which dries the wound. The removed tissues must be subjected to histological examination to identify malignant cells. Also read about laser hair removal.
Video of laser mole removal on the face:
Anesthesia during the procedure is prescribed only if there is individual hypersensitivity of the skin. In this case, local anesthesia is provided by injection or application of an appropriate cream. The link describes laser removal of stars.
Features of the procedure
The basic principles of laser nevus removal are:
- evaporation (or ablation);
- the effect of coagulation of blood vessels and tissues.
Thanks to coagulation, the tissues surrounding the mole are not injured. After the procedure, the wound heals without the formation of a scar.
Laser mole removal is performed by an experienced and professional specialist. The procedure is carried out using local anesthesia and either a local injection with an anesthetic substance, or a special gel.
Laser therapy is especially indicated for women who are bothered by unsightly moles on open areas of the body (for example, on the face or neck).
- Strengthening hair with vitamins requires compliance with a number of rules, including knowledge of all stages of this procedure and the correct use of vitamins.
- Laser methods for removing moles are the safest of all methods for solving this problem, but only if you follow the recommendations of specialists, more details in our article.
When not to have surgery
The laser method of removing moles is considered a safe and painless non-invasive method. However, it also has certain limitations in use caused by the individual characteristics of the patient’s body and skin. The following contraindications are noted:
- acute skin inflammatory reactions, especially infectious types;
- malignancy of a mole;
- significant neurological disorders;
- significantly reduced immunity;
- pregnancy;
- menstruation in women;
- oncology of any localization.
Sometimes laser removal of calluses is required.
Recovery period
After correct laser treatment, complete tissue restoration occurs 7-10 days after surgery. Relapses of the lesion, as a rule, are not recorded, but to completely eliminate new accumulation of melanin, certain recommendations should be followed:
- During the regeneration period, the treated area of skin should be kept at rest, excluding the effects of friction from clothing or shoes.
- The operated area should not be wetted for 13-15 days.
- It is necessary to avoid exposure of the affected skin to direct sunlight; a cream with an increased ultraviolet protection factor should be applied (you can sunbathe no earlier than 25-30 days after the procedure).
- The use of ointments, creams and gels for any purpose must be agreed with a doctor.
- The integrity of the protective scab at the site of exposure should be ensured as much as possible.
Video shows the consequences of laser mole removal:
Here you can read about laser removal of ingrown toenails.
What are the possible complications?
Despite all the safety of laser technology, unpleasant consequences are possible, which are caused by the individual characteristics of the body and violations during the procedure. After laser removal of a mole, the wound should heal within 4-6 days, and the scar itself should be barely noticeable.
After the procedure, the following consequences are recorded:
- The appearance of a swelling (tubercle). This manifestation can be considered a normal physiological reaction of healthy tissue to the wound healing process. Such swelling should become covered with a crust, and it will completely disappear on its own after 8-12 days.
- Inflammatory reaction. If the inflammation lasts no more than a day, then this phenomenon can be considered a normal reaction of sensitive skin. If the process lasts longer, it is necessary to take measures to cure it.
consequences of mole removal - Formation of a noticeable scar. This is an abnormal phenomenon, which is most often associated with a violation of the integrity of the protective crusts during the recovery period.
- Itching and pain syndrome. Such symptoms, as well as redness at the site of manipulation, occur only when the procedure is performed poorly. These complications require contacting a doctor to determine the causes and treatment.
- The most dangerous consequence occurs if laser exposure was carried out without proper histological examination, and the benign nevus has already begun to transform into a malignant formation. In this case, radiation can speed up the process, and removal of such pathologies is carried out only surgically. It is quite risky to leave some of the abnormal cells, i.e. incomplete removal of a mole. In such circumstances, the remnants of the nevus in the depths of the integument can become the focus of the formation of a neoplasm.
In general, laser removal of moles is an effective and safe method of surgical treatment. If the procedure is carried out well, not a trace will remain of the mole. Read about laser tattoo removal here. The link describes laser removal of vascular formations.
General information about moles
Need to follow
- Do not expose moles to injury. It is forbidden to pluck hair in a mole or squeeze pimples.
- Control color and shape changes
- Do not expose to sunlight. Be sure to apply sunscreen.
- Don't worry if moles appear on you - it's a natural process
When to contact a specialist
- Have you noticed a sharp blackening of the area?
- Tissue trauma has occurred
- Cracks started to form
- There was pain and itching
- The appearance of new moles is too intense
Attention! Most often, it is convex and voluminous moles that are removed. Remember, self-removal is strictly prohibited!
