Although many men and women want moles removed for personal reasons, sometimes it isn’t all about looks. Moles can be indicative of something more serious, which is why the first step to getting your mole removed is seeing your doctor or dermatologist. In reality, cosmetic appearance is a perfectly reasonable reason to get a mole removed and with shaved removal an option for many people, this can be accomplished with relative ease. At YourDerm in Calgary, AB, we understand that you shouldn’t have to live with moles so call us today to schedule a consultation.

How Are Moles Removed?

Moles may be removed for a number of reasons, from the purely cosmetic to more serious concerns about moles that appear abnormal. Some moles are biopsied rather than removed. Moles are biopsied typically when their appearance raises concern with your doctor, for example, if the borders are irregular or the mole is multicolored. A biopsy will allow the mole to be examined pathologically, though moles that undergo shaved removal usually also undergo pathological analysis.

There are different ways of removing moles. A shave excision is a common way to remove moles. Shave excisions are popular with doctors for a number of reasons, particularly because they can be performed in such a way as to remove the skin around the mole, which is important when there are concerns about serious underlying conditions like cancer. A shaved removal also accomplishes the cosmetic goal of removing the visible mole.

There are several steps involved in a successful shaved removal of a mole. These steps include:

• Injecting the area with local anesthetic to prevent pain
• Excising (cutting) the mole with a razor
• Feathering the edges of the wound with an electrode to remove mole cells and reduce scarring
• Clean the surgical site and cover with a bandage

What Should I Expect After My Shaved Removal?

Because some men and women undergo a shaved removal of a mole because of concerns about the mole, moles that are removed this way will generally be sent to pathology for analysis. This pathological analysis will determine if the mole is benign or if it was something more serious. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to care for the wound, including steps that you can take to encourage wound healing. These instructions typically include keeping the site dry for at least 24 hours and avoiding direct sunlight for a longer period. This is to prevent scar formation after your shaved removal.

Although not everyone has the same reason for undergoing a shaved removal, the steps that they take afterward can ensure they experience the best results from this process. At YourDerm in Calgary, AB, we understand how important having the best outcome after your treatment is, so call us now to schedule an appointment.