Laser Mole Removal

Many people refer to a mole as any dark spot or irregularity in the skin. Moles or naevi are frequently removed for a variety of reasons. If your mole is more of a blemish than a beauty spot, laser mole removal provides a safe and effective option for mole removal.

Not everyone loves their mole as much as Marilyn Monroe. Laser mole removal is a simple and quick alternative to surgery. 

How is laser mole removal performed ?

The mole will be examined by the doctor first. The skin will be cleaned and then numbed with a topical anaesthetic agent such as lidocaine cream or injection. A carbon dioxide laser is used to gently ablate the mole bit by bit until it is completely removed. The procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes for each mole depending on mole size. Antibiotic cream will be applied to the treated area after the procedure. There will be scab formation at the treated area for a week for laser mole removal on the face and two weeks for laser mole removal on the body. It is important to wear sunscreen and avoid excessive sunlight exposure after treatment.

What happened to Sarah Jessica Parker's famous mole? Photos showed that the mole disappeared from her chin sometime during the summer of 2008 after she filmed the first 'Sex and the City' movie. She later admitted of having the mole removed for cosmetic reasons.

Can the mole be removed in a single treatment session ?

Smaller moles usually need one or two sessions of laser mole removal while larger moles will require more treatment sessions. The treatments should be performed at monthly intervals.

What are the limitations of laser mole removal ?

Laser mole removal is usually not suitable for very large moles or suspected cancerous moles. Excision and biopsy is the preferred treatment for these moles It is important to always have any odd shaped moles or other skin irregularities checked by a medical professional.

What are the possible complications from  laser mole removal ?

Immediate complications from laser mole removal include swelling, redness and pain. However, the risk of complications is low if proper care is taken.

Mole removal should always be performed by a trained medical professional. Home mole removal or mole removal by unlicensed practitioners should be avoided no matter how minor the mole seems to appear. Complications that can arise from improper mole removal include infection, bleeding, nerve damage and even permanent scarring. Mole removal performed by a an experienced medical professional significantly reduces the risk of complications.