Mole Removal New Jersey
Book an appointment with the board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr Kaplan, for mole removal in NJ. Samples are sent for testing, with results provided in 1-2 weeks.
Want your mole removed?
Everyone has a different opinion about their moles.
For some, moles are a feature of their face or body that, in some way, makes them who they are or makes them more discernible. Some movie stars have even made it trendy to have a mole, inspiring others to add fake ones with makeup.
But others aren’t happy with their appearance. If you fit into this category, it may be a relief to know that most moles can be removed without a trace.
If you’d like to discuss the surgical removal of a mole in New Jersey, please contact our team today to organise a consultation. Or, for more information about the procedure, read on.
Contents
- What Are Moles?
- What Causes A Mole?
- What Are The Different Types Of Moles?
- Can Plastic Surgeons Perform Mole Removal?
- What Are The Different Types Of Mole Removal Techniques?
- What Are The Risks Of Mole Removal?
- What Are The Benefits Of Cosmetic Mole Removal?
- What Is Recovery Like After Mole Removal?
- Am I A Good Candidate For Mole Removal?
- Schedule a consultation
What Are Moles?
Moles are skin lesions that are usually harmless. They come in different shades (most often brown or black), sizes and shapes. They can grow on any part of the body, and may form alone or in groups.
Moles can cause people to feel insecure about their appearance. So, when people have large lesions in areas visible to others, such as facial moles, they often come to The Kaplan Center for cosmetic mole removal.
What Causes A Mole?
According to WebMD, moles develop when skin cells known as melanocytes grow in a cluster instead of being dispersed evenly throughout the surrounding skin. Melanocytes make the pigment that gives your skin its natural color, so when they’re bunched together, they appear darker than the rest of your skin.
It is normal for moles to change in color, grow hair, or become raised over time, but if you’re noticing changes, especially following sun exposure, you may want to have a doctor analyze them. Some moles may even slowly disappear.
What Are The Different Types Of Moles?
Most moles are completely harmless and do not threaten your health. They’re typically removed for cosmetic reasons rather than diseases.
However, samples are always sent to laboratories for examination to test for serious illnesses such as cancer. Don’t worry, this is standard protocol to ensure you are healthy.
Types of moles include:
- Acquired nevi – appear after birth, typically not cancerous
- Spitz nevi – often raised and may bleed or leak pus, benign
- Congenital nevi – common, appear at birth, more likely to develop into melanoma (cancer) if larger in size
- Dysplastic nevi – large with uneven edges or surface, abnormal, likely to develop into melanoma
Can Plastic Surgeons Perform Mole Removal?
Like dermatologists, many plastic surgeons are experts at mole removal. The key difference is that a board-certified surgeon will ensure incisions result in minimal scarring for the patient, while a dermatologist may simply remove the mole with little concern for the skin and scar left behind.
Dr. Kaplan uses his artistic eye and techniques similar to those he uses for other plastic surgery procedures to carefully cut and remove the mole without leaving a trace.
What Are The Different Types Of Mole Removal Techniques?
There are three main lesion removal methods. In both cases, the procedure is quick and pain-free once the area is cleaned and local anesthesia has been administered.
- Surgical excision – surgeons can use a scalpel to lift the mole off your skin. This ensures the mole is removed completely and cleanly in one appointment.
- Shave excision – the mole is removed by shaving, rather than cutting. This method is not useful when looking to distinguish between types of skin cancer.
- Laser excision – moles can be removed with the use of laser technology. Watch a video of Dr. Kaplan removing a mole using our Sciton laser below. The Sciton laser is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of procedures including spot excision of moles. This minimally invasive technique is safe and effective, with minimal downtime.
What Are The Risks Of Mole Removal?
Mole removal is a standard, low-risk procedure, but like any other procedure, it has some risks, such as:
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Mole recurrence
What Are The Benefits Of Mole Removal?
Whatever your reasoning for removing a mole, there are multiple benefits to having the procedure, including:
- May prevent the spread of cancerous or pre-cancerous cells
- Address cosmetic concerns over the appearance of one or several moles
- Usually leaves permanent results with a low risk of recurrence
- Reduces skin irritation and pain
What Is Recovery Like After Mole Removal?
Dr. Kaplan will stitch the incisions after your mole removal, and usually, the stitches will dissolve into the body over time.
Or, if we use non-dissolvable stitches, Dr Kaplan will invite you to book an appointment about a week after your procedure to have them removed.
It’s common for the incision site to sting or burn for a few days following the procedure.
Am I A Good Candidate For Mole Removal?
Ideal patients for mole removal may relate to the following:
- Your mole is in a particularly undesirable location, or you dislike the appearance of it
- Your mole distracts people from other features you’re more confident with
- Your mole has changed in size, shape, or color over time
- You’ve noticed the development of new moles
- You are worried a mole may be cancerous
Schedule a consultation
If you’re interested in moving ahead, the first step is to book a consultation with Dr Kaplan at our practice in New Jersey.
During your consultation, we’ll discuss your skin and medical history. Dr Kaplan will also examine the mole, decide on the mole removal method, explain the procedure, and answer any questions.
If you are considering having a mole or multiple moles removed at The Kaplan Center, please get in touch by filling out the form below.
We can also help with other forms of lesion and skin tag removal, please check out our skin biopsy page for more information.