Mole Removal in The Woodlands, Texas, with Dr. W. Marshall Guy
Moles are quite common. They represent a collection of cells that produce pigment (color). They may be a source of beauty, as is Cindy Crawford’s beauty mark. But others can be quite distracting and not aesthetically pleasing.
In other situations, a mole may not be a mole. It can be a type of skin cancer called a melanoma. Concerning signs for moles including those that are asymmetric (look different on each side), have an irregular border or edge, have multiple colors, and are larger than a pencil eraser. Other concerning symptoms include if it itches or bleeds easily. If you have any of these symptoms, your mole should be evaluated by a trained professional such as Dr. Marshall Guy.
If you want to learn more about mole removal in The Woodlands, Shenandoah, Spring, Cypress, Conroe, Kingwood, or Huntsville, TX, call (832) 956-1040 or schedule a meeting with Dr. Guy today.
Mole Removal Treatments
There are also many benign lesions that can be found on the face that aren’t moles. For these they may be treated with light based therapy such as IPL and even a hyfrecator. Whether you are concerned about the mole or it has been there your whole life, as a facial plastic surgeon Dr. Guy is skilled both in the removal and the reconstruction to leave the area as cosmetically pleasing as possible. As far as removal goes, there are several ways to treat them.
View: Mole Removal
Treatment 1
One way is to shave the mole off and then apply a careful treatment to the base. The benefit of this method is that the area can heal without a scar. The second before and after on this page was treated in this manner. The only drawback to this method is that the mole can return since it is not completely cut out. However, if this happens, it usually only returns in a tiny spot and can be retreated complimentary in the clinic.
Treatment 2
The second option which is more definitive is to actually cut out the mole. The benefit of this method is that the risk of the mole returning is almost zero. However, it does leave a scar behind. For moles in certain areas, this can be an excellent option as the scar blends into a natural crease. For other parts of the face, this may not be an ideal treatment as the resulting scar may be more noticeable than the original mole. That is where experience and judgment comes in to help determine what is the best treatment for you. Whatever the problem, Dr. Guy can discuss the best approach at the time of consultation.
Mole Removal FAQs
Moles typically remain unproblematic; however, with excessive UV exposure, skin cancer cells can mutate from the mole. Signs that these cells are mutating include irregular borders, color changes, and noticeable growth. If you have a worrisome mole, you should have it examined by a licensed professional as soon as possible. Thankfully, removing moles can prevent melanoma from progressing, allowing you to maintain a cancer-free life.
At-home mole removal kits and tools are usually a waste of time and money. In some cases, removing your mole at home can be dangerous and leave an unpleasant-looking scar due to skin irritation, chemical burns, and infection. We strongly discourage patients from attempting to remove a mole with a razor blade or scissors, which can increase your risk of infection and scarring. Any mole, no matter how benign it may appear, can be malignant. You should always visit a specialist for an evaluation, removal, and biopsy to ensure there is no sign of cancer growing.
Due to the nature of mole removal, you will likely have a scar. However, with Dr. Guy’s technically efficient and skilled approach, it should be barely noticeable. Most patients end up with an area that is slightly lighter than the surrounding skin or a thin, small line that will be either paler or darker than their natural skin tone.
Regrowth is always a possibility if a bit of the mole’s cells remain. Dr. Guy will do his best to remove the entire mole, but if it looks like it’s returning, he can excise the rest of the cells in a follow-up procedure. However, most patients find that regrown moles are much smaller, lighter, and less prominent than the original.
A reliable way to identify potentially cancerous moles is the ABCDE method from the Skin Cancer Foundation. These first five letters of the alphabet provide a valuable guide to warn against signs of melanoma advancements.
- A: Asymmetry – If you draw a straight line across the middle of the mole and the two halves don’t match, this is a clear sign that melanoma could be developing.
- B: Border – Melanoma borders will be uneven and may have scalloped or wavy edges. Benign moles are smooth and usually have even borders.
- C: Color – If your mole begins to change colors, with different shades of brown, tan, red, or black, have it examined as soon as possible.
- D: Diameter – Ideally, you’ll catch melanoma in its smallest stage. Moles that are the size of a pencil eraser or larger are typically cancerous.
- E: Evolving – If you continue to see rapid changes in a mole’s size, shape, color, or elevation, or notice new symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or oozing, these are signs of melanoma.
While scarring is inevitable, you can try some highly effective scar minimization methods after your mole removal procedure. First, follow all your post-procedural instructions for wound care. Dr. Guy and his aesthetic Texas team will provide topical ointments to apply to your incision to stave off infections and encourage your skin to heal.
Whenever possible, stay out of the sun. If you plan to go outside, wear sun protection, even if it’s cloudy. UV rays are the most significant contributing factor to scars becoming darker and more noticeable.
Apply topical scar creams or ask about rejuvenating procedures for plumper, smoother skin.
It's Your Time to Look Your Best!
Dr. Guy is a specialist in all areas of rejuvenation and reconstruction for the face and neck. As a double board-certified and fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Guy knows that everyone ages differently and that there is no one size fits all when it comes to restoring a youthful appearance. From surgical options like a facelift to non-surgical options like Botox® and dermal fillers, there’s never a better time to look your best.