Birthmark, Mole, & Skin Growth Removal Solutions

Who may consider procedures to remove non-cancerous skin growths?

'Non-cancerous' means benign, and that usually indicates one of two things about your lesion: You’ve had it since the day you entered this world or a professional healthcare provider (like a board certified dermatologist) has looked at it and told you it’s all good. The marks overviewed below are all benign and related to genetics or age, so their removal would be for cosmetic reasons.

• Birthmarks: This is as simple as it sounds. These are hyperpigmented (darker) lesions present on skin since birth. There are two types: vascular and pigmented. Vascular birthmarks result from abnormal blood vessels and pigmented are caused by excess melanin (skin pigment). Examples of birthmarks include cafe au lait spots, Mongolian spots, port wine stains, stork bites, salmon patches, strawberry marks, and angel’s kisses.
• Moles: These are similar to birthmarks, however, they also develop as we age. They are hyperpigmented lesions as well and can be raised or flat. Some grow hair. Congenital are present at birth (yes, this is another term for birthmarks), acquired develop as we age, and atypical is a designation that means they have an unusual morphology and carry a greater risk for melanoma.
• Skin Tags: Are a collection of toughened skin containing vessels and sometimes nerve cells that form usually in areas of high friction and can appear to hang from a stalk.
• Seborrheic Keratoses: Those unappealing stuck-on hyperkeratotic (scaly) and hyperpigmented (dark) lesions that multiply as we age.
• Lentigines: Another hyperpigmented lesion that likes to develop on skin that spent its life worshipping the sun. The most common example of these are liver spots, and they increase as we age.

What can you expect from the non-cancerous skin growth removal process?

For benign skin growths, removal procedures are very common and rather simple. Excisions would be the most invasive and physically remove the tissues. Laser resurfacing and cryotherapy do not require a scalpel, but can be equally effective.

• Excision: Slice and dice! Just kidding. A surgeon will precisely and carefully remove only the skin lesion leaving minimal to no scarring.
• Laser Skin Resurfacing: These procedures utilize light therapy to break down undesired cells and stimulate the body’s healing process.
• Cryosurgery: A (controlled) icy blast literally freezes unwanted tissue to death. It’s very effective.

Depending on the procedure, recovery times and side effects will vary. An excision means a cut, and maybe some stitches that will need a little while to heal. Laser skin resurfacing and cryosurgery may cause irritation and redness, but no open wounds. Some of these procedures may require multiple treatments, however, they are all usually permanent.

When should you consider a birthmark and mole removal procedure?

Remember, if you haven’t had it since birth and a healthcare provider (like your primary care physician or a dermatologist) has not looked at it, then you can’t say the mark is benign and you should get it checked.

If you’ve had it since birth or your provider has given you the all clear, then a skin removal procedure can be a great choice. Skin removal procedures are typically minimally invasive so as long as you are in generally good health and have reasonable expectations of what a procedure can do for you then make the call.

Why should you consider a birthmark and mole removal procedure?

Birthmarks and moles can be unsightly. If you’re not happy with how a skin lesion looks or it’s in an awkward or inconvenient place, then it probably makes sense to consider a removal procedure.

What are the reasons why an individual should go through with the procedure?

The decision to pursue a cosmetic mole removal is entirely dependent on an individual’s personal aesthetic. Benign moles typically do not need to be removed, so a discussion with a professional healthcare provider can determine if mole removal for aesthetic and functional benefit is appropriate for a unique candidate.