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Written By: Erin Storm, PA-C
Medshop
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The Skinny
Skin pigmentation, skin color, light skin, dark skin, beauty marks, birthmarks... the list goes on. If the seemingly endless number of descriptors or the plethora of skincare products are anything to go by, skin appearance is something many individuals take seriously and birthmarks, moles, and skin growths can play a role in the overall aesthetic of the skin (check out our complete guide to Birthmark & Mole Concerns). To be clear, this page is discussing benign skin lesions only, and any skin lesion should be evaluated by a professional healthcare provider because the risk of skin cancer is real and common. Now that we’ve gotten the scary part out of the way let’s deep dive on benign skin lesions and how to get them off.
The Specifics
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.Excision Procedures
Excision is a definitive, precise, and well-practiced technique for mole removal. In the case of benign lesions only one visit is usually required. There are a few different techniques a surgeon can utilize depending on the nature of the skin lesion.- Punch Excision of a Mole
- Overview: This technique can remove moles that are less than 8mm in diameter and penetrate into deeper layers of the skin. A punch tool is used for excision.
- Cost: $100 - $1,500
- Recovery & Results: Stitches will be removed after one week and the scar will most likely fade within one to two months. This is usually permanent.
- Shave Excision of a Mole
- Overview: A local anesthetic is used and the surgeon removes the mole with a sharp razor.
- Cost: $150 - $500
- Recovery & Results: Stitches are usually not needed and the area heals within one week. The results are permanent.
- Surgical Excision of a Mole
- Overview: Also known as a full thickness incision, this is used for lesions greater than 8mm and excises down to the subcutaneous (fat) layer.
- Cost: $100 - $1,500
- Recovery & Results: The stitches will usually be removed within one week. Skin irritation may persist for up to two months. The results are permanent.
- Mohs Surgery
- Overview: The gold standard for removal of common skin cancers with high cure rates and positive aesthetic outcomes.
- Cost: $1,000 - $2,000
- Recovery & Results: Recovery will vary by individual, lesion location, and involvement of the procedure. The results are permanent.
Laser Skin Resurfacing Procedures
Laser therapy procedures utilize light energy to cause cellular damage that then causes the body to activate its healing mechanisms. This process causes the body to recognize the skin lesion as damaged tissue, break it down, and repair the area with new, healthy tissue.- Birthmark Removal by Laser Resurfacing
- Overview: This can address both vascular and pigmented birthmarks. Light therapy is used to cause cell damage and activate the body's healing response. There are both non-ablative and ablative options. The ablative option is more invasive
- Cost: $100 - $7,000
- Recovery & Results: Mild swelling and irritation for one day. Non-ablative therapy usually requires one week of recovery, whereas ablative therapy will need about a month. Multiple treatments are typically needed.
- Birthmark Removal by Light Therapy
- Overview: Intense pulse light therapy (IPL) is used to break down skin tissue and promote healing.
- Cost: $200 - $600
- Recovery & Results: Redness and sensitivity will last for a day. Multiple sessions and maintenance treatments are typically needed.
- Ablative CO2 Laser
- Overview: A carbon dioxide laser targets unwanted skin tissue causing cellular damage and promoting healing.
- Cost: $2,000 - $2,500
- Recovery & Results: Mild irritation and swelling for a few days. The results are permanent.
- Ablative Erbium Laser
- Overview: Very similar to CO2 therapy, however, erbium is believed to cause less heat damage to surrounding tissues.
- Cost: $2,000 - $2,500
- Recovery & Results: Healing is believed to be about half the time of CO2 therapy. The results are not as significant as CO2 however.
- Pulsed Dye Laser
- Overview: Concentrated light therapy targets blood vessels for breakdown. This is ideal for vascular lesions.
- Cost: $400 - $800
- Recovery & Results: Bruising and irritation will resolve over one to three weeks. Multiple sessions are usually required with maintenance every six months.
- excel® V
- Overview: Green laser technology can be used to treat vascular skin lesions and abnormal skin conditions.
- Cost: $250 - $1,000
- Recovery & Results: Minimal downtime with permanent results.
Non-Invasive Procedures
A non-invasive procedure, like cryotherapy, can be used to locally freeze unwanted soft tissue causing cell death. These procedures can be done in an outpatient office and there are even some (usually not as effective) home kits, although these are indicated for warts not moles.- Cryosurgery
- Overview: A technique that freezes skin tissue (usually with liquid nitrogen) causing cell death.
- Cost: dependent on insurance
- Recovery & Results: Mild irritation and redness at the site for a day. May require a few treatments. Results are usually permanent.
The Takeaway
We’ve all been told at one time or another to let go of the past. While this was most likely a metaphorical suggestion, if you literally want to let go of your past birthmarks, moles, and sun damaged skin then one of numerous cosmetic skin removal procedures can make that happen. Remember, it’s never too late to remove your unwanted skin lesion.
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