A suspicious mole can bring up many questions and concerns. With decades of experience and a patient-focused approach, Schlessinger MD provides patients with a comfortable and informative experience during a mole removal to put your mind at ease. Our team’s extensive medical expertise helps guide you through the mole removal process and determine a roadmap for any additional monitoring or treatments.
​​Dr. Joel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon, explains, “We take the time to evaluate each mole carefully, considering both medical necessity and cosmetic outcomes. We take the time to explain if there will be any notable scarring after the removal, so our patients are aware and can make an informed decision.”
He adds, “Having a mole evaluated and removed by a certified dermatologist ensures the procedure is performed safely with careful attention to both skin health and recovery.”
Still feeling a little apprehensive? In this article, we’ll discuss the mole removal process from start to finish. Read on to learn more about moles and irregular moles, what to expect during your visit to Schlessinger MD and the process of getting a mole removed.
Understanding what moles are
Moles are common skin growths made up of clusters of pigment-producing cells, often appearing as small, dark brown spots on the skin. While most moles are harmless, they can sometimes change in size, shape or color, which may signal a potential risk for skin cancer, such as melanoma. This is especially true for moles that exhibit rapid change, begin bleeding, turn significantly darker or become larger.
If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, you should have your skin checked and moles monitored regularly (at least yearly and possibly more frequently) as you are at higher risk for developing skin cancer.
​​Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and cosmetic surgeon, explains, “Moles can appear anywhere on the body in all shapes and sizes. When a mole changes in color, shape or size, starts bleeding or becomes painful, it’s crucial to see a dermatologist to evaluate the growth and determine if it needs to be removed and sent for biopsy.”
In other cases, moles might be removed for cosmetic reasons or because they cause discomfort by catching on clothing or jewelry.
​​Dr. Daniel Schlessinger adds, “Cosmetic mole removal is something we do frequently when someone has a mole that is benign but is still bothersome to them.”
Consultation & personalized treatment plan
At Schlessinger MD, your journey begins with a thorough consultation with Dr. Joel Schlessinger, Dr. Daniel Schlessinger or one of our board-certified Physician Assistants. They will assess your mole to determine the most appropriate course of action.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains, “Based on our evaluation, we create a personalized treatment plan and approach. Our patients’ health is our biggest priority when considering a mole removal, whether it’s for personal, cosmetic or medically necessary reasons.”
​​The cost of a mole removal often depends on the size, anatomic location and the reason for the procedure. If the mole is considered high risk or medically necessary, it will likely be run through your medical insurance, which may cover the removal or put the costs toward your deductible. At Schlessinger MD, our team is transparent about costs and provides estimates in advance based on each patient’s individual insurance benefits. We also let our patients know if the mole removal is cosmetic and will not be covered by insurance.
The mole removal process
The mole removal process at Schlessinger MD is designed to be quick, comfortable and effective. After your consultation, our team will determine the best removal method based on the mole’s size, location and characteristics. In most cases, our team can perform the mole removal procedure the same day, saving patients the hassle of having to return for a separate appointment. The most common mole removal techniques include shave removal and surgical excision.
Dr. Daniel Schlessinger explains, “With a shave removal, local anesthesia is applied before carefully shaving the mole flat with the skin’s surface, which then heals on its own. A surgical excision, on the other hand, involves cutting around the mole and then typically closing it with stitches.”
Both procedures are performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort, and most patients experience little to no downtime. Once the mole is removed, the area is cleaned and bandaged. All specimens are sent to a dermatopathologist who examines it under a microscope to determine whether it is a normal mole, an atypical mole or a skin cancer, and to ensure that it has been fully removed.
Dr. Joel Schlessinger explains, “Sending these specimens to a dermatopathologist is a crucial step in the mole removal process. Sometimes, it may appear that the mole has been completely removed, but on a cellular level, some lesion tissue might remain. This process helps confirm the mole’s properties and determines whether an additional procedure is necessary.”
Following your mole removal procedure, detailed aftercare instructions are provided to promote optimal healing and minimize scarring. Follow-up visits may be scheduled to monitor healing and ensure the best results.
Whether you’re concerned about a mole or want to have a mole removed for cosmetic reasons, Schlessinger MD is your trusted choice. We’re here to answer your questions and guide you through every step of the process.
You can book a dermatology appointment with Drs. Joel or Daniel Schlessinger online. During your appointment, our team will discuss your concerns, answer any questions you may have and develop a treatment plan. If you’d like to speak to a scheduling coordinator directly, you can call us at (402) 761-1121.