Some people love their moles, even calling them beauty marks. Others find that dark, raised bumps get irritated under clothing or make it difficult to shave. Some fear moles could be a sign of an emerging health condition. If you want to remove a mole, or a common skin overgrowth known as DPN, here is what you need to know.
It is important to select a physician with experience in mole removal to attain the best outcome and reduce scarring. Dr. Cornell McCullom performs hundreds of these procedures each year and, as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, knows just how to get excellent results.
Removing DPN on Black Skin
A condition called dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN), is a scattering of tiny black moles along the cheeks that is common in dark-skinned individuals. DPN is simply a buildup of epidermal (skin) cells rather than a true mole and is almost always benign.
These tend to be hereditary, hence the nickname, “family moles.” Nevertheless, if you are unhappy with their appearance, we can remove them in our office.
How are Moles Removed?
There are several ways to remove moles, depending on the depth, size, location, and other factors you will discuss with our doctor.
Radiowave technology: This incision-free technique achieves great results in a minimally invasive way. It produces minimal scarring, if any, for many people, and is also effective on DPN and other excess skin growths.
Shave excision method: A thin tool resembling a razor blade carefully slices the mole, layer by layer. An electrode may sometimes be used to blur the edges of the treatment area so it blends with the surrounding skin.
Surgical excision method: The mole itself and the subcutaneous fat layer below are surgically removed. Tiny sutures are then used to close the incision.
Fortunately, the process of mole removal is short, simple, and straightforward. It is designed as an outpatient procedure.
After you have checked into our facility, you’ll be led to a surgical room. The treatment area is cleaned, a local anesthetic is applied to maximize comfort, and the mole is removed.
Does Your Mole Require a Biopsy?
After the procedure is completed, we may send the excised tissue to a laboratory for analysis. There, technicians examine it under a microscope to determine whether it is benign — that is, safe and harmless — or abnormal and potentially cancerous.
The biopsy process typically takes one to two weeks, and Dr. McCullom’s team will call you with results.
Mole removal is a quick and easy procedure that can make a great difference in your self-perception. If you have a mole that you want removed for any reason, make an appointment with our facial aesthetics office in Chicago, IL today.
