Ever had a mole removed? What's the procedure like?
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M$6 Answers
Here's my experience on each type of removal I've been through:
FREEZING - This is no big deal. It's the preferred removal method for most dermatologists I've known. The immediate area will be cleaned, and then a tool will be used to freeze the mole. The most immediate sensation is cold, and then it becomes a throbbing burning sensation - just enough to make you grit your teeth, but not enough to make you cry or scream. The procedure is very fast and effective. And there's little to know residual pain. Minimal bleeding.
The scarring from freezing is absolutely minimal! The only downside is they don't take very much tissue, so sometimes the mole can regrow, and if a biopsy rules the mole to be questionable, then they may have to go back in with a knife to get more of it out.
Some care will be required after-procedure to keep the site clean and prevent infection (usually washing it with soap and water, followed by some anti-bacterial cream). You doctor will give you instructions.
KNIFE - Surgical removal has been the most common for me: They clean the area thoroughly and then give you multiple injections with a needle in the area they'll be slicing.
This is what stings like a bastard. I tend to swear like a sailor in the moments after the injections. That only lasts for precious few seconds though. But then, of course, everything in that area becomes numb, and the doc will use a fine blade (usually looks like a razor blade) to gently remove a light layer of the skin.
Depending on the location of the mole (and size), stitches may be required. In that case, you'll need to go back for a re-check. Having incisions and stitches will make it more likely you'll have a scar, and more aftercare will be required of the wound (you may need a prescription ointment).
BURNING & LASER - Never had either of these, I believe they're pretty rare.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTERWARD -
The good news is that you should be up and running right after the procedure, and except for a little wash & ointment at night, you'll forget you even had it done.
I really don't dread mole removal appointments - and I'm a WUSS! To me, they're no worse than getting a vaccination.
Now, down the road you may find that mole removal scars ITCH! The worse the scar, the more it will itch. But over time the itching, and the darkness of the scar will fade (if there's even IS a scar).
You'll see. It won't be bad at all. Piece of cake.
Good luck!
-Your Mole Buddy, Gno
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M$I do have a very faint scar (this was near my collar bone) but given what they did I am quite pleased. This mole was normal for many years, but changed very quickly - the color and shape changed, so naturally there was much alarm. Needless to say I never go out in the sun without a TON of sunscreen.
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M$
@lauriem
Small typo, the numbing cream is actually Emla (link below). It can be used when freezing (liquid nitrogen) as well as for people with needle/injection site pain.
http://cosmetic-skin-solutions-llc.amazonwebstore.com/EMLA-Topical-Numbing-Cream-Anesthetic-5/M/B001LOD6W8.htm?traffic_src=froogle&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=froogle
Yeah the numbing cream - it's called Elma - was quite nice. My dermatologist called it in without my asking and said she recommends it to everyone. Sure wish I'd had it when I was a kid (hate/hated shots). Agree 100% on the location too - I barely felt sore at all because I didn't move the area. I also used a TON of Mederma once the sore spot healed up. No idea how much it helped, but I looked again tonight and had to get right up to the mirror to see the spot.
The good news is, on that area of the body (the collar bone), you most likely shouldn't have much of any scar, even if they have to "dig deep".
You should see this hideous scar on my knee from a mole removal - when it's on a part of the body that you can't keep immobile, the scars are MUCH worse. That was 4 years ago, and I still have to wear a band-aid on my knee all summer long to hide the scar.
You won't have that problem
@lauriem, I've never heard of the numbing cream. Huh. Sounds cool. I wish my doc would offer that! And amen, sista about the sunscreen!
Mine is right near my collar bone also, almost directly on top of it.
It didn't hurt at all. I had to wear adhesive bandages over them for a few days and that was it.
But 5 years before that, I had one removed by freezing. That one hurt, for some reason, and regrew. It was one that was later removed by laser.
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M$
The procedure is painless because they numb it. You keep a bandage over it for a couple days, then just clean it gently there after. After it heals, you get the stitches removed. It may leave a scar as it did in my case, but it fades over time.
They do offer other methods like freezing as you mentioned. I would talk with the dermatologist and ask for his or her recommendation.
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M$
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
