Any skin formation, under certain conditions, can become potentially dangerous—excessive ultraviolet radiation and genetic predisposition can trigger the process of malignancy (the transformation of cells into malignant ones). On the other hand, it is possible to live with a mole for a lifetime without any issues—this can be achieved by undergoing regular preventive check-ups with a dermatologist and following all of their recommendations. Dermatologists at the LeoDerm Clinic in Lviv explain when mole removal is recommended, which methods are used, and why it is so important to perform a diagnostic biopsy.
Is it possible to remove a mole from the face or body if the doctor, after an examination and dermatoscopy, considers it completely safe? Yes, of course. In modern dermatology, methods are used to remove benign skin formations that cause aesthetic discomfort for the patient. These can be moles on the face or other exposed areas of the body.
For preventive purposes, mole removal is performed if they are located in areas of the skin where they may be injured by clothing, jewelry, or during normal household activities or physical activity, thus causing discomfort.
As for medical indications, mole removal from the face and body is recommended in cases where signs of transformation into melanoma are detected during an examination and dermatoscopy. These signs may include:
Before removing a mole, the doctor takes a family history. If the patient has relatives who have suffered from melanoma or other types of skin cancer, the risk of developing similar issues may be higher. In such cases, regular skin examinations, consultations with the doctor, and timely removal of the growth will help prevent the disease.
Looking for a safe place to remove a mole in Lviv? At the LeoDerm Clinic, mole removal is performed using two methods—surgical and radio wave.
Surgical mole removal is the optimal method for large growths on the body or moles of any location with a high risk of transforming into cancer. The doctor uses a scalpel to excise the growth and a small area of healthy skin, thus reducing the risk of leaving malignant cells in the tissue. After excision, stitches are applied to the surgical wound, so a shallow scar may form after full healing.
Radio wave mole removal is an alternative method to surgery, where a radio knife is used instead of a scalpel. Under the influence of high-frequency radio waves, the growth evaporates, and the blood vessels are coagulated. This method is painless and bloodless, and it rarely leads to scar formation.
What does a mole look like after removal? Depending on the treatment method, a wound of varying depth will appear on the skin at the site of removal, which must be treated with prescribed medications. After healing, a scab forms, which will fall off after some time, and the skin will completely regenerate. How long the wound takes to heal after mole removal depends on the size of the growth and the individual characteristics of the body.
Before removing a mole from the face or body, the doctor performs a dermatoscopy. This is a modern diagnostic method for skin formations using a special device—a dermatoscope. Dermatoscopy allows the doctor to closely examine the surface of the mole and its structure at deeper levels, which is not visible to the naked eye.
After mole removal in Lviv, the dermatologist recommends conducting a histological examination. A biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a tissue sample is taken for detailed laboratory analysis. This method allows for the detection of structural changes in cells and determines whether the growth is benign or malignant. Even if the mole appeared normal, only a histological analysis can confirm its safety or reveal signs of melanoma. The biopsy also helps establish whether the removal was complete, preventing possible recurrences and complications.
A biopsy after mole removal is an important diagnostic step, as it helps determine if the growth contained malignant cells, and early detection of skin cancer significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
If you have moles on your skin, make it a habit to undergo regular check-ups with a dermatologist, even if the growths do not cause you concern. Schedule a consultation at the LeoDerm Clinic in Lviv, undergo dermatoscopy, and find out how much it costs to remove a mole, whether it is necessary, and which method should be used.