Moles Specialist

What are moles?

Moles are small skin lesions with a high concentration of melanocytes, which are the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its distinct coloring. Moles can develop anywhere on your body and can be brown, nearly black, or the same color as your skin. 

Moles can change over time, becoming larger, darker, or lighter in color. Some moles even drop off or fade away entirely. Some moles are present at birth, but most develop during the first 20-30 years of life. People with lighter skin usually have more moles than those with darker skin.

It’s easy to confuse birthmarks, vascular formations, and freckles with moles, but these are other skin conditions that don’t share the same treatment path. If you’re uncertain about whether your spot is a mole or something else, come in for a skin check and a discussion about treatment options.  

Are moles harmful?

Most moles are harmless and don’t require any type of treatment. However, there are some cases when a mole is an indication of skin cancer, in which case seeking early diagnosis and treatment is critical to your health.

If you have a mole that exhibits any of these characteristics, schedule a diagnostic exam right away:

• Irregular color
• Increase in size
• Swelling or inflammation
• Oozing
• Sensation of pain or itching
• Larger than 7mm in diameter

Dr. Weinman can check your moles and let you know if there are any signs of malignancy, as well as refer you to a specialist if needed.

Can moles and other skin growths be removed?

Moles and skin growths can be removed, but it’s important to work with a skilled and experienced physician to achieve optimal results without significant scarring. There are multiple approaches to removing skin growths such as moles. The LamProbe at Essence is one of the most advanced devices for skin growth removal.

Excision involves removing a mole by cutting the affected tissue with a scalpel. Depending on the size and location of your mole, a few stitches may be needed to close the incision. This method leaves a thin scar that will be about three times the diameter of the growth.

Shaving also uses a scalpel, but the cells are carefully scraped from the surface of the mole until a clean layer of cells is revealed. Shaving does not require stitches and leaves a scar approximately the same size and shape as the mole.

The LamProbe is a radio frequency device that evaporates the unwanted skin growth. It leaves the least amount of scar of all the treatments, but can only be used if there is no indication that the skin growth has a potential of being cancer. Dr. Weinman will discuss your particular growth and concerns during your consultation.

If you’re troubled by the appearance of one or more moles, book an appointment at Essence Medispa to discuss mole or skin growth removal.

Can other skin lesions be removed, like age spots, dark spots, wrinkles, freckles and warts?

Yes, we have the technology to remove most unwanted skin discolorations and growths.

Skin Growth Before and After one Lam Probe Treatment.