The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery estimates that the average person has been 40 and 300 moles on their body. They are essentially minor aberrations caused by hyperpigmentation or abnormal changes in dermal cells.
Excess sun exposure can cause excess melanin to saturate the skin cells in the area allowing a mole to darken over time. As this starts to happen a benign mole can start to increase in size.
If a mole appears or starts to grow on your face, hands, or another visible part of the body, it can hamper your self-image
Fortunately, Dr. Natalie Driessen can remove most unappealing moles in a single outpatient treatment. This often calls for injecting the area with a local anesthetic before excision.
Small moles can sometimes be shaved down until it is flush with the surrounding skin. Dr. Natalie Driessen can then cauterize the area to reduce the chances of the mole redeveloping. If a small mole extends deeply into the skin, Dr. Natalie Driessen might use a special laser to penetrate deep into the dermis to eradicate the mole cells.
A larger mole or one that extends deep into the dermal layers might need to be physically excised with a scalpel. Then the surrounding skin will then be stretched and pulled in to tighten the area before suturing. Once everything has healed there should be little to no visible scarring.
You will likely need to apply a topical antibiotic cream to the area while the skin heals. This will help to prevent infection. Dr. Natalie Driessen will help you understand any other necessary recovery measures.
If you live in the Palm Desert, California, area and you have a visually unappealing mole that you would like removed, you should call 760-773-6616 to schedule a consultation at Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Specialists.