Mole and Skin Tag Removal Options
Moles are pigmented or colored outgrowths of skin that appear on the skin either singly or in groups. While most moles are brown in color, it is not uncommon to find flesh-colored, black, or blue ones. They often make an appearance before the age of 20 and are generally harmless; pain from a mole is rare unless you prod it or it gets entangled in your clothes.
Skin tags are soft and tiny skin pieces that protrude from the skin layer. These are harmless too, and have no known cause. They are commonly found in the armpits and body folds and also on the upper trunk and neck regions.
Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim provides mole and skin tag removal to patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and surrounding locations.
Need to remove a skin tag or mole
Moles and skin tags are usually harmless and don’t need any treatment. However, it is best to remove them if you feel they affect your appearance, or if they are causing discomfort by rubbing against your clothing or jewelry.
Any mole that appears different from the rest needs to be examined. A doctor will perform a biopsy – a procedure that involves removing the mole and testing it for cancer.
How do doctors remove skin tags and moles?
Mole and skin tag removal procedures include:
Cutting
Using surgical scissors or a scalpel, your doctor may simply snipe off the skin tag. For moles that rise above the skin surface a shaving off will suffice. But for moles that rise from the inner skin layers, a deeper cut is essential to ensure the entire mole is excised, so that it doesn’t grow back later. A few stitches will be made to close the cut area.
Liquid nitrogen freezing
This method involves spraying or swabbing the mole or skin tag with a tiny amount of liquid nitrogen in super-cold condition. The procedure leaves behind a tiny blister which soon heals by itself.
Burning off
Here, a wire heated by an electric current is used to burn off the thin skin stem holding the skin tag. Moles may be burned off too, but the procedure may need to be repeated more than once to ensure complete removal. The procedure doesn’t leave behind any mark or scar.
This can be a mildly painful procedure, so doctors administer an anesthetic before the actual burning begins. The heat ensures that there is no bleeding; however, if some bleeding occurs, the doctor will apply medicine to arrest it, and bandage the area.
Is removing moles and skin tags at home safe?
Cutting skin tags at home with nail clippers or using pastes to remove moles can be dangerous. Bleeding, skin infections, and scarring are very likely. Besides, you will not be able to tell if the mole indicates a more serious problem.
So, it is prudent to have the doctor check it out and perform the moles and skin tag removal. Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim receives patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, CA, and nearby areas for mole and skin tag removal.
Contact the Office of Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon Dr. Eugene Kim
Click here see more plastic surgery procedures and treatments performed by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Eugene Kim on patients in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, CA and surrounding areas or call 310-271-6996 to schedule a consultation.
