Patients should never try to remove moles at home. Amateur mole removal can cause scarring or even infection. If you have an unwanted mole, you should make an appointment with a dermatologist. Here are four things you can expect from your mole removal treatment:

1. Your doctor may wish to perform a biopsy.

Many moles are benign. However, certain moles can be cancerous. Moles are more likely to be cancerous if they're larger than the width of a pencil eraser, asymmetrical, or multi-colored. Pain or redness can also be a sign of cancer. If your doctor believes your mole may be cancerous, they will likely wish to perform a biopsy. Excision surgery is the most common mole removal technique used during biopsies. After your mole is removed, your doctor can send it to a lab for testing.

2. You will be awake during the procedure.

Mole removal treatment is considered minor surgery. You will not need to be placed under general anesthesia during the procedure. Instead, your dermatologist will inject a topical anesthetic into the surgical site. Once the anesthesia has numbed the area, the doctor will proceed with the mole removal. You may feel some pressure during the excision process, but you shouldn't experience any pain. You can choose to avoid watching the surgical procedure if that makes you more comfortable.

3. You may be left with a minor scar.

Your dermatologist will take the utmost care during your mole removal treatment. They will remove as little tissue as possible to minimize the risk of scarring. They may even choose to perform a shave excision, which doesn't require stitches. However, you should be aware that you may have a scar after your mole is removed. If this possibility bothers you, make sure to discuss it with your doctor ahead of time. Your dermatologist may be able to recommend scar-reducing creams that you can use during the healing process.

4. You must properly care for your wound after the procedure.

Mole removal treatment is a routine procedure. However, it is still a form of surgery. After your procedure, you will have an open wound. You must care for your wound by keeping it clean and applying antibiotic ointment as directed by your dermatologist. Failure to properly care for your surgical site can lead to infections and increased scarring. Follow all of your dermatologist's aftercare instructions for a fast, healthy recovery.

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