Some moles can actually originate deep within the dermis. Because of this, the only way to fully remove it is to excise the area. Excision involves local anesthetic to numb the area. Once the numbing is in full effect, the doctor will use a small scalpel to cut an eye shaped opening around the mole and remove the tissue within. A few sutures (stitches) are required to close the wound. There is very little post operative care. A small bandage or steri-strips may be applied by the nurse before you leave. The sutures are removed in a week or two in our office, or by your family physician. Sometimes the sutures dissolve and no removal is required, but you will be informed which ones you receive. There may be a scar somewhat bigger than the mole was, but everyone heals differently, and there is no way to guarantee if/how you will scar. There are topical creams and laser options to help improve scarred tissue if that occurs and you are concerned.

Another option for mole removal is called a “ Shave ”. This involves local anesthetic as well. Once the numbing is in effect, the top of the mole is shaved with a blade to the level of the surrounding normal skin. If there is pigment in the mole, sometimes the mole is still visible as a flat brown spot. If there is no pigment in the mole, the area may appear pink for a while or leave a flat, but much less noticeable mark on the skin. Post surgical care consists of keeping the area moist with Vaseline or silicone gels (NOT polysporin), and a bandage if you choose. By keeping the area moist, it will heal much nicer, with less itching and irritation. There is a 10% chance the mole can regrow as there may be cells that are deep in the dermis (deeper layer of the skin). If this happens it can be shaved again or you can choose to have it excised. This procedure is often performed by one of Dr. Lyne Giroux's nurse technicians at the Sudbury Skin Clinique. Staff are extensively trained on site and have years of experience.