Moles and skin tags are common, harmless growths that can appear anywhere on the skin. While most people don’t bother getting them removed, there are some benefits to doing so. Keep reading to learn more about mole and skin tag removal pros and cons.
Why a Mole May Need to be Removed
Moles can become a problem if they change in size, shape, or colour. They may also become itchy or bleed. If you have a mole causing you problems, removal may be the best solution.
There are several mole removal methods could be done, including surgical procedure and non-surgical option. Surgical removal is usually the most effective, but it also comes with the greatest risk of complications. Non-surgical options, such as laser removal, can be just as effective but may require more than one treatment.
How do I Find Out if a Mole Is Cancerous?
You may have a non-cancerous mole or cancerous mole, and it’s important to know the signs of cancerous moles. Look for moles that are:
- Darker than normal
- Changing shape or size
- Itching or bleeding
- Lonely, without any other moles nearby
If you have a mole that meets the above criteria, you should see a doctor for a skin biopsy. This is the only way to definitively determine if a mole is cancerous.
Why is Home Removal Harmful?
Moles home removal is harmful because it can lead to scarring, infection, and other complications. In some cases, it may even cause the spread of cancerous cells. Home removal is also more likely to leave the mole incompletely removed, leading to recurrence.
If you are not experienced in removing benign moles, you may end up causing more damage than good. It’s always best to consult a doctor before attempting to remove a mole at home.
When to See a Doctor
If you have any signs of the skin cancer, you should see a doctor right away:
- A mole that is changing size, shape (irregular border)or colour
- Abnormal mole that is itchy or bleeding
- A solitary mole (without any others nearby)
- Suspicious mole that looks different from the others on your skin
If you’re concerned about a mole, the best thing is to see a doctor. They can help you determine if removal is necessary and recommend the best course of treatment. Don’t forget that in some cases the OHIP may cover the cost of removing your moles, you can read about the reasons here. And here you can read about average price of mole removal in Toronto.
What Happens When You Get a Mole or Skin Tag Removed?
When you get a mole or skin tag removed, you may experience some minor side effects. These side effects typically resolve on their own within a few days. Some of the most common side effects include:
- Minor bleeding
- Slight swelling
- Bruising
- Skin irritation
In rare cases, more serious complications can occur. These complications are usually the result of surgical removal and include:
- Infection
- Scarring
- Damage to nearby blood vessels
- Nerve damage
These complications are typically rare and can be avoided by working with an experienced doctor.
Are There Any Risks?
Mole removal procedure could be done through surgery or laser treatment. While both of these methods are typically safe for normal moles, some risks are associated with each.
Surgical removal is the most effective way to remove a mole, but it also comes with the greatest risk of complications. These complications include infection, scarring, and damage to nearby blood vessels or nerves.
Laser treatment is less invasive than surgery, but it may require more than one treatment to be effective. There are also risks associated with laser treatment, including skin irritation and burns.
If you’re concerned about mole or skin tag removal risks, be sure to talk to your doctor. They can help you understand the risks and benefits of each treatment option.
Can I Remove It Myself?
Common mole and skin tag can be removed at home, but it’s important to be careful. You can remove them yourself using over-the-counter creams, but these creams are not always effective.
You can also remove moles and skin tags with home remedies like apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil. However, these home remedies are not always safe or effective.
Moles can be cancerous, and it’s important to know the signs of atypical moles. If you have a bad mole that meets any criteria, you should see a doctor for a biopsy. This is the only way to definitively determine if a mole is cancerous.
Home removal is harmful because it can lead to scarring, infection, and other complications. In some cases, it may even cause the spread of cancerous cells. If you are not experienced in removing moles, you may end up causing more damage than good. It’s always best to consult a doctor before attempting to remove a mole at home.