Mole Removal Festus MO

Find top doctors who perform Mole Removal in Festus, MO. Whether you’re seeking treatment or looking to schedule a preventative screening, we can connect you with the best dermatologists near you in Festus, MO.

Local Businesses

Mole Removal FAQ in Festus, MO

What size mole should be removed?

As a general rule, a healthy mole should be no more than 6mm in diameter, or about the size of the width of a pencil eraser. If you have a mole that is noticeably larger than this, schedule an appointment with your physician.

Is it better to remove moles or leave them?

If you’re wondering if removing moles prevent skin cancer, the answer is no. Cutting out a mole does not mean your cancer is reduced. Precancerous moles may need to be removed to reduce the cause of contracting skin cancer. Although moles are harmless, some people may want to remove their mole for cosmetic reasons.

Do you need stitches after mole removal?

Stitches are placed depending on the depth of the mole. They may be placed deeper, where they are absorbed by the body and do not have to be removed. Stitches also may be placed on the surface of the skin. Surface stitches may need to be removed later.

Can you just cut off a cancerous mole?

Some people are tempted to just cut off a mole at home. This is dangerous, and you should never do it. If your mole has cancerous cells, you may not get all the cancer when you cut the mole, and you may even cause cancer cells to spread.

What does a suspicious mole look like?

Border that is irregular: The edges of suspicious moles are ragged, notched or blurred in outline, while healthy moles tend to have more even borders. The pigment of the mole may also spread into the surrounding skin. Color that is uneven: The mole may have various colors present, including black, brown and tan.

When should I be concerned about a mole?

Dermatologists recommend that you examine your skin every month. Most moles are benign (non-cancerous). If you notice changes in a mole’s color or appearance, have your mole evaluated by a dermatologist. You also should have moles checked if they bleed, ooze, itch, appear scaly, or become tender or painful.

How painful is mole removal?

Whether you have surgical excision or shaving to remove a mole, the procedure is quick and shouldn’t hurt once the area is numb. After the procedure, you may have stinging or burning around the area for a few days.

Does apple cider vinegar remove moles?

This will cause the mole to crust over and become a scab, eventually falling off completely. Some folks report that this process works just fine, while others say it didn’t work them. In the worst cases, the apple cider vinegar leaves behind unsightly scarring.

Do dermatologists remove moles at first visit?

In most cases, your dermatologist will perform the procedure during the same appointment that they examine the mole.

What is inside a mole?

Moles are made of cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes are found scattered throughout our skin and are the cells that make our skin become tan by generating a pigment called melanin. A mole is made of many melanocyte cells clustered together.

How long after mole removal can I shower?

Remove the dressing applied after 24 hours. It’s okay to shower and wash with a mild soap once the dressing is off.

How fast does melanoma spread?

Melanoma can grow very quickly. It can become life-threatening in as little as 6 weeks and, if untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma can appear on skin not normally exposed to the sun. Nodular melanoma is a highly dangerous form of melanoma that looks different from common melanomas.

How do you prevent moles?

Remove food sources. Moles feed on grubs and insects. Use nontoxic mole repellent. Spray your lawn and mole tunnel entrances with a homemade mixture of three parts castor oil and one part dish soap. Plant a barrier garden. Use ultrasonic repellents. Dig a trench. Use repellent granules.