Moles

Everyone has at least a few moles, and most of them cause no discomfort and don’t indicate an underlying medical condition. Whether you’re concerned about a mole’s changes or just don’t like how it looks, the skilled dermatologists at Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists in Trumbull, Westport, and Derby, Connecticut, can examine and remove your moles. To find out if mole removal is right for you, call Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists or book an appointment online today.

What are moles?

Moles are common skin growths that dermatologists categorize as a type of birthmark. Most of the moles you have appear during childhood or adolescence, and they’re several shades darker than the rest of your skin. 

Moles vary in size, color, and elevation, with some being raised and others being flat. By the time you reach adulthood, you can have 10-40 moles. 

The team at Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists can examine your moles and decide whether or not to remove them. It’s important to keep track of the shapes and sizes of your moles because changes may indicate skin cancer. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of treatments available for noncancerous moles. There are also procedures to remove cancerous moles. You can get either of these treatments at Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. 

When should I be concerned about a mole?

It’s possible for skin cancer, often caused by ultraviolet (UV) light damage, to affect moles you already have. For this reason, you should keep an eye on your moles and look for any changes in their:

• Shape
• Size
• Color
• Border
• Feel (tenderness)
• Condition (bleeding)

The team at Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists encourages you to check your moles regularly and to visit for professional skin cancer screenings. If they identify unusual changes in one of your moles, they might further examine it by taking a biopsy and removing some cells to test for cancer in a lab. 

Can I remove a mole for cosmetic purposes?

It’s common for people to dislike the appearance of their moles, especially if a mole is in a particularly noticeable location like your face or neck. Fortunately, there are procedures that remove noncancerous moles for cosmetic purposes only. Some moles are uncomfortable because of their size and location and can be removed in this way, too.

At Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists, the team removes moles with surgical and shave excisions. Shave excision can remove a mole that doesn’t go very deep into your skin by skimming it off with a blade. Surgical excision cuts the mole out of your skin and often requires stitches.

If you’re interested in mole removal services, call Adult & Pediatric Dermatology Specialists or book an appointment online today.