Mole Removal Procedures

Moles are a constant in all human beings. We have at least one on our body. Moles when situated on the right spot, can be beautiful (Think Marilyn Monroe) or can be unsightly especially if it is oversized, asymmetrical or too contrasting on your skin. They can also be signs of a deeper danger which is the start of melanoma.

At Marina Plastic Surgery, we’ve handled mole removal and mole surgery operations for countless patients. We are experts in the field of mole removal and surgery.

Overview

Moles come in different shapes and sizes. Most moles are benign and only a few are actually cause for alarm.

Here are the different types of moles:

Compound moles have cells in the dermis and epidermis. Their colour varies from normal skin colour through to almost black. They may have an irregular pigment pattern with black spots and dark hairs. On the face, these can cause self-consciousness, with the hair follicles also prone to infection. Women may pluck the hairs, but men risk cutting the top off the moles during shaving.

Intradermal moles sit in the dermis only and tend to be soft and fleshy. They can be raised up to 5mm, from skin colour to dark brown.

Dysplastic moles look like compound moles, but with a more irregular pigment and possibly a more irregular edge. They may also be larger. Because of their irregular pigmentation and edges, they can look like melanomas, so many of these are excised and examined ’for safety’ to ensure they do not harbour any melanoma.

Halo moles have had the pigment around the edges destroyed by the body’s immune system leaving a pale halo around a dark centre. These uncommon moles are benign and tend to occur in adolescents.

Blue moles have a blue/black colour, which is quite dense and can be confused with melanoma, so are often removed as a precaution.