Expert and trusted mole removal: specialty dermatology care makes all the difference
If you are worried about the look or feel of a spot on your skin, do not hesitate to reach out to our trusted specialty team in McKinney, Texas. Bluebonnet Dermatology will first closely examine your mole (or other skin concern). What we find can then inform us of the appropriate steps for removing your concerning lesion or spot as needed.
What are moles ?
Moles are common skin lesions. They arise when the melanocytes or skin cells that produce melanin pigment cluster together. This process results in a patch of skin that looks darker or different from the surrounding tissue. Most of us are born with at least one mole, and we tend to acquire more throughout our lifetimes. They come in all shapes and sizes and may appear anywhere on the skin, in groups, or alone.
Are moles harmless ?
While true moles are not cancerous, many patients may choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons. Or, the moles may grow and be uncomfortable – rubbing up against the folds of the skin, clothes, and jewelry. Some moles may also be removed for precautionary measures.
What do you mean by “precautionary” measures ?
The trouble with many skin conditions is that they often share the same characteristics. Moles are no different. They can look like potentially serious skin lesions, such as melanoma skin cancers. Our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Huayi Zhang, must evaluate your skin prior to making treatment recommendations. She must rule out that the mole is just that—a true and benign mole—and is not cancerous (or at risk of becoming cancerous as a “pre-cancer”).
How do you remove moles ?
If the mole is truly benign, Dr. Zhang has numerous techniques to choose from. Due to her expert skill, she can remove this cosmetic or uncomfortable growth with minimal risk of scarring. Depending on your needs, she may recommend shave excisions, punch biopsies, or excisional surgery.
What option might be best for me ?
She may “shave down” the surface of those moles raised above the skin. In doing so, the mole then sits flush with the surrounding skin. This form of shave excision is performed by applying a local anesthetic to the area surrounding the mole. For smaller moles, a special device may be used to “punch out” a cylindrical-shaped piece of tissue as part of the punch biopsy process. Lastly, flat or malignant moles may be removed with surgical excision. An opening is made in the skin to remove the mole. The site is then closed with stitches.
Why should I trust my skin to Bluebonnet Dermatology ?
It’s estimated that around 70% of melanoma skin cancers begin as new moles. Likewise, what you think is a mere mole may be something else entirely. These truths underscore the need for quality, knowledgeable, and experienced specialty dermatology care for your moles and other skin concerns. We encourage you to contact our office today to benefit from the expertise of our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Zhang—call (469) 663-8838 to reach our team in McKinney, TX.