In the first of a three-part series on moles, we look at some of the science of moles on the skin and explain the options for either surgical or laser mole removal.
Moles are small areas of pigmentation on the skin which form when there is a collection of melanocytes (cells which produce the colour within the skin). Moles can be pale in colour, close to the natural shade of the skin, but are usually darker brown. Some moles are raised, others flat and they may even have hair growing from within them. In terms of shape, a mole is usually circular or oval with an obvious boundary edge.
Moles are very common and their appearance and number can change over time; they can increase in number due to hormonal changes and can in some cases, just fade away without you even noticing. Most moles are completely harmless (benign), but it is a good idea to get to know your moles, perhaps you or a family member could take photos of them over time, as it is a change in the mole’s appearance or structure that can be the first indicator of something being ‘not quite right’. If you notice any of the following with your moles, we recommend that you book an appointment with your GP for an evaluation:
- Moles which have grown, moles are often no bigger than the width of a pencil.
- Moles which are inflamed (enlarged), irritated, crusty or causing itching/bleeding.
- Moles with an uneven colouring or uneven edge. Most moles have just one or two colours and a smooth-edged border.
Unique or unsightly?
The vast majority of moles are just another part of our skin’s appearance, completely unique to us. While some can be exceedingly attractive (think Cindy Crawford or Natalie Portman), sometimes our patients feel that their moles are unsightly blemishes that they would rather have safely removed to leave the skin clearer.
At our registered medical clinic, our expert team have successfully removed hundreds of moles for our patients. We urge you to have a look at our before and after gallery to see some of the fantastic results that we have achieved.
Next time we’ll look in more detail at the two options you have for mole removal.
To book a mole removal appointment with one of our medical team, call us on 01943 882011, email us at: info@skinsurgeryclinic.co.uk or visit our homepage: www.skinsurgeryclinic.co.uk.
The Skin Surgery Clinic is a division of Good Skin Days; a medically registered skin clinic based in Guiseley, Leeds, West Yorkshire offering skin surgery procedures such as the removal of Moles, Warts, Verrucae and Skin Tags with our expert medical team.
We also offer non-surgical cosmetic treatments, including Laser Hair Removal, Anti-Wrinkle Injections (Botox®), Clear + Brilliant® Dermal Filler, Lip Filler and bespoke skin rejuvenation packages.