Cosmetic Plastic SurgeryCosmetic Plastic Surgery
Mole & Skin Lesion Removal
Procedure
With age and sun exposure, the skin can develop new growths, including seborrheic keratoses, intradermal pigmented nevi (moles), dermatofibroses, follicular or epidermal cysts, or warts. Thankfully, most skin lesions are noncancerous. However, Dr. Farella recommends that new growths, suspicious lesions, or changes in a mole or skin lesion should be evaluated and possibly biopsied to determine whether it is cancerous or precancerous. Moles and skin lesions can be removed easily by a surgeon. Unsightly lesions can be removed for cosmetic reasons and with minimal scarring.
The following types of lesions are quite common:
Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly, brown to white patches that appear on sun-exposed skin and can crust, flake off, and form a new crust over a period of years. They are not cancerous but may turn into a type of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, if left untreated.
Seborrheic keratoses are common among older adults. These brown to black crusty lesions appear on sun-exposed areas of the face, neck, and upper body. They generally are not precancerous or cancerous.
Skin warts are caused by the human papilloma viruses. They may disappear on their own or be removed by freezing, laser, and other methods.
Dermatofibromas are small, hard lumps that resemble scar tissue and are not precancerous. If desired, dermatofibromas can be removed by laser or surgery.
Nevi are benign birthmarks and moles. They tend to be brown or black in color, although intradermal nevi may not be pigmented. A change in mole or birthmark color, shape or size should be evaluated by a doctor.
Follicular and epidermal cysts are sacs of tissue that form around hair follicles or in the skin, respectively. Cysts usually do not disappear on their own and may be need to be removed surgically, particularly if they become infected.
Lipomas are benign fatty tissue tumors. These slow growing lesions are most common in middle-aged adults. Lipomas can be removed surgically for cosmetic reasons.
Risks & Complications
Risks and complications are rare and minimal, and can include infection, wound healing problems and scarring.
Recovery
Recovery usually is rapid after mole and skin lesion removal. You will receive instructions on the care of the treatment site, depending on the removal method and the size and location of the wound.
In/Out Patient
Removal of moles and skin lesions is an outpatient procedure performed with local anesthesia.
Information on this page is not a substitute for medical consultation or advice. Please contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss the best treatments for you.
Call for a complimentary consultation:
(914) 241-7111
Lexington Avenue Suite 104
Mount Kisco, NY 10549
(914) 997-9090
311 North Street Suite 408
White Plains, NY 10605
(718) 548-5200
3333 Henry Hudson Parkway Suite 1-A
Riverdale, NY 10463
