Moles and Birthmarks

What are moles?

Most moles are benign and are just collections of melanocytes, the skin cells that contain pigment; however, certain moles should be evaluated by a specialist in medical dermatology to ensure that they are not a cancerous skin condition called melanoma. Suspicious moles include those with an asymmetrical shape, irregular border, uneven color, large diameter, or moles that change over time. 

Benign moles do not require dermatological treatment unless they are physically or aesthetically bothersome. Mole removal is a quick, usually painless outpatient procedure that involves numbing the affected area and removing the mole using a razor blade, scalpel, or punch device. Occassionally, sutures may be required depending on the size of the excision and the method used. Suspicious moles may be biopsied to determine if they are malignant. 

What are Birthmarks?

Birthmarks are skin irregularities that usually appear within a month after birth. They are normally harmless and can appear anywhere on the body and is the result of an overgrowth of melanocytes, keratinocytes, fibroblasts, muscle, fat, or blood vessels. 

Some birthmarks fade with age, but the majority are permanent. Some patients opt to have birthmarks treated for cosmetic reasons. 

Schedule an appointment today to have an expert at Niara Aesthetics to help you determine if any lesions are concerning. We can also use dermatoscopy to help us examine all of your lesions.