Mole Removal in San Diego County
Too many Southern California residents don't understand that sun exposure can increase the incidence of moles on their skin. For anyone in the San Diego area that doesn't use sun screen, especially on over cast days, your exposure to harmful UVA and UVB rays increases not only the incidence of benign mole growths but significantly increases your risk of skin cancer. Making sure that you examine your skin on a regular basis will help you to discover moles you may not notice or feel. Having any mole you find examined by a board certified Dermatologist can be important for the health of your skin and for your overall well being. If you've recently found a mole or if you want a mole removed, call award winning, board certified Dermatologist Susan M. Stuart, M.D. to schedule a consultation at La Jolla Dermatology (858) 623-6333 or you can contact LaJollaSkin.com online.
Most skin moles are not cancerous and pose no danger to your health. Many people want moles removed because they irritate the skin, they rub against clothes and they can also make shaving difficult. Many Southern California residents want to achieve smoother, clearer skin by having unsightly, bumpy moles removed from their legs, body or face.
Mole Removal Consultations at La Jolla Dermatology
Because moles can be potentially cancerous, it is very important that Dr. Stuart perform a biopsy on the mole tissue before determining the best procedure for removal. Dr. Stuart will remove a few cells of the mole for examination. The biopsy and a complete medical examination will be performed during your initial consultation.
If the mole tissue is benign, Dr. Stuart will determine the best extraction method for your desired result. If the mole is cancerous, Dr. Stuart will continue to consult with you about your treatment options. La Jolla Dermatology offers state-of-the-art skin cancer treatment options with comprehensive skin cancer patient care.
At our state of the art facilities in La Jolla, mole removal procedures are administered by our board certified Dermatologist and laser expert, Susan M. Stuart, M.D. Dr. Stuart has over 15 years of experience specializing in cosmetic, laser and medical dermatology. Dr. Stuart is also a member of the clinical faculty of the Division of Dermatology at the prestigious UCSD School of Medicine. Dr. Stuart is a respected member of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS), American Society for Dermatological Surgery (ASDS) and has presented lectures at dermatology symposiums around the country.
Dr. Stuart is considered one San Diego's leading experts in Dermatology and Laser Surgery and has been selected as one of America's Top Physicians in Dermatology. Dr. Stuart completed a Pediatric Dermatology fellowship at the prestigious Stanford University School of Medicine where she received a grant and support from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for her neonatal skin studies.
Mole Removal Procedures at La Jolla Dermatology
Moles can be removed by shaving, cutting or with a laser. Dr. Stuart will determine the best procedure for you desired result based on the size and location of the mole.
- Shaving
Shaving is a simple procedure to reduce the size of protruding moles so they no longer rub against clothing. Shaving is an excellent treatment to reduce mole irritation but may not completely remove all the tissue and the mole may grow back over many years. - Cutting
Cutting is a more invasive procedure that removes the mole and surrounding tissue in the shape of an oval. The wound is then closed with sutures and bandaged. A slight scar is inevitable immediately following the procedure but should fade over time. - Laser Removal
Similar to cutting this procedure removes the entire mole and some surrounding tissues. The use of the laser reduces bleeding and does not require any sutures. The wound will be bandaged to keep it clean until it is completely healed.
Each of these procedures is performed using local anesthetic so you will not feel any pain or discomfort. The procedure usually takes no more than 20 – 30 minutes, and you will be able to return home within in a few hours.
Mole Removal Recovery
No matter which removal procedure is used, a scab will form over the treatment area in the week or two following your procedure. It is important to keep the treatment site clean and dry. Dr. Stuart will give you complete instructions for care and healing.
Once the wound at the treatment site has healed, you may experience some slight scarring which should fade over time. You should notice immediate relief from irritation caused from shaving or clothing. After your recovery is complete, your skin will also be more uniform in color and smoother to touch.
If you are ready to have a mole removed or if you are concerned about a mole that you've found, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Stuart is easy and convenient. Just call La Jolla Dermatology at (858) 623-6333 or you can contact LaJollaSkin.com online.
