Ever wondered about the difference between a dermatologist, a plastic surgeon and a mole removal specialist? Or who you should go to to get your mole removed? In this blog we will explore the key differences between these 3 medical fields and which is the best for your specific case and needs when it comes to getting a mole removed. It’s extremely important to find a mole removal procedure and doctor that not only focuses on the medical aspect of the procedure but also on the cosmetic side, this way a patient feels healthy and confident, on both the inside and outside!
Dermatologist Mole Removal
Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases in the skin, hair, nails and mucus membrane. Some dermatologists are also surgeons, but not all surgeons are also dermatologists. When it comes to removing a mole, a dermatologist can effectively remove a mole, often using invasive techniques, such as freezing off a mole with Cryotherapy, shaving off a mole or cutting off a mole. Dermatologists specialize in skin diseases, so if you’re not sure if your mole is safe or non cancerous, visiting a dermatologist will be your best bet.
Cryotherapy is a technique dermatologists often use to remove moles by freezing the skin tissue with liquid nitrogen. During this procedure, the dermatologist applies cold liquid nitrogen directly to the mole, which destroys the skin cells by freezing them. After the procedure, the treated area forms a blister or scab and eventually falls off as the skin heals. Cryotherapy is most commonly used for superficial, non-cancerous moles or other skin lesions. This removal treatment is quick and minimally invasive, however it may require more than one session depending on the size of the mole or how deep the mole is.
When a dermatologist suspects that a mole may be cancerous, they will examine the mole and send it to get a biopsy to assure that it’s not cancerous. If the mole is confirmed to be cancerous, the dermatologist will remove it through a surgical excision, which is shaving off a mole. They carefully cut out the mole along with some of the surrounding healthy skin to ensure that all abnormal mole cells are removed. The area is then usually closed with stitches. Surgical excision is considered the most effective method for removing cancerous moles because it allows dermatologists to fully eliminate the affected tissue and reduce the risk of the cancer spreading. Dermatologists tend to not focus on the cosmetic aspect of the mole removal. Their main focus is on removing the mole and assuring it doesn’t have cancerous cells. The mole removal techniques often used by dermatologists tend to leave severe scarring on the skin. Some people don’t mind the scarring, however, if you are getting a mole removed due to personal or cosmetic reasons, visiting a plastic surgeon is the better option.
Plastic Surgeon Mole Removal
If you go to a plastic surgeon to get a mole removed you will most likely have a better cosmetic outcome than getting it removed by a dermatologist. This is because a plastic surgeon has an eye and skill for achieving cosmetically pleasing results. Plastic surgeons focus on invasive surgeries that shift the appearance of the patient. An example of these types of surgeries would be breast augmentation or liposuction. A dermatologist focuses on more minimally-invasive surgeries, such as anything with injections or a laser.
One of the most common ways plastic surgeons remove moles is through mole shaving or surgical excision. Mole shaving involves carefully removing the mole at the surface of the skin using a surgical blade, which is often used for raised moles that sit above the skin. In cases where the mole is deeper in the skin, a plastic surgeon may perform a full surgical excision. This procedure involves cutting out the mole along with some of the surrounding skin tissue and closing the area with stitches. Due to the background and specialty of a plastic surgeon, they tend to place the stitches in a manner that is more cosmetically pleasing and the scarring isn’t as severe.
Another method plastic surgeons may use is laser mole removal, which uses light energy to break down the pigment and tissue within certain types of moles. This technique is typically best suited for small, superficial, and non-cancerous moles. The laser precisely targets the mole while minimizing damage to the surrounding skin, making it a popular option for patients who are concerned about cosmetic outcomes, especially when the mole is located on the face or other visible areas. Depending on the size and depth of the mole, multiple treatment sessions may be needed.
Mole Removal Specialist Surgeons
At our medical clinic in Sacramento we have a team of mole removal specialists who are passionate about helping patients feel healthy and confident. Mole removal specialists are plastic surgeons, general surgeons and cosmetic surgeons. At our clinic, the doctors are trained in office by our lead surgeon and founder, Dr. Mann. They are specifically trained in our mole removal procedure and technique and have the skills and knowledge to precisely remove moles of all sizes on all areas of the body with little to no scarring. These mole removal specialists are very focused on leaving the best possible cosmetic results that are also long-term. Some dermatologists and plastic surgeons don’t remove the entire mole, leaving behind pigmented mole cells which can lead to a mole growing back in future. Our mole specialists can remove moles from the root, while not causing damage to the surrounding skin tissues and making any unnecessary scarring. They do this by using radiofrequency ablation, which is a technique where a pen-like device is used to remove the mole with heat. It is precise, minimally invasive and does not cause harm to the surrounding skin tissue. For patients who are concerned about both the appearance of their skin and potential medical concerns with their moles, visiting a mole removal specialist who performs procedures such as electrocautery or radio frequency ablation, provides safety, effectiveness, and cosmetically pleasing outcomes.
Electrocautery is a common technique used by mole removal specialists to precisely remove unwanted moles. This method uses a medical device that delivers a controlled electrical current to gently heat and remove the mole tissue layer by layer. The heat also cauterizes the surrounding area, which helps minimize bleeding and supports a cleaner healing process. Because mole specialists focus specifically on cosmetic mole removals, they are trained to remove the mole as precisely as possible while preserving the surrounding skin. This technique is often preferred by patients who want effective mole removal while also prioritizing cosmetically pleasing results.
Take our Mole Quiz and Fill Out Our Contact Form Today!
If you are in need of getting a mole removed but are worried about possible issues with scarring and long-term skin marks, you have found the right place! Our team at Mole Removal Sacramento are mole removal specialists who are more than capable of removing moles of any size, color, texture and on any area of the body or face. They will make the removal extremely precise, leaving no pigmented cells behind. Our mole removal specialists will also focus on not damaging the surrounding skin tissue and leaving little to no scarring. If you are interested in getting your mole removed at our Sacramento clinic, book a consultation by calling 916-545-7677. Our patient coordinators will help you find a date and time that is most convenient for you. Schedule your consultation today and start your journey towards healthy, glowing skin!
