Moles are skin growths that can appear anywhere on the body. When it comes to removing them, the shave excision mole removal procedure is a reliable and popular procedure that can be completed without deep cuts and stitches.
Why Remove Moles?
Moles are a group of benign pigmented cells that look like dark, little marks on a person’s skin. Medically recognised as nevi, these spots differ in size and colour. Moles are likely to appear anywhere on the body, and most don’t cause any harm; however, in uncommon cases, a suspicious mole may be cancerous, requiring a biopsy to test for skin cancer.
Most people turn to mole removal treatments mainly because they don’t like their appearance and want a specific skin tag or mole removed for cosmetic reasons.
How Shave Excision Works
- A local anaesthetic is injected into the immediate part below the growth of the mole to numb the area and trigger the growth to emerge on top of the skin, making it easier to remove.
- Using a sharp blade, several horizontal cuts are made to shave off the growth until it is completely gone
- The wound edges are smoothed out using electrosurgical feathering, which helps eliminate any cells that might still be present in the growth and reduces scarring.
- A chemical solution is then applied to the treated skin area to prevent bleeding. Once the site is properly cleaned, the doctor will wrap the wound with a sterilised dressing to avoid infection or rubbing against clothes.
- It is an outpatient procedure which means patients can go home on the same day.
Aftercare
It is an outpatient procedure so people can go home and resume normal activities afterwards, not rubbing against the wound site and keeping the area dry for the first 24 hours.
It is normal to experience some redness, swelling, burning or pain where the mole was removed, and the doctor may recommend pain medication or prescribe a topical ointment.
For the first week after the procedure:
Keep the area clean: Gently cleanse the treated area and lightly pat it dry with a clean towel. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the area.
Antibiotic ointment: Recommended to apply an antibiotic ointment (such as Neosporin or Bacitracin) to the treated area to prevent infection and covering it with a sterile bandage or dressing.
Avoid picking or scratching: It is important to resist the urge to pick, scratch, or peel at the scab or any crust that may form over the area. Doing so may increase the risk of infection or scarring.
Avoid strenuous activities: Refrain from activities that may cause excessive sweating, as sweat can potentially irritate the wound. Avoid rigorous exercise and heavy lifting for a few days post-procedure.
Follow-up appointments: Attend any scheduled appointments with your doctor or dermatologist to monitor the healing progress and address any concerns or questions.
Healing and Recovery
The average healing time is usually around one to two weeks, depending on the size and location of the mole. Patients may still experience mild pain, swelling, or redness in the treated area during this time. It is important to monitor the healing process and seek medical attention if signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, or drainage, occur.
It’s best to use an effective sunscreen with a higher SPF rating to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. Sun exposure can damage the skin and thereby slow down healing. Complete recovery can take a couple of months, and it’s important to go for regular follow-ups so the doctor can check progress.
Benefits of the Procedure
Minimally Invasive: It is a less invasive procedure that does not require stitches or sutures, meaning there is little scarring and a much shorter recovery time than other cosmetic mole removal methods.
Quick and Efficient: The procedure is relatively short, taking 30-45 minutes.
Cost-Effective: Compared to surgical excision or laser mole removal, shave excision is more cost-effective as it does not require specialised equipment or extensive post-procedure care.
Low Risk of Complications: The procedure has a low risk of complications when performed by a qualified professional; therefore, the chances of infection, scarring, or other adverse effects are minimal.
High Success Rate: Has a high success rate in removing moles completely, so the chances of it growing back are significantly reduced, providing long-term results for patients.
Highly Rated Patient Procedure: Shave excision has a high satisfaction rate amongst surveyed patients
Conclusion
Shave excision mole removal is a safe and effective procedure for removing bothersome or unsightly moles and other skin lesions. Its minimal invasiveness, quick recovery time, and high success rate make it a popular choice among patients. If you are considering removing a mole, contact our team at Chelsea Cosmetics at (03) 8822 3472 to determine if shave excision is the right option for you.
