Removal of moles and growths - abrasion, excision

Consultation Description

You can count on modern dermatological methods

Birthmarks (nevi) can form as early as the fetal stage. Along with other skin formations and growths, they are usually benign and, for many people, are merely a cosmetic concern. However, over time and under certain conditions, some birthmarks can become cancerous and pose a serious threat to your health.

Prevention is therefore the most important factor, and it should not be underestimated. Everyone should have their moles checked at least once a year. At the Dermaestet clinic, we use state-of-the-art methods and equipment to focus on preventive examinations, condition assessments, and the removal of all types of skin lesions. Among the most sought-after methods in this field are abrasion and excision.

We thoroughly examine every skin lesion

A professional examination and assessment of moles is the most important step in the entire process. We perform diagnostics using a dermatoscopic examination, which allows us to examine the deeper layers of suspicious skin lesions and thus detect even the early stages of malignant skin tumors. If necessary, we have a VISIODERM digital dermatoscope available, which allows us to save images of the deeper layers of moles to a computer and then track their development over time.

These devices help our doctors decide what to do about a pigmented mole and which treatment method to choose.

In some cases, when removing moles, you may be able to request that your insurance company cover the cost of the procedure. It is precisely the examination using dermatoscopic methods that helps the insurance company make its decision. You can learn more about this topic at our Dermaestet clinic.

When is it appropriate to use abrasion and excision?

Both methods are widely used in dermatological practice. Excision involves the surgical removal of a mole. We most often perform this procedure when a preoperative examination indicates that the lesion is potentially risky and a histological analysis is necessary for confirmation. Excision is used primarily for therapeutic purposes.

Abrasion refers to the scraping away of a specific lesion using a sharp surgical instrument. We use this procedure for lesions located in the upper layers of the skin. These include, for example, so-called age warts (seborrheic keratoses) or actinic keratoses—slightly scaly pink patches that occur mainly on the faces of older people in areas exposed to the sun.

Benefits

Disadvantages

The treatment takes no more than 20 minutes

Both ablation and excision are performed under local anesthesia, so the procedure is completely painless and very quick. The doctor injects an anesthetic around the affected area, then removes the lesion; in the case of excision, the wound is closed with plastic sutures to ensure a better cosmetic result.

Stitches are typically removed on the 14th day after the procedure. Until then, the area must remain covered with a bandage until your next visit to our clinic, when the dressing will be changed or the stitches removed. If the location allows it, shower patches can be used, which permit a brief shower over the treated area. It is necessary to avoid strenuous physical activity, saunas, spa treatments, and swimming. Restrictions vary depending on the location and extent of the procedure. After the procedure, you must avoid direct sunlight, saunas, and long baths for at least one month, and you should also limit intense physical exertion and sports.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers