Say Goodbye to Moles and Lesions

13 Sep Say Goodbye to Moles and Lesions

Moles and skin lesions are not always a medical concern, but they can be a cosmetic embarrassment. Cosmetic mole and lesion removal is performed on an outpatient basis at The DOC Clinic by Dr Omarjee, a physician with more than 16 years of mole removal experience. Dr Omarjee uses the radio frequency method of mole removal for many of his patients, offering less discomfort and shorter recovery times for those that qualify for the RF procedure.

Prior to your procedure, Dr Omarjee will assess your mole or skin lesion to determine whether you are a good candidate for cosmetic mole removal using this device. If you are not a candidate for this procedure, Dr Omarjee offers additional options in mole removal, including surgical excision or punch biopsy. If radiofrequency is a good choice for you, Dr Omarjee will use the Ellman Surgitron, which is the preferred device in RF mole removal today.

Mole Excisions

While mole removal is primarily done for cosmetic reasons, there are instances where a biopsy may also be requested to determine whether the mole is cancerous. If an excision is required for medical reasons, a pathologist will evaluate the sample under a microscope to determine whether the lesion is benign or malignant. Whether performed for aesthetic or medical reasons, this procedure is typically performed using local anaesthetic and involves little discomfort and no downtime for the patient.

A variety of techniques may be used to remove the mole or skin lesion, including:

• Radiofrequency Removal – This innovative technique removes mole by cauterisation with minimal damage to surrounding skin and tissue. The procedure, which is typically recommended for moles that protrude above the skin’s surface, shave away the mole in layers until a flat level is achieved. No sutures are required after this procedure and most treatment areas will heal completely within the next few week*s.
• Laser Mole Removal – Dr. Omarjee uses the RevLite laser for mole removal. This device delivers targeted light energy into the melanin of the mole, without harming surrounding skin. The procedure is commonly used on flat moles and age spots and does not usually require any type of anaesthesia. Treatments take from a few minutes* to a half-hour, depending on the number of moles or lesions to be addressed. Patients typically require a series of treatment sessions* spaced a month apart to achieve full results.
• Punch Excision – This procedure may be used on smaller moles, particularly when there may be a significant amount of the mole located beneath the skin’s surface. Punch excision uses a special tool to “punch” out the mole, leaving a small hole in the skin that can then be sutured closed.
• Surgical Excision – This technique may also be used for moles that go deeper into the skin when the pathologist requires a larger section of the mole for biopsy. Surgical excision uses a scalpel to cut away the mole and the remaining incision is then sutured closed.

Procedure Overview

At your initial consultation, Dr Omarjee will examine your mole and discuss your specific concerns and the cosmetic result you would like to achieve from your procedure. He may also take a small sample of the mole prior to removal to determine whether the mole is benign or malignant, since this could influence his choice of removal techniques. Once the technique is determined, he will explain the procedure to you in detail, so you know exactly what to expect when the excision actually begins.

No matter what technique is used, the procedure will likely be performed at The DOC Clinic on an outpatient basis using local anaesthetic. Most excisions take just a few minutes* to complete, although treatment time will vary based on the size or number of moles to be removed. If a biopsy is necessary, a portion of the mole will be send to a pathology laboratory for further examination. Dr Omarjee will also ensure that in addition to the mole, a small margin of normal tissue is removed to ensure any potential malignancy is fully eliminated from the area.

Once the mole is removed, Dr Omarjee will take great care in suturing the area if necessary, to ensure the best possible cosmetic result from your procedure. In some cases, sutures may be placed in layers inside the incision to produce the best outcome and minimise visible scarring afterward. A dressing will likely be applied to the area and you will receive instructions on how to care for the treatment site at home.

Risks of Mole and Lesion Removal

While mole removal is fairly straightforward and performed in our office on an outpatient basis, there are some risks associated with the procedure. Dr Omarjee will go over these risks with you prior to your procedure and give you post-procedural instructions to ensure minimal risk and the best possible outcome. Potential complications include:

• Scarring – It is impossible to completely avoid scarring after mole removal. The amount of scarring will depend on the location and the size of the lesion. Most scars will appear red or pink after surgery and will fade over time. Dr Omarjee will do his best to ensure that scarring is minimised as much as possible.
• Pain – Local anaesthetic goes far in preventing any discomfort during your procedure. Once the anaesthetic wears off, you may feel soreness in the treatment area, which can usually be managed with oral pain medication.
• Bruising – You may see a degree of bruising after your procedure, particularly around the incision site. This side effect will usually subside within a few days* after your treatment.
• Infection – Any time the skin is opened, there is a risk of infection while it heals. You can minimise the risk of infection after your procedure by keeping the area clean and caring for your incision as instructed by Dr Omarjee. If you notice signs of infection (redness, oozing, swelling), contact The DOC Clinic as soon as possible.

Mole and lesion removal can be a relatively simple, straightforward procedure when it is performed by a cosmetic doctor experienced in this treatment, like Dr Omarjee. To learn more about your choices in cosmetic mole and lesion removal treatment, contact The DOC Clinic on 03 9021 6022 or by emailing info@thedoc.com.au.