Moles can typically be removed by numbing the area and using a scalpel to shave off their surface with just leaving behind a pink mark on the skin. Any mole that is removed must then be biopsied afterwards.
Mole removal is an effective and straightforward procedure that can protect against cancerous or precancerous cells spreading further, though some moles may reappear after treatment has concluded.
1. Changes in color
Nearly everyone has moles (or, as doctors call them, nevi), which are flat or raised colored spots on the skin that appear anywhere on their bodies and typically dark in hue. Most moles are harmless; however, some can develop over time into cancerous ones; such as becoming larger, growing a hair, changing shape or becoming lighter or darker in hue. Some moles may even bleed or develop sores that do not heal over time. Hormonal changes during teen years, pregnancy and menopause can cause new moles to form or existing ones darken, so when this occurs it is important that medical or dermatologist skin check occurs immediately to identify these potential threats as soon as possible and book in for skin check appointment immediately with both specialists involved.
Lasers used for hair removal work by targeting melanin pigment in hair follicles with a powerful beam of light, heating it and targeting it directly at a dark mole. When directed against moles that contain melanocytes that make up its pigment and changing its appearance. Furthermore, discoloration may occur in nearby skin areas as a side effect – people with darker complexions are especially at risk.
Atypical moles are defined as those that don’t conform to standard dimensions in size, shape and color. As these moles may increase your risk of cancerous growths and should always be closely monitored by a dermatologist, any time one arises it should be investigated immediately by visiting a physician. If it becomes raised, grows wider or starts bleeding easily it’s wise to see an MD immediately for evaluation.
Normal moles usually consist of two to three distinct colors, such as shades of tan and brown or with dashes of red, white, blue or black. If a mole begins to change color significantly or exhibits new patches other than its usual tan-brown hue, this may be a telltale sign of melanomas – so it is worth consulting a dermatologist immediately if this occurs.
While most dermatologists use safe and effective lasers for hair removal on moles, it is wise to avoid cheap deals that promise quick and easy results for unwanted mole hair growth. Such offices often utilize devices not FDA approved for mole removal as well as lacking medical training to remove them properly, leading to permanent skin discoloration or even the damage of moles themselves.
2. Changes in shape
Moles may grow larger or smaller, become raised or flatten, change color, bleed, scab or otherwise present with any number of changes that typically don’t warrant much concern, though if these occur quickly it might be prudent to consult a physician – particularly if the mole appears irritated and grows quickly or appears asymmetrical; becoming darker or lighter in hue, becoming irregular or notched edges, having larger diameter than an eraser on a pencil and/or having an asymmetry factor are red flags worth consulting with.
Laser hair removal treatments should be avoided on any unusual moles as this could damage them and even transform them into melanoma. The laser light used for hair removal targets pigment, found both in hair and skin; since abnormal moles often contain more pigment than surrounding skin, the laser beam could absorb into it, damaging and potentially changing its shape.
Moles that are atypical or abnormal have more melanocytes (the cells responsible for producing pigment) than normal skin, making it harder for lasers to target them effectively. When these melanocytes are damaged by laser, the mole is likely to change color and texture before developing into melanomas – potentially leading to their eventual cancerous transformation into melanomas.
One of the best ways to ensure that your body remains free from abnormal and atypical moles is by performing regular self-exams. A few minutes per week should be enough time to check each mole for changes, with ruler and date images taken of all moles to help track any shifts over time. Furthermore, taking pictures with ruler and date images allows you to keep an eye out for any changes and remember to visit a dermatologist should anything arise; DNA mutations leading to melanomas take years to develop so it is crucial that all changes be monitored closely for possible precursor signs or indicators.
3. Changes in texture
Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in your skin, which means if you already have freckles or darker spots they could potentially darken after receiving laser hair removal treatments due to laser light being drawn towards darker spots such as freckles and moles. Although this shouldn’t be seen as a concern, you should keep an eye out.
After receiving laser hair removal treatment, one of the more noticeable side effects may be rough or bumpy skin that’s uncomfortable to touch. This is a normal reaction caused by laser hair removal that will usually subside within days; if persists longer, however, consult your dermatologist about possible solutions.
Your laser hair removal treatment might cause the area where your mole was to develop a small scab after your treatment, similar to how sunburn or cuts might manifest themselves. If this happens, refrain from applying makeup until the scab falls off naturally. In rare instances, scarring could occur at its site – more likely when treated at home by untrained practitioners than by professionals trained professionally; scarring can be especially severe among people with preexisting scarring issues or those who are especially prone to skin sensitivity.
People may notice their hair growing back darker after laser hair removal sessions. While this can be inconvenient, it isn’t a major concern and an at-home waxing or shaving kit will easily get rid of it.
Once your laser hair removal treatments are over, another way to easily distinguish moles or freckles after looking in the mirror could be coloring them with white pencil. This can help make them easier to spot when viewing your skin while also protecting them from being mistakenly taken as something else.
4. Changes in size
If you notice that one or more moles has grown larger or smaller since your hair removal treatment, it may be worth consulting a physician immediately. A change may indicate cancerous growths; however, hormones or external influences could also be responsible.
If your moles become itchy, irritated, or scabbing, make an appointment with a dermatologist immediately to be evaluated for possible melanoma signs. While DNA mutations that lead to this form of skin cancer can take years to appear in moles, so any changes unlikely have come about because of laser hair removal treatment alone.
Any mole that changes in shape, color or texture could be a telltale sign of melanomas and should always be examined by a dermatologist. Furthermore, it’s wise to take measures such as wearing a hat and using sunscreen regularly in order to safeguard yourself.
In most instances, if you wish to remove a mole, the procedure can usually be completed safely and quickly in-office. Your doctor will numb the area around the mole before either shaving off or cutting out its unwanted growth – though post-procedure scarring will remain visible at its former site.
After laser hair removal treatments, some moles may recur, most likely because the mole was missed during treatment or not given enough intensity. By taking proper precautions such as wearing protective clothing such as hats and applying sunscreen regularly after hair removal sessions, one may reduce their likelihood of returning. Furthermore, not picking at the site and getting regular medical check-ups are other steps that may reduce this likelihood further.
