Remove Unwanted or Unsightly Skin Growths in NY
Pretty much everyone has moles. NY’s Hudson Dermatology assures many patients that these skin growths are common, typically manifesting as small, brown spots that can appear anywhere on the body. In fact, the average person has more than a dozen moles at any given time. While most of these growths are benign, many women and men are interested in mole removal procedures to get rid of what they consider to be unsightly or highly visible growth. Fortunately, removal is a safe and effective outpatient procedure that can typically be accomplished in less than 15 minutes.
The licensed and board-certified dermatologists at Hudson Dermatology recognize that healthy skin is vital to a patient’s well-being. In addition to addressing patients’ medical and cosmetic concerns, the team offers a safe, welcoming environment for patients to discuss their goals and develop a customized treatment plan. If your journey to healthy skin includes mole examination or removal, the medical team at Hudson Dermatology is happy to help you achieve the peace of mind you deserve.
What Causes Moles to Form?
Mature cells are called melanocytes from the melanin that gives skin its color. Typically, these cells are evenly distributed throughout the skin, but sometimes they start to grow in clusters, forming spots or lesions known as moles.
There is no single “normal” appearance for a mole. They come in a variety of colors, including brown, tan, black, blue, red, and pink. Texturally, they may be flat, raised, smooth, or wrinkled. While they’re usually approximately circular and no larger than ¼-inch in diameter, there are exceptions.
While most moles are benign, some can be a sign of skin cancer. Patients are encouraged to monitor their growth for any changes. Specifically, patients should remember these ABCs when monitoring for potential warning signs:
- Asymmetrical shape: When one half of the lesion doesn’t resemble the other
- Borders: Irregular or scalloped
- Color: A lesion that changes color or is several
- Diameter: A lesion that exceeds roughly the size of a round pencil
Patients that encounter any of these ABCs should schedule a mole evaluation appointment with a dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology.
What Mole Removal Techniques Does Hudson Dermatology Use?
Our dermatologists utilize excision and shave removal techniques to get rid of unwanted or unsightly moles. Both methods are outpatient procedures that typically require less than 15 minutes to perform. Neither procedure is considered painful, as local anesthetics are used to dull sensation in the treatment area. The Hudson Dermatology team will determine which method is best for you during your consultation.
Excision
During an excision at NY’s Hudson Dermatology, the physician will start by injecting a local anesthetic to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. Once the area is numb, they will then use a scalpel or surgical scissors to cut out the mole and a small portion of the adjacent skin. Depending on the depth of the lesion in the skin, your dermatologist may utilize stitches to close the wound. In one to two weeks, the patient will return to Hudson Dermatology to have any stitches removed.
Shave Removal
Your physician will begin a shave removal by injecting a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the procedure, then using a scalpel to horizontally shave off thin layers until the lesion is completely gone. Patients don’t require stitches following a shave removal.
Patients will be provided with aftercare instructions following their appointment and can return home right after either a mole shave or excision.
More Bumps and Lesions
Other bumps that form on the skin—such as warts (including genital warts) and molluscum—are caused by viruses and can be treated or removed in a variety of ways. Patients with an unusual bump are encouraged to schedule a full-body scan in order to get an accurate diagnosis from a board-certified dermatologist.
For more information about moles, visit the American Academy of Dermatology’s page on the condition.
CONTACT US TODAY
Contact the Hudson Dermatology team now to set up a consultation for mole in NY. Dutchess, Westchester, Columbia, Ulster, Putnam, Rockland, and Orange County residents can schedule an appointment via our online scheduler.
FULL-SERVICEDERMATOLOGY
With offices in Cornwall, Fishkill, Hudson, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Somers, and Tarrytown, Hudson Dermatology offers the highest quality of care centered around medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and pediatric skincare. Patients in New York’s Hudson Valley area can depend on the professional team at Hudson Dermatology to satisfy all their medical and cosmetic skincare needs.
FULL-SERVICEDERMATOLOGY
With offices in Cornwall, Fishkill, Hudson, Kingston, Poughkeepsie, Somers, and Tarrytown, Hudson Dermatology offers the highest quality of care centered around medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and pediatric skincare. Patients in New York’s Hudson Valley area can depend on the professional team at Hudson Dermatology to satisfy all their medical and cosmetic skincare needs.