Mole removal is a procedure where a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon removes a mole from your skin. This can be done for various reasons, including medical and cosmetic.

Medical reasons often involve the suspicion of the mole being cancerous or precancerous. In such cases, the mole is removed and sent for a biopsy to test for skin cancer.

Cosmetic reasons involve removing a mole that might be causing discomfort or self-consciousness due to its location or appearance.

The mole removal procedure is generally quick and performed on an outpatient basis. It involves either shaving or cutting the mole off your skin after the area has been numbed. There are three basic approaches to mole removal:

• Excision: A doctor uses a scalpel to remove the mole. Stitches may be necessary to close the area.
• Shave: A doctor uses a sterile, specialized razor blade to shave off the mole.
• Punch: A doctor uses a special surgical tool similar to a paper hole cutter to “punch out” a circle cut around the mole to remove it.