Moles, also known as nevi, are clustered skin growths that commonly occur on the face and neck, although they can appear anywhere on the body. Moles can vary in color, ranging from brown and black to clear or matching the surrounding skin. While facial moles often develop in childhood, some may not appear until later in life.
Facial moles can be a cosmetic concern for many patients. Dr. John Hilinski, a renowned facial plastic surgeon in San Diego, specializes in mole removal, offering various treatment options to remove moles with minimal scarring. His expertise allows him to effectively treat facial and neck moles, helping patients achieve smoother, mole-free skin.
Dr. Hilinski, Nicole, and team are absolutely amazing! Dr. Hilinski is very knowledgeable, takes the time to thoroughly explain procedures, and has gone above and beyond with patient care during my procedure and throughout all of my follow-ups.
Cosmetic Mole Removal Options
Dr. Hilinski provides cosmetic mole removal treatments for those seeking to eliminate unsightly moles. It’s important to note that these treatments are not intended for skin cancer. If there is concern that a mole may be cancerous, patients should consult a dermatologist.
Mole Removal Techniques
Dr. Hilinski offers four primary options for mole removal:
Observation
For benign moles, patients can opt to leave them as they are.
Laser Mole Removal
Using advanced Lumenis CO2 laser technology, Dr. Hilinski can precisely target and vaporize moles with minimal scarring.
Mole Shave
A scalpel is used to carefully shave the mole from the skin’s surface. This option is suitable for raised moles and typically leaves little visible scarring.
Mole Excision
This technique involves surgically cutting out the mole, often required for flat moles. Excision is more invasive and may leave a small scar.
Each procedure is performed under local anesthesia for patient comfort.
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Laser Mole Removal
Laser mole removal is one of the most advanced methods available. The Lumenis CO2 laser can effectively vaporize the mole in layers until it is no longer visible. The heat from the laser helps destroy microscopic mole cells, reducing the chance of recurrence. This technique is especially beneficial for patients seeking minimal scarring.
Plasma Pen Mole Removal
Plasma pen mole removal is another minimally invasive option. Using plasma energy, the mole is vaporized without direct contact between the device and the skin. This technique is highly effective in reducing the mole’s appearance without leaving a visible scar.
Mole Shaving
For raised moles, Dr. Hilinski may recommend a mole shave, which removes the mole at the surface. In some cases, additional dermabrasion or laser treatment is performed to prevent recurrence.
Mole Excision
Mole excision involves making an elliptical incision around the mole, removing it entirely along with a small margin of surrounding skin. This technique ensures that all mole cells are eliminated, minimizing the chance of regrowth.
Recovery After Mole Removal
Recovery time after mole removal varies depending on the method used. For laser and shave procedures, most patients experience minimal downtime, with complete healing occurring within a week. Mole excision may require a slightly longer recovery due to the deeper incision. While scarring is always a possibility, Dr. Hilinski’s expertise helps to minimize its visibility.
Mole Removal FAQs
The best technique depends on the type and location of the mole. Raised moles are often treated with laser removal or shaving, while flat moles may require excision for complete removal.
Some scarring is always possible with mole removal, but Dr. Hilinski employs advanced techniques to minimize scarring. In most cases, the scar is much less visible than the mole itself.
Most patients recover within 5-7 days for laser or shave mole removal. For mole excision, healing can take a little longer, with final scar appearance improving over several months.
There is a chance of recurrence, especially with laser and shave techniques. If a mole does return, further treatment can often resolve the issue.
Laser and shave removal starts around $400 per mole. Excision may be more expensive due to its complexity. Multiple moles may qualify for a discount.
Most patients can return to work the next day after laser or shave mole removal. For excision, it may take a few days longer, depending on the size and location of the mole.
Why Choose Dr. Hilinski for Mole Removal?
Dr. John Hilinski is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in mole removal procedures. He earned his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed his residency in Head and Neck Surgery at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). With advanced fellowship training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Dr. Hilinski brings unparalleled expertise and precision to mole removal, ensuring minimal scarring and optimal cosmetic outcomes for his patients.
Schedule Your Mole Removal Consultation
If you’re ready to remove unwanted moles with minimal scarring, contact Dr. Hilinski today. As a leading mole removal specialist in San Diego, Dr. Hilinski offers personalized consultations to help determine the best treatment option for you. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward smoother, blemish-free skin.