The days of summer have are gone and the constant reminders about the importance of SPF have slowly faded. Although the warm days have come to a halt, the importance of maintaining healthy skin still remains. Dr. Darrick Antell reminds patients to keep an eye on any moles that may have appeared as a result of summer’s passing. It is good to know your ABCD’s when examining suspicious mole growths.
Asymmetry: Look for any signs of your mole changing in size. Melanomas are usually asymmetric, meaning one side may not reflect the other.
Border: Look for signs of your mole changing in and around the edges of the mole. This includes if they become blurred, irregular, or ragged.
Color: Normal moles are one hue in color. Keep note of changes in the shade of the mole, including hues of tan, brown, black, blue, white, or red.
Diameter: Melanomas are usually greater than the eraser of a pencil, though some have been diagnosed at a smaller size.
Although most moles are benign, it is always recommended to get an expert opinion for proper treatment and in-depth observation. If your mole shows any of these signs of change, consider an evaluation by Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in NYC, Dr. Darrick Antell. Dr. Antell can help assess your moles and assist you if you decide that mole removal in NYC is right for you. While many people are born with moles, some patients may find themselves with moles due to tanning, increased sun exposure, even genes. Understanding the differences between each type of mole will guide you when it comes to determining the best-suited mole removal procedure in New York City.
Types of moles:
Atypical Mole: The atypical mole is usually larger than other common moles. Some have irregular borders that fade into the skin. Seen in about 1 out of every 10 Americans, atypical moles often have a higher chance of becoming pre-cancerous. In some extreme cases, patients may develop more than 50 of them.
Acquired Mole: Also known as the common mole, the acquired mole appears any time after you are born. The acquired mole is often believed to be a result of sun damage.
Congenital Mole: According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, about 1 in 100 are born with the congenital mole. Though most are brown in color, their shades, shape, and size can vary.
Dysplastic Mole: The dysplastic mole is often larger than an average mole. Usually the size of a pencil eraser, these types of moles tend to have lighter, uneven edges. They are often hereditary and in some cases, patients experience 100 of more.
Manhattan mole removal is performed in our fully accredited, state-of-the-art facility under local anesthesia. In some instances, patients may opt for Twilight IV sedation, where patients feel they are falling asleep naturally. Depending on the type of mole you have will determine the type of procedure Dr. Antell will use to removal your mole. Most flat moles for example, are removed using a “shave excision.” In comparison, moles that are darker and deeper may require full thickness excision. Full thickness excision allows for the best specimen evaluation for any pre-cancerous changes. This test only requires a few stitches that are removed during a follow-up visit.
If your mole starts to show unusual changes in asymmetry, border, or color, or if you are simply self-conscious about your moles, talk to top NYC plastic surgeon, Dr. Antell about mole removal in NYC. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Antell specializes in mole removal, skin cancer removal, and scar revision surgery to ensure patient health and the most aesthetically pleasing result. If you have any questions regarding mole removal, contact our New York office at 212.988.4040, or request an appointment online for a personal consultation.
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