Is Mole Removal Painful?

You will always be given local anesthesia, or in rare cases, “twilight anesthesia,” to numb the treatment area. You shouldn’t feel anything more than an initial sting, followed by mild pressure as the mole is excised. You may experience some mild itchiness or soreness for the first few days after the procedure.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The first appointment will be a consultation with Dr. Antell, followed by a single surgical session to remove the moles. You will also need to return to his office for a few follow-up appointments, where he will check your progress and sutures, if necessary.

How Long Until I See the Results?

For a shave excision, it will take about 10-14 days to see initial results. The targeted area will form a scab, which will eventually fall off to reveal new pink skin. Full results will be complete within 3-6 months, when the pink or red mark left behind gradually fades and blends with your natural skin tone. For full thickness excision, you’ll notice an immediate difference, as the mole will be completely removed during the excision. The skin will take about 2-4 weeks to heal. There will be a fine, linear scar leftover from the surgery that continues to flatten and mature for up to a year.

How Soon Can I Travel After Mole Removal Surgery?

After your mole removal surgery, you can travel within just a few days. If you receive larger excisions that require stitches, you may need to wait 7-14 days until you can travel. You’ll go over a travel timeline with Dr. Antell during your consultation.

What Are the Risks Associated with Mole Removal?

Mole removal carries some risks, but they are often minimal. Additionally, ignoring moles that may become cancerous over time can pose serious risks. Dr. Antell will develop a personalized treatment plan to minimize the likelihood and severity of risks you may encounter, such as pain, regrowth, swelling, redness, and infection.

Mole Removal New York City, NY

Remove Unwanted Moles with Precision

Introduction to Mole Removal

Moles are often unpleasant in appearance and may become cancerous over time, posing a risk to your future health. If you have visible, unsightly moles on your face or body, you will be pleased to learn that in Manhattan, New York City, mole removal by Dr. Antell will be rapid, safe, and thorough.

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What Are Moles?

Moles are black or brown clusters of skin cells that grow in clusters. Most are benign (non-cancerous) and painless, generally appearing before the age of 25, though they can develop later in life.

Over time, moles may darken, raise, develop hair, or fade and disappear. The most common types of moles include skin tags, flat moles, and raised moles.

Many individuals choose to have moles removed regularly as a proactive action, as clinical studies have shown that people who have higher numbers of moles may be more likely to develop cancer cells. However, if you notice a mole growing larger, changing color, or becoming irregular in shape, it should be evaluated, as malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer, can develop from certain moles. If recognized and treated early, malignant melanoma can almost always be cured.

Combining My Mole Removal with Other Treatments

Mole removal treatment with Dr. Antell in New York City is often combined with other procedures so that patients can address additional concerns in a single session. Combining treatments also allows patients to have only one recovery period. Here are some procedures commonly combined with mole removal.

Laser resurfacing improves skin texture, smooths fine lines, and reduces enlarged pores, resulting in a brighter, healthier-looking complexion. The laser can be ablative or non-ablative and customized to your needs and preferences.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Mole Removal?

Dr. Antell’s mole removal procedures in New York City include the removal of flat moles, raised moles, skin tags, as well as any other hyperpigmented growth on your face or body. You are likely a candidate for mole removal if:

You perceive a mole to be unattractive and distracting
You have a raised mole that is causing trouble when shaving
You feel the removal of a mole would enhance your appearance
You have a mole that continuously rubs against clothing and jewelry, leading to discomfort or bleeding

What Are the Benefits of Mole Removal?

Mole removal is incredibly beneficial and can even be life-saving. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Antell, who is qualified to identify malignant and benign moles and determine the best removal method for you.

Some of the many benefits of mole removal include:

Peace of mind knowing cancerous cells were removed
Improved aesthetic appearance of having clearer skin
No longer have to deal with moles catching on clothes and jewelry
Nearly painless procedure
Boost in confidence

How Do I Tell If My Moles Are Cancerous?

There are several indicators that a mole might be cancerous, which include:

A mole that changes in shape, size, or color
A mole that has irregular edges
The sides of a mole are a different color
A mole larger than a pencil eraser

If cancer cells are identified, Dr. Antell will discuss the best removal method, depending on the size and location of your mole, to ensure your safety and achieve the most aesthetically pleasing result.

Dr Antell consulting with patient walking together in modern medical office hallway - in New York, NY

How to Begin Your Mole Removal Journey

To begin your mole removal journey, you will need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Antell. This consultation is required and enables Dr. Antell to assess your candidacy and determine the best method for your circumstances.

The consultation will involve the following:

A discussion about your goals, including which moles you want to remove and the outcomes you are looking for
A physical assessment of your moles and an assessment of whether they are benign or malignant
Walk through the treatment in detail, including what happens during the procedure for each method, what the recovery will look like, and when to expect results.
Look at before-and-after photos to establish realistic expectations
Dr. Antell will create a personalized treatment plan and explain how to prepare for your procedure

What to Expect on the Day of Mole Removal Surgery?

Mole removal treatment is a rapid, minimally invasive outpatient procedure typically performed using local anesthesia. Depending on the mole’s location, size, and characteristics, it may be possible to perform the procedure on the same day as your initial consultation.

For larger moles, growths in sensitive locations, or worrisome moles, patients may need to schedule a separate appointment to ensure that the entire mole and any surrounding precancerous cells are excised. There are two standard methods of mole removal:

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Shave Excision

For a more superficial mole, a “shave excision” may be appropriate. This mole removal technique is sometimes preferable because it is slightly less invasive than a full-thickness excision and does not require stitches. Typically, a scab forms and usually flakes off after about one week, leaving new, reddish skin. This skin will eventually return to a healthy color within a few weeks. However, if the mole extends beneath the skin’s surface, it will typically recur if a full-thickness excision is not performed.

Full-Thickness Excision

Most often, moles are deeply rooted in the skin and require a full-thickness excision to ensure complete removal. This method is also used for suspicious moles, as it best allows the pathologist to evaluate the cells for precancerous changes. The incision will be closed with layers of meticulously placed stitches. If external sutures are used, they are typically removed 10-14 days after your procedure.

With the advanced techniques Dr. Antell employs, mole removal carries little to no risk. Mole removal can enhance your appearance and relieve any concerns about a worrisome mole. Dr. Antell’s standard of treatment is to send all excisions to pathology for examination. If the report indicates abnormal cells, swift treatment will be used to ensure all malignant cells are removed.

Where Will My Mole Removal Be Performed?

Dr. Antell has privileges at numerous hospitals throughout New York City, but most patients prefer that the procedure take place in his discreet, private operating room just across the street from world-renowned Lenox Hill Hospital. His facility has a private back entrance for maximum discretion, and his staff is thoroughly trained to provide personalized care. The state-of-the-art outpatient surgery facility is fully accredited, designed for your comfort, and equipped with the latest technology.

Mole Removal Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Mole Removal Care

Once your mole or moles are removed, you can return home or resume your other activities. A post-operative appointment is typically scheduled within the first 10-14 days to ensure the treatment site is healing as it should. Regardless of whether the mole was removed for cosmetic or medical reasons, the specimen will be sent to pathology for testing, as Dr. Antell is committed to ensuring every patient’s health and safety. Dr. Antell, or one of his staff members, will contact you once the results are back.

What Type of Anesthesia is Used?

Mole removal surgery is typically performed using local anesthesia alone. However, when appropriate, sedation (also known as twilight anesthesia) may be recommended to enhance your comfort. Dr. Antell will discuss whether sedation is indicated for your procedure during your consultation.

How Much Does Mole Removal Cost in New York City, NY?

The cost of mole removal in New York City is dependent on several factors, which you will discuss in detail during your consultation with Dr. Antell. These factors include:

The method of mole removal
How many moles are removed
The provider’s expertise
Whether the mole is benign or malignant (insurance typically does not cover benign mole removal treatments

Why Choose Dr. Antell?

Dr. Darrick E. Antell, M.D., F.A.C.S., is an internationally renowned and board-certified plastic surgeon dedicated to providing the highest level of professional, discreet care to his patients. As a highly respected plastic surgeon, he is often sought after by celebrities, high-profile individuals, and discerning patients who demand superior results. Along with other awards, he has repeatedly been listed as a “Top Plastic Surgeon” by Harper’s Bazaar, Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine. He was also honored for his groundbreaking study on the effects of sun exposure, stress, and smoking on the aging process in identical twins, and his work is on display at the Smithsonian Museum. Dr. Antell will also be recognized among Newsweek’s America’s Best Plastic Surgeons 2026.

Whether you want to remove your mole for cosmetic or medical reasons, Dr. Antell will personally perform the procedure at his private New York practice. His experience and expertise in treating skin cancer, combined with his skill as a plastic surgeon, make him the ideal choice for removing suspicious or unsightly moles while minimizing scarring.

NYC Plastic Surgeon

Darrick E. Antell

MD, FACS

Mole Removal FAQ’S

For a shave excision, it will take about 10-14 days to see initial results. The targeted area will form a scab, which will eventually fall off to reveal new pink skin. Full results will be complete within 3-6 months, when the pink or red mark left behind gradually fades and blends with your natural skin tone.

For full thickness excision, you’ll notice an immediate difference, as the mole will be completely removed during the excision. The skin will take about 2-4 weeks to heal. There will be a fine, linear scar leftover from the surgery that continues to flatten and mature for up to a year.

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It is rare to find a physician who combines exceptional surgical talent with genuine kindness and integrity, but Dr. Antel does exactly that. I recommend him with complete confidence to anyone

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I am extremely grateful for the care I have received over the years and would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Antell and his wonderful team—Rosa, Nancy, and Tiffany—to anyone.

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I recently underwent a breast augmentation procedure with Dr. Antell at his New York City office. I’m so pleased and grateful for a seamless experience and successful result.

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Had a fantastic experience with Dr. Antell and his entire team in NYC, Manhattan. From start to finish, they made what could have been a stressful process feel smooth, comfortable, and well-managed.

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“Highly recommend”

Him and his team has always made me feel comfortable through any process/procedure(shoutout to Nancy and Rosa!). Highly recommend.

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Phone (212) 988-4040

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