Best Mole Laser Treatment Los Angeles: Pigmented moles are either flat or raised moles (with symmetrical, well-defined borders) that are dark in color due to a high concentration of melanin pigment. Some people may choose to have them removed so that they are not visible or noticeable to others. And since lasers can clear brown spots and treat other cosmetic issues such as melasma, our patients at the Dr.U Hair and Skin Clinics in Los Angeles wonder if pigmented mole removal with laser is a practical choice.
Is mole removal with laser a good idea?
Article Update July 2022
It is essential to know that most moles are harmless, but it is always good to check your skin every few months for any new moles that develop or to find changes to existing moles.
When examining moles, make sure to use the ABCDE methods to make sure that they are not possible to skin cancer growth, such as melanoma:
ABCDE Method:
A – Asymmetry
B – Border irregularity
C – Color change
D – Diameter
E – Elevated (raised) or enlarged
If you see any part of the ABCDE method when re-examining your moles, it may be time to visit a doctor or dermatologist to ensure that your moles are harmless.
In either case, continue to the article below to see the pros and cons of laser removal for moles, as well as how laser removal may differ from surgical mole removal.
Cosmetic Reasons For Removing Moles
Although moles tend to be very small for the most part, some people find them to be displeasing.
This may be because they are raised above the skin and appear as noticeable dark-colored bumps.
Other individuals may feel concerned by the number of moles they have. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), having 10-40 moles is normal. However, since a more significant number of moles tends to occur in lighter skin tones, the high color contrast can heighten their visibility.
Having multiple pigmented moles is common and usually not a reason for concern.
Dr. U Explains that Masking For Pigmented Moles Is Possible With Skin Lasers
According to Dr.U, lasers can be applied to mask the pigmentation of moles. Moles are formed by clusters of melanocytes which are cells that produce melanin. Laser energy can clear away some of the pigment so that the discoloration is not noticeable.
Some patients may prefer this approach as an alternative to surgical removal.
Surgery vs. Mole Removal With Laser
The main benefit of pigmented mole removal with laser is that it would not leave scarring. Laser energy can pass through the skin without cutting it to make precise modifications to even minor tissue areas.
However, the laser would not be able to destroy all the cells which comprise the mole. Surgery, on the other hand, could remove these cells altogether.
This approach requires invasive mechanical tools, leaving behind wounds that need to be closed. Scarring will become apparent.
While laser masking can improve the visual appearance of the skin, the risk is that it may delay timely interventions in instances where the melanocytes become cancerous [1]. Again, this is because so-called mole removal with a laser will not destroy all the cells. This leaves behind the possibility that they can become malignant in the future. At this point, these cells become life-threatening as they multiply and spread, which necessitates more extensive forms of excisional surgeries that may result in disfigurement.
If you are in the greater Los Angeles area and want to speak to Dr.U about mole removal options, click the button below.
Frequently Asked Questions – Laser Mole Removal Los Angeles
What are some symptoms of malignant moles to look out for?
Pay close attention to usual changes with existing moles, mainly asymmetric borders, color changes, size growth, and itching or bleeding. If you have a mole or growth on your body, do not attempt to diagnose it yourself, have it evaluated by a physician.
If my mole looks darker, should I become concerned?
In many cases, moles can appear darker due to sun exposure following adolescence and during pregnancy. But as a precautionary measure, have them examined by a doctor.
Further Reading
References
- Mayo Clinic. “Melanoma – Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/melanoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20374884.
