Mole Removal
A Tailored Approach to Lesion Management
Nearly everyone has a few moles somewhere on their body. These growths are usually brown or black in appearance and can appear anywhere on the skin. Moles can be solitary or appear in groups. While most moles are perfectly harmless, they can occasionally become cancerous, requiring prompt removal.
If you have moles on your body that show warning signs of cancer, we recommend joining us at the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery for a screening to determine whether you need mole removal. Our team has over three decades of experience providing high-quality skincare throughout Appleton and Green Bay, and we are here to help you assess moles and provide treatment as needed.
Mole screenings are brief, physical evaluations of any worrisome spots on your body. During this short appointment, your provider will examine moles on your body, either with the naked eye or with a special tool called a dermatoscope, and let you know if any of the moles warrant concern.
In some cases, our specialists may recommend removing the mole with a small blade, a laser, or chemical compounds. The removed moles will then be biopsied, allowing us to determine whether cancer cells are present.
A mole removal consultation can be a good way to verify that the moles on your body are benign. In the event of skin cancer, it can also ensure prompt intervention and targeted treatment.
If you have never had a mole screening, it is natural to have questions about what to expect. Our providers are known not only for their clinical precision but also for their caring and compassionate approach. We will ensure that your appointment is comfortable and that you leave with all the answers you need about the state of your skin.
We generally ask patients to undress and put on a medical gown, which allows the provider easier access to all body parts where moles might be present. Your provider will perform a visual inspection of your skin from scalp to toes and ask whether you have any moles that concern you or warrant a closer look. Mole removal is performed as a fast, comfortable outpatient procedure right in our office.
The Provider first injects a small amount of local anesthesia around the lesion to ensure the area is completely numb.
The removed lesion is sent to a lab for biopsy analysis if there is any concern for skin cancer.
Mole removal is primarily used to address two categories of concerns:
Mole removal can be performed safely and effectively on virtually any area of the skin where a mole is present, including the face (facial moles), neck, back, and limbs.
The benefits of mole removal are focused on both health assurance and refined aesthetics.
Essential Health Assurance
For medically concerning moles, complete surgical excision and biopsy provide the definitive diagnosis and effective treatment for skin cancer or precancerous lesions, offering invaluable peace of mind.
Refined Aesthetic Clarity
Cosmetic removal permanently eliminates unwanted pigmented skin cells and blemishes, improving the overall smoothness and clarity of the skin with a focus on minimal scarring.
If you have a family history of skin cancer or have developed new moles in adulthood, we recommend a quick self-assessment every month. Keep an eye on the moles on your body and schedule a mole removal consultation if any of your moles change in shape, size, or color. Additionally, we recommend having a screening if you develop a mole that looks different from the others on your body.
Additionally, it may be wise to schedule a mole removal appointment if you notice any of the following symptoms:
Remember that none of these symptoms necessarily means you have skin cancer, but they do warrant a closer look from a medical professional.
At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, our dermatology physician assistants, Colleen Van Egeren, PA-C, and Megan MacCarthy, PA-C, have 34 years of combined experience treating various skin conditions. As dermatology specialists, they would love to talk with you about your needs and recommend a skincare treatment program just for you.
Proper aftercare is key to achieving minimal scarring and an elegant scar appearance.
Patients in Appleton and Green Bay choose Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery because of the skill, experience, and personal attention that our team provides. Learn what other people in our community have to say about our doctors and their treatment.
The lesion is removed immediately, providing instant results. For excised moles requiring sutures, the scar will be visible but will fade significantly over 6 to 12 months with proper care. Pathology results (for suspicious lesions) are usually available within one week, providing essential health confirmation.
At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, our integrated approach guarantees expert pathology analysis and meticulous aftercare for the best final scar appearance.
Our practice is a trusted skincare provider with almost a decade of experience serving patients in Appleton, Green Bay, and the surrounding communities. If you have any moles that worry you or simply want to be consistent about getting routine check-ups, schedule an appointment with us today at tel:(920) 380-9890.
Mole screenings are usually very brief appointments, requiring no more than 15 minutes or so.
Assuming there is nothing worrisome, your provider will let you know if and when they recommend you schedule your next screening. They will also be happy to answer any questions you have about your skin health.
If you require a mole removal, your provider will walk you through the recommended procedure. Any moles that are removed are biopsied, as a matter of routine, to either confirm or rule out the presence of cancer. If you have cancerous cells, your provider will discuss the next steps for treatment.
Before you undergo mole removal, we recommend taking some time to assess your skin. Make a note of any moles that concern you, and be sure to discuss them at your consultation. We also ask patients not to wear makeup to their skin examinations. It is best to wear your hair in a loose style, which allows our physicians to examine your scalp.
If a mole is not fully removed—especially if pigmented skin cells remain deep in the skin after a superficial shave removal—it can regrow. For suspicious lesions or those with a high risk of recurrence, surgical excision is performed to remove the entire structure and minimize the risk of recurrence.
No. We ensure the area is fully desensitized with local anesthesia before the removal technique begins. You may feel a slight pinch from the initial injection, but the surgical procedure itself is comfortable.
At the Wisconsin Institute of Plastic Surgery, you can enjoy a range of cosmetic procedures and dedicated care in our offices in Appleton and Green Bay. As a double-board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Sauerhammer specializes in rejuvenating surgical solutions, including breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and facelifts, designed to help you look and feel your best. We seamlessly integrate all our plastic surgery services with skilled dermatology care and aesthetic specialists: Megan MacCarthy, PA-C, Colleen Van Egeren, PA-C, and Amanda Olsen, PA-C. They prioritize your goals through comprehensive evaluations and advanced techniques to help you achieve optimal and long-lasting results.
