Moles are common skin growths that many people live with for years. While most are harmless, some can change in size, shape, or color, which may indicate a potential health concern. Others can be bothersome due to their location or appearance. Musick Dermatology & Advanced Clinical Spa in Swansea, IL, was founded by Steve E. Musick, MD, who earned honors recognition in nearly all clinical rotations at the University of Missouri-Columbia Medical School and is board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Dermatology.
With decades of experience and advanced training in medical and surgical skin care, Dr. Musick and his team provide safe, professional mole removal services to protect your skin health and help you feel confident about your appearance.
What Are Moles?
Moles are usually brown, pink, or black growths that may appear anywhere on the body. It is extremely important that any suspicious mole or lesion be checked by a Board-Certified Dermatologist, or dermatology-trained Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Physician Assistant (PA) to rule out skin cancer. Moles can appear in different sizes and different shapes. Moles can be flat, raised, and can appear individually or in a patch. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is not uncommon for you to have 10-40 moles throughout your skin.
It is extremely important to have body checks on a routine basis to ensure that any mole that increases in size, color, or shape is not overlooked as a potential for melanoma. A rapidly changing mole is very serious as it could represent melanoma, which can be life-threatening.
Types of Moles
Moles can vary in appearance and behavior, and knowing the type you have can help guide monitoring and treatment decisions.
- Congenital Nevi: These moles are present at birth or develop in early childhood.
- Common Moles: Usually smaller than a pencil eraser, oval in shape, and evenly colored.
- Dysplastic Moles: These may appear anywhere on the body but often form in areas exposed to the sun, such as the back. They can also develop in locations with minimal sun exposure, like the breast or scalp. People with dysplastic moles often have more common moles overall, and having more than five dysplastic moles increases the risk of melanoma.
Identifying which type of mole is present is an important part of a professional skin evaluation and can help ensure any necessary treatment is provided in a timely manner.
Why People Choose Mole Removal
There are several reasons to consider mole removal. For many, the most important reason is to address potential medical concerns. Certain changes in a mole’s appearance can be a warning sign for skin cancer, and removing suspicious moles can be an important step in prevention.
Moles can also cause irritation when they rub against clothing or jewelry. In other cases, a mole’s size or placement can make someone feel self-conscious. Whether for health, comfort, or cosmetic reasons, having a mole removed by a qualified provider can provide both peace of mind and improved quality of life.
Mole Treatment Options We Offer
At Musick Dermatology, our providers offer a range of mole treatment options tailored to your needs. The most common methods include:
- Surgical Excision: The mole and a small margin of surrounding skin are carefully removed, and the area is closed with sutures.
- Shave Removal: The mole is shaved flush with the surrounding skin, often with little to no stitching required.
- Advanced Cosmetic Techniques: In certain cases, our providers use treatments that minimize visible scarring and promote a smoother appearance.
The right method depends on the mole’s size, type, location, and whether there are any medical concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mole Removal Painful?
Most patients report little to no discomfort during the procedure, as local anesthesia is used. Mild soreness may occur afterward, but it is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
Will There Be a Scar?
Some scarring is possible, but our providers use techniques designed to minimize it. The final appearance depends on the removal method, mole size, and individual healing.
How Do I Know if a Mole Should Be Removed?
If a mole changes in shape, size, or color, begins to itch or bleed, or looks different from your other moles, it is important to have it checked by a dermatologist.
Testimonials:
"Exceptional service! The doctors, care providers, estheticians, and the entire staff are caring, knowledgeable professionals in a welcome, clean, and gorgeous environment."
"Very professional, listens and wholeheartedly cares about patients . Great staff ! Thank you"
"The experience was amazing. They helped me with all my skin concerns the very first visit, which made me feel confident again. Not only was the the staff very friendly and helpful, the office was beautiful and very welcoming."
Why Choose Musick Dermatology & Advanced Clinical Spa for Mole Removal?
Founded by Steve E. Musick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with more than 25 years of experience, Musick Dermatology & Advanced Clinical Spa delivers expert care for both medical and cosmetic mole removal. Dr. Musick, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, oversees a team that includes dermatology-trained nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nursing staff who work together to provide thorough skin evaluations and advanced treatment options.
Our providers have extensive experience in assessing moles for changes that may indicate skin cancer and performing precise removals when appropriate. We use advanced techniques designed to maximize patient comfort, minimize scarring, and ensure complete removal when medically necessary. From careful diagnosis to personalized aftercare, our practice is committed to protecting your skin health and delivering safe, effective mole removal in Swansea, IL.
Schedule Your Mole Consultation in Swansea, IL
Whether you need a suspicious mole examined or want one removed for cosmetic reasons, Musick Dermatology & Advanced Clinical Spa provides skilled, attentive care close to home in Swansea, IL.
Our providers combine advanced techniques with a patient-focused approach to deliver results you can feel confident about. Contact us today at 618-628-2588 to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward healthier skin.