Mole Removal & Examinations in Monroe, LA and Southlake, TX
Moles are common growths that develop on the skin. Some moles may indicate other problems, emphasizing the importance of having your moles evaluated and possibly removed. Dr. Janine Hopkins, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist, offers mole removal and examinations for men and women in Monroe, Alexandria, Shreveport, the Ark-La-Miss, Southlake, TX and the surrounding areas of Northeast Louisiana.
What Are Moles?
Moles develop when your body produces skin cells in an irregular growth pattern, rather than evenly across the skin. These particular cells are responsible for the color of your skin. Dr. Hopkins offers mole removal and examinations to help people understand the nature of the moles and make an informed decision about treatment.
How Much Does Mole Removal and Examinations Cost in Monroe, LA?
The cost of mole removal and examination varies by patient because Dr. Hopkins uses an approach of individualized care. As such, we can best provide pricing at the time of your appointment.
What Are the Benefits of Mole Removal & Examinations?
Most moles are benign, meaning that they do not pose a medical risk. Some moles, however, may be cancerous. After Dr. Hopkins examines your mole, she will describe possible treatment options. Reasons for having the mole removed are:
- Cancerous in nature
- Cosmetic concerns
- Location of the mole causes irritation, pain and other symptoms
How Do I Know If I Have a Mole?
Almost everyone has at least one mole, and some people have as many as 40 moles. A mole may change in size and color, and a person may develop new moles. A growth on your skin may be a mole if it is:
- Raised from the surface of the skin
- Different color from the surrounding skin
- Causes itching, irritation or bleeding
What Should I Expect from Mole Removal & Examinations?
The primary reason for having your mole evaluated is to determine if the mole is melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can spread quickly to other areas of the body. Treatment for melanoma is most effective when it is detected early either through self-examination, a full body skin exam, or routine examinations with Dr. Hopkins. Melanoma requires treatment to eliminate the cancerous cells. Other types of moles may not require removal. In these cases, Dr. Hopkins will explain the benefits of removing the mole, but treatment may not be necessary from a clinical perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cut a mole off?
While cutting a mole off can be an effective method for removing a mole, it is discouraged because of the risks that come with it. Performing this at home can put the area at risk of infection and may cause a permanent scar where the mole was located. Seeking professional mole removal can eliminate both of these risks.
How long should it take for a mole removal to heal?
The length of time it takes for mole removal to heal can vary depending on the size and location of the mole. Generally, most patients find that they are fully healed in just two or three weeks.
What is the recovery time for mole removal?
There is about two or three weeks of recovery time after mole removal. While it may take the treatment area a few weeks to heal, there is no downtime, and you should be able to return to all of your usual activities immediately following your mole removal treatment.
What kinds of moles should be removed?
Generally, the only moles that should be removed are particularly large moles or moles that have irregular shapes. You can determine this with the ABCDEs of melanoma moles, which is the asymmetry, border irregularity, color irregularity, diameter size and evolving size of moles.
Be Healthy, Be Beautiful. Contact Hopkins Dermatology Today.
If you find an abnormal growth on your skin, it may be a mole or other skin condition. A mole examination helps you understand the nature of the growth and the benefits of treatment. Dr. Janine Hopkins, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist, offers mole removal and examinations for men and women in Monroe, Alexandria, Shreveport, the Ark-La-Miss, Southlake, TX and the surrounding areas of Northeast Louisiana. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for mole removal and examination.