Mole, Cyst & Lipoma Surgery

Moles are skin growths made up of cells that produce colour (pigment). A mole can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. Most people get a few moles during their first 20 years of life. They are usually brown in colour but can be blue, black, or flesh-coloured. Most moles are harmless and don’t cause pain or other symptoms unless you rub them or they bump against something.

Cysts consist of tissue pockets that contain fluid, pus, or other substances within their closed structure. They can appear throughout the body while presenting as small bumps beneath the skin. Most cysts do not develop into cancer, but they have the potential to cause pain or infection when not treated.

Lipomas are soft fatty growths beneath the skin that develop slowly over time. They are usually harmless and painless. The fat cell composition of lipomas makes them common on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, and thighs. Lipomas remain non-cancerous, but removal becomes necessary when they grow larger or develop pain or cosmetic issues.

Moles, cysts, and lipomas can be treated through various methods, depending on their characteristics and your preferences. Here are some common approaches:

1. Excision: During this procedure, the surgeon removes the mole, cyst, or lipoma by cutting it out together with a small margin of adjacent tissue. Dermatologists typically advise excision methods for growths that are either deep-seated or have a large size.

2. Laser removal: Laser therapy uses focused light to break down the pigment in moles or tags, causing them to fade over time. It’s a non-invasive option suitable for smaller moles and tags.

3. Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the mole or cyst using liquid nitrogen. The frozen tissue eventually falls off as the area heals. Cryotherapy is a quick and effective method, but may require multiple sessions.

4. Electrosurgery: This technique uses a high-frequency electrical current to cut or burn off moles or skin tags. It’s often a quick procedure performed by a dermatologist.

5. Topical treatments: Some over-the-counter or prescription creams or ointments may be effective for removing certain types of moles or tags. These products typically work by gradually breaking down the mole or tag.

6. Liposuction (for Lipomas): In some cases, lipomas can be treated using liposuction techniques, especially if they are soft and loosely attached. However, traditional excision remains more effective for complete removal.

Always consult with a professional dermatologist or skin specialist before attempting to remove moles, especially if you notice changes in size, color, or shape, as these could be signs of a more serious issue. Self-removal methods at home can lead to scarring or infection and are generally not recommended.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why would you want to remove moles/skin tags/cysts?
There can be various reasons why you would want to remove any of these. They may be aesthetically unappealing, they may be growing in size, there may be a sudden change in color or growth pattern, or they may bleed or get infected. Very rarely, moles have the risk of converting into cancerous growths, so it is important to get medical advice whenever there is a change in shape, size, colour of any mole, or if there is bleeding from the mole.

2. Is mole removal painful?
The mole removal process uses local anaesthesia, which prevents any pain during the procedure. You might feel slight discomfort following the procedure, but it should disappear after one or two days.

3. Will removal of a mole or cyst result in scarring?
Visible scarring after mole or cyst removal depends on the growth’s size and depth, but can be reduced through expert surgical methods.

4. Can a cyst come back after removal?
The cyst could return if the dermatologist or surgeon fails to remove the entire cyst sac. Professional complete removal typically eliminates the possibility of the condition coming back.

5. Are lipomas dangerous?
Lipomas are benign and usually harmless. They may require removal when lipomas become large enough to cause pain or interfere with movement.

6. What is the expected duration for surgical recovery?
Most patients regain functionality within several days to one week following surgery. The procedure will determine whether you need to maintain cleanliness around the area and avoid physical exertion.

7. Is laser mole removal safe?
Laser mole removal becomes a safe and effective procedure for small superficial moles when performed by qualified dermatologists.

8. What are the benefits of removing moles & tags?

  • Improved appearance: The removal of moles, skin tags, and other types of skin swellings can improve the appearance of the skin and may help to boost self-confidence.
  • Reduced discomfort: Depending on the location of the mole or swelling, it may cause discomfort or irritation. Removing these growths can help to alleviate these symptoms.
  • Prevention of complications: In some cases, moles, cysts, and other types of skin swellings can become infected or develop into cancerous growths. Removing these growths can help to prevent potential complications.
  • Quick and simple procedure: Many of these procedures can be performed quickly and with minimal downtime, allowing patients to resume their normal activities shortly after the procedure.
  • Low risk of complications: These procedures are typically low-risk, with a low likelihood of complications such as infection or scarring.
  • Pathological analysis: In some cases, the removed tissue may be sent for pathological analysis to rule out the possibility of cancer or other underlying conditions. This can provide peace of mind for the patient and allow for early detection and treatment of any potential health concerns.