Healthy Skin, Happy Youu
"A lesion can appear anywhere on the body. Lesions can range in shape, size, and color and cover a small or large area of the body. Skin lesions can appear in a group or as a single spot and be localized to a sole area of the body or scattered in various areas" -Steven Bengelsdorf, MD
A member of the American College of Surgeons, American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and American Society for Laser Medicine, Dr. Bengelsdorf has the training, experience, and technologies to skillfully perform a range of mole removal and repair techniques without leaving an unsightly scar.
Renewed Confidence
Lesions are very common and often benign (non-cancerous). These conditions include moles, freckles, benign lentigines, and seborrheic keratoses. If you experience noticeable changes in a mole’s color, texture, height, size, or shape, you should be evaluated by a dermatologist to ensure it is benign. You should also be evaluated by a dermatologist if the lesion bleeds, oozes, itches, or becomes tender and painful. Moles are common skin issues that may seem minor but can really be bothersome to an individual. Unless they are cancerous, they pose no major threat to your health. For the most part, lesions are non-threatening.
Moles are dark spots on the skin that are caused by cells growing in a cluster. Moles can be textured, raised, or flat and contain melanocytes, the cells that are responsible for your natural skin pigmentation. When the melanocytes grow in a group, it results in darker pigmentation, which explains moles' black or brown color. Moles may increase in size over time and commonly have hair growing from them. They usually appear in areas of your body that receive the most exposure to sunlight, like your face, chest, arms, and back. Moles can occur on the body due to genetic history, hormone fluctuations, or prolonged sun exposure.
Skin Positive Impact
Getting moles removed can improve how you feel about your skin and boost your confidence.
Many people are bothered by moles in noticeable places, like the face or neck, and removing them can help you feel more comfortable in your appearance. Beyond aesthetics, mole removal can also prevent discomfort. Moles in high-friction areas can rub against clothing or jewelry, causing irritation. By addressing these, you can avoid potential bleeding, infection, or unnecessary pain.
Another key benefit is the peace of mind it brings. Even if most moles are harmless, some can show early signs of skin cancer. By removing and examining them, dermatologists can catch any issues early, which can make a significant difference in treatment success. Mole removal isn’t just about appearance; it’s a simple step toward maintaining your skin health and overall well-being.
Beyond Aesthetics
Several dermatologic procedures and methods can be used to remove moles, including excision, mole removal laser, and freezing.
After assessing the area, Dr. Bengelsdorf discusses each procedure's advantages and potential disadvantages with his patients during the consultation. Deciding which treatment is best for you depends on several factors, including the best clinical outcome, available downtime, and an individual’s medical history. If you have a mole that bothers you, interferes with your day-to-day habits (shaving, wearing jewelry, applying makeup), or is simply unattractive, Dr. Steven Bengelsdorf has a solution for you.
Radiant Skin
Removing a mole is a relatively quick, simple, and painless way to create smooth, even-colored skin. Dr. Steven Bengelsdorf offers many methods of removal for benign lesions, including:
Your Best Self
The timeline for seeing final results after lesion and mole removal can vary depending on the specific procedure, the size and type of growth removed, and individual factors. The recovery period may generally take a few days to a couple of weeks.
During this time, any redness or swelling at the removal site should subside, and if sutures were used, they may be removed within a week or two. For cosmetic concerns, the final results in terms of the appearance of the treated area can usually be observed within a few weeks. However, it's important to note that some degree of scarring may occur, especially for larger or more complex removals. Dr. Bengelsdorf often uses techniques to minimize scarring; over time, the appearance of the scar may fade further.
Clearer, Healthier Skin
Taking care of yourself after having a mole removed is very important for healing and avoiding any problems. In the first few days to a couple of weeks after the procedure, you might feel some mild discomfort, and the area might look red or swollen.
Dr. Bengelsdorf will give you specific instructions on how to care for the area. This usually includes keeping the spot clean and dry, not touching or scratching it, and avoiding heavy exercise that could interrupt the healing. If stitches were used, Dr. Bengelsdorf will let you know when they need to be taken out and invite you back into the office for that appointment.
It’s also very important to protect the healing area from the sun. Using sunscreen can help prevent skin darkening or damage as you recover. Be sure to attend any follow up appointments with Dr. Bengelsdorf to make sure everything is healing well and to address any issues. By following these care steps, you can help ensure a smooth recovery and get the best results after your mole removal.
While many medical practitioners can, in theory, remove your moles, general physicians lack specialized knowledge of the skin and its conditions. Generally, while dermatologists are trained in cosmetic procedures, Dr. Bengelsdorf has specialized training in both surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. After accurately determining the nature of your brown and/or raised spot, Dr. Bengelsdorf will recommend an effective treatment. His expertise in aesthetic medicine facilitates the best cosmetic outcome from care.
Scarring is a potential outcome, especially for larger or more complex removals. However, our office has other treatments available to minimize scarring; over time, the appearance of the scar may fade and improve.
The removal is usually considered permanent, especially for benign growths. However, new moles may develop elsewhere on the skin over time.
If you experience excessive bleeding, signs of infection (increased redness, swelling, or pus), severe pain, or other symptoms, seeking immediate medical attention is vital.
Home removal is not recommended as it can lead to complications and potential infection. It is safer and more effective to have these growths removed by a qualified physician.
After the procedure, you may need to avoid strenuous activities for a few days, depending on the size and type of removal. Dr. Bengelsdorf will provide specific guidelines for resuming normal activities.
While most lesions and moles are benign, a dermatologist must evaluate any suspicious growth to rule out skin cancer. Regular skin cancer checks with a dermatologist can help monitor skin health and detect any cancer early.
Following the aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Bengelsdorf is crucial to promote proper healing and minimize scarring. Avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen can also help protect the healing area and reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation.
Experience the artistry of aesthetic innovation at Franklin Skin and Laser. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to helping you unlock your true beauty and embrace your confidence like never before. Whether you seek flawless skin, sculpted contours, or the removal of unwanted tattoos, we are here to exceed your expectations. Take the first step today and schedule a consultation with our experts. Let us craft a personalized plan tailored to your unique needs, so you can embark on a path to radiance. Contact us now to rewrite your beauty story with Franklin Skin and Laser.Â