If you have moles or skin tags on your face or body, you may feel self-conscious or want to hide them. Many products claim they can remove moles, tags, or other skin growths, which can be appealing if you like the idea of taking care of them yourself. However, mole removal at home isn’t the best choice here, for several reasons.
Contact us today to learn more about our mole removal procedure offered at Dr. Leo Lapuerta’s office in Houston, TX, or schedule a free consultation today!
Risk of Cancer with Moles
You can’t tell just by looking at a mole or other skin issue and know if it is benign or cancerous. Even when you go to a doctor who has training in skin conditions and signs of suspicious moles, they will usually perform a biopsy before they decide how to remove it.
One of the dangers of moles is the risk of melanoma, which is a type of skin cancer. It can quickly spread to organs if not treated in the early stage. If you cut off the mole yourself and it is cancerous, some of those cells will remain and get into the bloodstream where the cancer is spread to other parts of the body. If not diagnosed until later stages, skin cancer often leads to death — which is the main reason to have any skin changes immediately checked by a doctor.
The Risk of Infection with Removing Moles at Home
If you try a do-it-yourself method of removing moles at home, you’re at an increased risk of infection. It’s easy to improperly sanitize tools you use or clean the skin correctly. It’s never a good idea to risk infection. Even if the infection doesn’t turn out to be serious, it can result in scarring.
Partial Removal of Moles
Another problem with trying to remove a mole at home is that you may only get rid of part of it, in the end. DIY mole removals often only snip off the top part, leaving the rest attached, and regrowth can occur. You don’t get the results you want and have to go to a professional to fix the problem. Best to get it right with a medical professional the first time.
An Incorrect Diagnosis
Perhaps you’ve looked at DIY mole removal tools. What you may not realize is these can be dangerous and lead to incorrect diagnoses down the line, because their use can change the way a mole looks. Cells impacted by these lasers can look cancerous (even when they aren’t) — meaning, you might later receive a visual diagnosis for melanoma even when the mole is benign, which would lead to the treatment you don’t need like a biopsy.
Why You Should Choose Professional Mole Removal
Professional mole removal by a doctor is a much safer alternative to at-home methods. Non-surgical methods are available to remove moles, test for any cancerous skin cells, and ensure that you get the results you want.
Laser skin resurfacing and other skin treatments allow new skin to grow that doesn’t have the same discolorations or other issues. These procedures treat moles, skin tags, hyperpigmentation, and other skin concerns that you may prefer to do without.
If you have any moles or other skin issues that you want to be addressed, you should see a doctor for treatment. Even if the mole isn’t cancerous or causing any issues, you can still request to have it removed.
Mole Removal in Houston, TX
Rely on the expertise and experience of Dr. Leo Lapuerta if you need mole removal in Houston. Dr. Lapuerta is a triple-board-certified plastic surgeon who has performed thousands of procedures for his patients. You can rest assured that you will receive professional treatment and an accurate diagnosis of your skin condition.
Schedule a free consultation to have your skin concern looked at and a plan for treatment in place. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, Dr. Lapuerta is a trusted professional wh