A mole has always been considered to be a beauty spot or a mark of identification. It is only when they appear in places you don’t them, they start to become a pain. There are several skin lesions that are very common and benign (non-cancerous). In these, most common conditions include moles and skin tags. Moles are growths on the skin that are usually brown or black. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, alone or in groups. A skin tag is a small flap of tissue that hangs off the skin by a connecting stalk. They are usually found on the neck, chest, back, armpits, under the breasts, or in the groin area. It's different from a mole because of its pedestal base. Hollywood actresses like Sarah Jessica Parker, Marilyn Monroe, Khloe Kardashian and other have had their moles and tag removed.
When should one go for removal: Most moles and skin tags are harmless but people want to remove them for cosmetic reasons or sometimes a mole or skin tag may exist in a place that is uncomfortable because it is being rubbed by clothing, or may simply make the person feel self-conscious due to its location and appearance.
Treatment: There are two ways in which one can get rid of unwanted moles and tags.
CUTTING: Skin tags may be snipped off with a scalpel or surgical scissors. Some moles can be “shaved” off . Other moles may have cells that go underneath the skin, so your doctor might make a deeper cut to remove the entire mole and prevent it from growing back. This cut may require stitches.
Burning: An electric current passes through a wire that becomes hot and is used to burn off the upper layers of the skin. You may need more than one session to remove a mole. Skin tags are removed by burning through the narrow stem that attaches them to the skin.
Although it may hurt a little, the heat used will help prevent bleeding. An anesthetic will be applied to numb the area before the procedure. This procedure will leave no scars or marks. The heat helps prevent bleeding.
Post procedure treatment: Post procedure, it is very important to follow the instructions of the doctor. Sun protection is very important. Apply a sunscreen atleast three to four times a day. Don’t remove the scab mechanically. If clothing irritates a skin tag, cover it with a bandage to prevent rubbing and bleeding. Clean the area with soap and water two times a day but if stitches are taken don't wet the area till the time they are removed. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
Price: It differs from patient to patient according to his/her requirement. It can be Rs 5000/- onwards
– The writer is a celebrity cosmetic surgeon.
Disclaimer: Always check with a specialist before going ahead with this procedure
