The Dermatology Institute of Southern California has performed thousands of successful mole removal treatment procedures for patients across Los Angeles and nearby areas including Beverly Hills and Santa Monica. While moles are very common and usually harmless, if you have moles that vary in shape, size, and texture, it is important to see a dermatologist in Los Angeles regularly to check for signs of malignant melanoma.
Our dedicated team of dermatologists is qualified to perform skin biopsies and advanced procedures such as Mohs micrographic skin cancer surgery. In addition to performing skin care self-examinations, we recommend patients in Los Angeles schedule yearly full body mole examinations.
What is a Mole (Nevus)?
Everyone has moles, sometimes dozens or more. Most people think of a mole as a dark brown spot, but moles have a wide range different colors and textures. Moles can appear anywhere on the skin, often hidden on the back or other concealed areas. Nevi (moles) are usually brown in color but can be flesh toned and vary in shape and size. While some people are born with moles, others develop over time. Sun exposure increases the number of moles, and they may darken with time. During the adolescent years and pregnancy, moles become darker and prominently increase throughout the body.
Patients in Los Angeles with high sun exposure should take extra precautions and seek professional dermatology evaluation regularly.
Moles Vary in Shape & Size
Each mole has its own growth pattern. At first, moles are flat and tan like a freckle, or they can be pink, brown or black in color. Over time, they usually enlarge and some develop hairs. Sometimes, as the years pass, moles can change slowly, becoming more raised and lighter in color. Some will not change at all. Some moles will slowly disappear, seeming to fade away. Others will become raised far from the skin. They may develop a small “stalk” and eventually fall off or are rubbed off.
Residents of Santa Monica and Beverly Hills should monitor these changes carefully due to high sun exposure risk.
Moles vs. Abnormal (Dysplastic/Atypical) Moles
Moles known as “dysplastic” or “atypical” moles are larger than average (usually larger than a pencil eraser) and irregular in shape. They tend to have uneven color with dark brown centers and lighter, sometimes reddish, uneven border or black dots at edge. These types of moles are often inherited genetically.
Moles known as **“dysplastic” or atypical moles are usually larger than average (often larger than a pencil eraser) and irregular in shape.
They may have uneven color patterns with dark brown centers, lighter reddish borders, or black dots along the edges. These types of moles are often inherited genetically and require professional dermatology monitoring in Los Angeles.
A Handy Guide to Melanoma
Assess your moles for the ABCDE melanoma warning signs:
A- Asymmetry: One side is different from the other
B- Border is irregular: Uneven or scalloped around the edges
C- Color: The color fades or varies from one portion to another
D- Diameter: Larger than 6mm, or than a common pencil eraser
E- Evolving: A mole that changes as time passes
Early detection is critical for patients in Los Angeles seeking advanced skin cancer screening.
Learn more about melanoma prevention.
It’s Time To Visit a Dermatologist
If you notice a strange mole on your body, schedule an appointment immediately with The Dermatology Institute of Southern California. Our expert dermatologists are thoroughly trained to identify moles that may be cancerous or pre-cancerous. Most procedures used to remove moles take only a short time and will be performed in the office. Sometimes a mole will recur after it is removed.
If a mole has been removed and begins to reappear, you should return to the dermatologist. Though many moles do not require treatment, our mole experts in Santa Monica would like to take a look, if:
- The mole itches, or rubs against clothing
- A patient simply doesn’t want the lesion
- The mole is potentially cancerous
- The mole itches or bleeds, or has any symptoms at all
- It is larger than 6 millimeter
- The mole is located in a concealed area, such as the scalp
- The mole is new or changing in any way
Patients in Santa Monica can also access specialized skin lesion evaluation services at our clinic.
Advanced Detection with Dermoscopy
We are one of the few dermatology centers in the Beverly Hills and Santa Monica area to featured state of the art Dermoscopy. The advanced tool helps us examine and detect possible melanoma earlier than any other technology. We’re proud to offer valued patients this early diagnostics tool because our expert dermatologists know that early detection leads to healthier and happier clients. With the ability to visualize beneath the skin’s layers, doctors can view the progression of moles and determine if they are benign or malignant. Depending on their findings, patients may be recommended for a mole biopsy or excision.
The Mole Removal Process in Beverly Hills
Our team of experts performs mole removal using 3 different quick and effective methods. Their innovative techniques vary depending on your needs and type of lesion. Following treatment, The Dermatology Institute of Southern California will transfer the biopsy specimen to a laboratory for expert testing.
- Excisional biopsy (complete removal) – When dealing with flat or malignant moles, the dermatologist removes the entire mole and precisely stitches the wound closed.
- Punch biopsy (tissue removal) – For certain moles, like raised lesions, dysplastic nevi or small skin moles, the dermatologist uses a device to extract a cylindrical portion of skin.
- Shave biopsy (tissue removal) – In some cases of suspicious skin lesions, our surgical team uses a surgical blade razor to scrape the mole flat so that it blends in with surrounding skin. This leaves minimal scarring, or none at all, while removing enough tissue to be sent for laboratory pathology testing.
Visit the Team at The Dermatology institute of Southern California
Mole removal with our expert dermatology team is simple and effective. We proudly serve patients across Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills, providing both cosmetic and medical mole treatment solutions.
Our dermatologists create customized skin care plans based on patient needs. Contact us today to schedule your consultation or book your appointment now.
FAQ’s
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What is mole removal treatment in Los Angeles?
Mole removal treatment is a medical or cosmetic procedure used to remove moles for health monitoring, cancer prevention, or aesthetic reasons. Dermatologists in Los Angeles evaluate moles before selecting the safest removal method.
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Are moles dangerous or cancerous?
Most moles are harmless. However, moles that change in color, size, or shape may require evaluation for skin cancer risk, especially for patients living in Los Angeles with high sun exposure.
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How do I know if my mole is abnormal?
Use the ABCDE melanoma detection method to check for asymmetry, irregular borders, color variation, large diameter, or evolving shape changes.
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When should I visit a dermatologist for mole evaluation in Los Angeles?
You should visit a dermatologist if your mole itches, bleeds, becomes painful, grows larger than 6mm, or changes appearance over time.
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What mole removal methods are available in Los Angeles?
Common methods include excisional biopsy, punch biopsy, and shave biopsy depending on mole type, size, and medical evaluation results.
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Does mole removal leave scars?
Scarring depends on mole size, removal technique, and healing ability. Dermatologists in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills use advanced techniques to minimize scarring.
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Is mole removal painful?
Most mole removal procedures are performed under local anesthesia, making the process comfortable for patients.
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How long does mole removal treatment take?
Mole removal procedures are usually quick and can often be completed within a single office visit depending on mole complexity.
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What is dermoscopy technology?
Dermoscopy is an advanced diagnostic tool used to examine mole structure beneath the skin surface, helping doctors detect melanoma early in Los Angeles patients.
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Can moles grow back after removal?
Moles can sometimes reappear if cells remain after removal, which is why professional dermatology care is important.
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Who is a good candidate for mole removal treatment?
Patients with suspicious, painful, changing, or cosmetically unwanted moles are good candidates for mole removal treatment.
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Is mole removal covered by insurance?
Medical mole removal for health reasons is often covered by insurance, while cosmetic removal may not be covered. Patients should confirm coverage details with their provider.
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How can I prevent new moles from forming?
Use sunscreen, avoid excessive sun exposure, wear protective clothing, and schedule regular skin checks, especially in sunny regions like Los Angeles.
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Do I need follow-up visits after mole removal?
Follow-up visits are recommended for biopsy results review and healing assessment.
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Why choose Dermatology Institute of Southern California for mole removal?
Our clinic provides advanced mole detection, biopsy services, and personalized treatment plans for patients in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and Beverly Hills using modern dermatology technology.
