I’m interested in getting a mole removed, it is positioned on my left arm. I also have hair on this raised mole, I would like to have the mole and hair permanently removed — hoping Dr. Brooks can help me with this.
What Is A Mole With Hair?
Moles with hair — regardless of where they are on your body — are usually intradermal moles. “Intra” means within, and “dermal” means the second layer of your skin.
Intradermal moles are entirely in the dermis — the second layer of your skin. The fact that the mole is a bump that sticks up above the surface of your skin, means that there is a lot of mole tissue in the dermis pushing up on the top layer of the epidermis — the the top layer of your skin.
The hair roots of the mole can be found in the epidermal — top layer of your skin, or deeper in the dermis — the second layer of your skin.
How Are Most Moles Removed For Cosmetic Reasons?
There are two common mole removal techniques:
Shave Excision: This mole removal technique gives the best cosmetic result. Shave excision is done by using a scalpel blade to “shave off” the raised part of the mole at a level that is just below the top layer of your skin. The scarring is very minimal because we are not cutting deeply into your skin. If all of your hair follicles are present in the upper epidermal layer, those hairs will be gone and will not grow back because they are part of the mole that we took off.
Excision With Suture Closure: This mole removal technique is a deeper cut made to remove the surrounding skin, mole tissue and deeper hair follicles.
Dr. Brooks performs both techniques and will determine the best option for your unique needs.
What If My Hair Follicles Are Deeper Than The Epidermis?
If your hair is growing from the dermis — the deeper layer of your skin, Dr. Brooks may still decide to use the shave excision technique, the first option we mentioned earlier to minimize scarring. If hair continues to grow once are healed, you can get that pesky hair destroyed with laser or electrolysis.
If excision with suture closure is required, Dr. Brooks will let you know.
Why Not Cut Out The Entire Mole So All The Hair Roots And Follicles Are Removed In One Sitting?
If a deeper cut is required there’s a greater chance that you will be left with a more obvious scar. Even with the best skills and techniques, whether it be done by a plastic surgeon or a cosmetic dermatologist — deeper cuts are known to leave bigger scars. If a deeper cut is required to remove the surrounding skin, mole tissue and deeper hair follicles — Dr. Brooks will let you know at the time of your consultation.
If you have any further questions about scheduling your mole removal, we are more than happy to help. Give us a call at 403.487.0460, we’re looking forward to hearing from you!
