At Snowberry Lane Clinic we can help to remove moles and cysts that are troubling our clients. Today we’re going to explain what moles and cysts are; why they occur and how we can help to treat them.
What are moles?
Moles most commonly appear as small coloured spots on the surface of the skin. This is because they are made from a cluster of cells that produce the pigment in your skin, which is why they are commonly brown in colour (although they can be a variety of different shades and tones).
Moles are usually close to circular in shape with a well-defined edge. They can appear flush to the skin or raised in a small bump, some also have hair follicles growing from them. They can change in appearance over time, often without you realising. However, if you do notice any dramatic changes in the size and shape of a mole, or if they become itchy or inflamed it is always best to get it checked by your GP.
What are cysts?
A cyst is normally a dome shaped bump on the skin, this is caused by a small sac of fluid or other materials underneath the surface of the skin. Cysts can vary in size from a few millimetres to a few centimetres across, they can also grow slowly over time. It is often difficult to be sure of what certain lumps and bumps are, and because some can be more dangerous than others it’s alays best to get them checked out by a Doctor to ensure they are harmless.
More often than not cysts don’t cause any discomfort and can be left alone once the Doctor has ensured they are benign. However, cysts can be prone to infection so if they become tender and sore please get them checked by your GP.
Why do cysts and moles occur?:
- Skin type
- Genetics
- Age
- Hormones
- Exposure to sun
How are moles and cysts removed?
The procedure we use is called Radiofrequency surgery. Radiosurgery is our treatment of choice as we find it to be the most effective procedure for promoting fast healing.
Dr Gabriel uses a specially designed hand piece with a very thin wire loop on the end, radio-waves are passed along the wire which allows the Doctor to cut and cauterise (a process of sealing the blood vessels), the skin at the same time, reducing bleeding and therefore making for a more efficient removal versus treatments that use scalpels.
Is the treatment painful?
Local anaesthetic is applied to the area to ensure the skin is numbed during treatment. The anaesthetic injections feel like small sharp scratches, after the anaesthetic is active you shouldn’t feel much in the area. Obviously everyone has different pain thresholds, but we do our utmost to ensure that you are comfortable.
Will it leave a scar?
When something is removed from the skin, it is impossible for the skin beneath the removal to match the skin around it exactly. When a raised mole is removed the skin immediately after the removal behaves like a small graze on the surface of the skin. After 4-6 weeks there will commonly be a slight pink blemish or lighter area of skin that will take time to adjust and change but is normally not too noticeable.
When a flat mole or cyst is removed, a slightly larger incision is often needed, and sometimes stitches are required. If this is the case the stitches will be as small and neat as possible, once the stitches have been removed the scar will commonly be slightly pink in colour and should change over time to appear closer to your normal skin tone.
Want to know more?
To find out more about the treatments, or to talk to a specialist at the Clinic, you can get in touch today by calling 01225 700072.