Mole (nevus) removal

By origin, a distinction is made between congenital nevi, which are visible immediately after birth, and acquired nevi, the appearance of which is caused by various factors.

By size, moles are divided into three groups: small (less than 1.5 mm), medium (from 1.5 mm to 1 cm), and large (larger than 1 cm). Depending on the depth of the epidermis involved, they are classified as:

• Epidermal moles — located in the upper layers of the skin;
• Dermo-epidermal nevi — located in both the epidermis and the dermis;
• Dermoid nevi — extending into the deeper layers of the dermis.

Skin formations can be non-vascular, appearing as pigmentation, stalk-like or warty elevations, or vascular, known as hemangiomas. Vascular moles can be red or pink and vary in size. Capillary moles are flat in structure and located on the skin surface. Cavernous formations have a nodular shape and are located within the thickness of the dermis. Warty brown and gray plaques have a hard and uneven surface. Dark plaques are called pigmented moles; they are sometimes covered with hair.

Moles can be congenital or acquired. Interestingly, congenital nevi can appear on any part of the body: the face, armpits, buttocks, palms, or soles. Acquired ones typically choose areas exposed to UV light, although hormonal changes can also cause them to appear in various locations. Not all moles require removal, just as not all of them can become dangerous.

Dermatologists distinguish several types of moles:

• Fibroepithelial nevi: soft, ranging in color from flesh-toned to brown, and in size from 1 mm to 1 cm.
• Warty (verrucous) nevi: look like a chain of yellow nodules with a hard surface.
• Becker’s nevus: a yellow-brown spot up to 100 cm² in size.
• Intradermal nevi: typical birthmarks of variable appearance.
• Giant pigmented nevi: usually congenital, covering a large area, located on the back or limbs.
• Dysplastic nevi (Clark’s nevi): benign pigmented formations that appear in adolescents or adults; they have an increased risk of malignancy — the transformation from benign to dangerous.

Author of the article: Davyd Keyan

To detect dangerous moles at an early stage, it is necessary to perform regular self-diagnosis. This is the ABCDE rule mentioned earlier. Here are the detailed criteria that should prompt a visit to a medical center:

• A (Asymmetry): One half of the mole does not match the other, and this was not the case before.
• B (Border): The borders of the nevus have become uneven, blurred, or jagged.
• C (Color): Specks of black, red, or other colors have appeared in what was previously a uniform-colored nevus.
• D (Diameter): The nevus has started to “grow” and is now larger than 6 mm (the eraser on the end of a pencil can serve as a measurement guide).
• E (Evolution): A previously “stable” nevus has started to grow, bleed, or itch; flaking of the skin on or around it has begun, or the skin has become coarser.

Other warning signs include pain, redness, or discharge from the nevus. If even one of these criteria appears, you must consult a dermatologist immediately.

Author of the article: Davyd Keyan

Mole removal in Kyiv is performed using various methods: laser, radio waves, electrocoagulation, cryodestruction, surgical excision, radiosurgery (radio knife), tissue evaporation, vascular coagulation, and liquid nitrogen.

The most suitable method for each case is determined by the doctor after an examination. The cost of mole removal depends on the scope of work and the chosen method.

Surgical excision of a nevus is a classic and reliable procedure. The excision of a mole is performed with a standard surgical blade. The price of surgical mole removal depends on the volume and complexity of the work.

Surgical removal is suitable for large and deep nevi. This method is mandatory if melanoma or a malignant nature of the mole is suspected. Its advantages include the possibility of histological examination of the excised material and the complete removal of the nevus.

Disadvantages of surgical nevus removal include: minor bleeding, the need for suturing at the site of intervention, and a longer healing process. Recovery takes 3–4 weeks. The price of surgical mole removal is higher than other methods due to the complexity of the surgery. However, this method often saves a patient’s life by preventing the development of skin cancer. Surgical mole removal is the price of a patient’s life and health.

Preparation for Mole Removal

A mandatory step in preparing for mole removal is a consultation with a dermatologist and dermoscopy. This is a simple procedure where the nevus is examined under magnification to assess the risk of malignancy. When choosing the surgical method, preparation includes blood tests: a complete blood count (CBC) and a coagulogram. If a nevus needs to be removed near the eye, an additional consultation with an ophthalmologist may be required.

Before the procedure, you should refrain from using photosensitizers, which include certain antibiotics and cosmetics. Sunbathing and tanning beds are prohibited for two weeks prior to the treatment.

Psychological preparation is also an important stage. Before removing a mole, you should discuss your expectations with the doctor and receive a realistic prognosis of the result. On the day of the procedure, regardless of the chosen method, you should arrive with clean skin, free of cosmetics.

Author of the article: Davyd Keyan

Mole removal is a procedure that may have certain side effects. Immediately after the excision of a nevus, redness, swelling, and minor pain may occur. In most cases, these unpleasant sensations disappear within a few days. However, in 1–2% of all cases, rare complications such as hematoma or bleeding may occur.

There is a small risk that the aesthetic results may not meet expectations. A hypertrophic scar may form at the removal site; this can happen in individuals with a genetic predisposition to keloid scarring. Cases of depigmentation or hyperpigmentation at the removal site are rare and typically disappear within a few months.

If the mole cells are not completely removed, a recurrence of the nevus is possible. This occurs in 1–3% of all cases and usually happens if the doctor lacks the necessary experience. Mole removal and its consequences are not about pain, but about improving appearance and getting rid of high-risk growths. To minimize risks, it is important to choose an experienced dermatologist, a clinic with modern equipment such as Med-Deo, and to follow all specialist recommendations.

Author of the article: Davyd Keyan

Criteria for choosing a reliable dermatologist may vary, but the unwavering rule should be high qualifications, certification, and at least 5 years of experience. Attention should also be paid to the equipment, specifically the condition of dermatoscopes and the sterility of instruments.

It is also helpful to study patient reviews—not just on the clinic’s own website, but on independent platforms such as Google or ProDoc. Look for not only written feedback but also “before and after” photos of nevus removal. After evaluating the results of previous patients, you can book a consultation. During your first visit, observe how transparent the doctor-patient relationship is. Experienced specialists provide a clear cost for mole removal with no hidden fees. A doctor should explain all risks, offer alternatives, and provide realistic expectations without sugarcoating. While many specialists perform nevus removal in Kyiv, you should choose the best of the best.

“Red flags” for a patient may include excessively low prices for mole removal, promises of “miraculous results,” or the absence of a license. In such cases, you should not hesitate to seek another specialist.

Author of the article: Davyd Keyan