Adrián Ríos , MD
What types of moles are the best candidates for laser-assisted removal?
- Small and multiple moles, between 1-3 millimeters regardless of the area. The procedure is faster, many times without the need to use anesthesia and scars are avoided.
- Located in areas of technical difficulty for surgical resection: Auricles, free edge of the eyelids, nasal tip, lip filter, vermillions, eyebrows, etc.
- Moles on the face.
- Pedunculated moles of the trunk. They are superficial, complete resection is not necessary.
- Need to preserve hair (scalp, beard, mustache).
- Risk areas for scarring due to closure tension: Ears, eyelids, nasal dorsum.
Why is laser used to cauterize moles?
Most small moles are superficial, which gives a better possibility for an instrument to evaporate the outermost portions of the skin.
On the face, they typically have a dome-like appearance, being more elevated and deep in the center; more superficial and flat at the edges.
The laser technique can be done through vaporization or shaving of the mole. The laser makes it possible to remove them while better visualizing their depth level because it controls micro-bleeding.
In shaving or vaporization techniques, residues of the mole may remain, which are treated months later with touch-ups.
When should you NOT use laser to remove moles?
When malignancy is suspected.
Can you remove giant moles with a laser?
Everything will depend on the healing.
It is only possible to reduce its size with sequential techniques.
The nostrils where surgical intervention is more difficult:
The auricles that offer special technical difficulties:
