Is Mole Removal Painful?

Mole removal is generally not painful. However, after the procedure, you may experience some mild tenderness, swelling, or a sensation of tightness around the treated area. This is usually short-lived and can be easily managed. The healing process may also involve some minor itching or discomfort, particularly as the skin begins to close or scab over. Most patients report little to no pain, making mole removal a relatively comfortable procedure with minimal downtime.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Typically, mole removal is a one-appointment procedure. During the consultation, Dr. Ogilvie will assess the mole, discuss the best removal method, and answer any questions you have. The procedure itself is often completed in the same visit. In some cases, if a mole is being removed for medical reasons, such as suspicion of skin cancer, a follow-up appointment may be necessary to review the biopsy results. Additionally, if stitches were used, a follow-up visit would be scheduled to remove them and ensure proper healing.

How Long Until I See Results?

The mole removal results are typically visible within a few days after the procedure. The area may heal quickly for treatments like shave excision or laser removal, with the mole fading or falling off within a couple of weeks. Surgical excision, where a deeper removal is performed, may take a bit longer for the skin to close fully and for the scar to flatten. It can take several weeks to months for the skin to completely heal, with the scar’s final appearance becoming more apparent after this time.

Can I Combine an Arm Lift with Other Procedures?

Depending on your individual goals, this treatment can often be combined with other procedures. Many patients choose to combine mole removal with aesthetic procedures such as BOTOX or facial fillers . However, it’s important to discuss your options with Dr. Ogilvie to ensure that the combination of treatments is safe and effective for your specific needs. If you’re undergoing mole removal for medical reasons, the focus should remain on the healing process before considering additional cosmetic procedures.

What Are the Risks Associated with an Arm Lift?

Though risks are rare, some include infection, scarring, and changes in skin pigmentation, and while local anesthesia minimizes discomfort, there may be slight pain or swelling during recovery. If a mole is removed for medical reasons, there’s a small risk that not all of the mole was fully excised, which may require additional treatment. In some cases, the skin may heal with a visible scar, though this can typically be minimized with proper aftercare. Following Dr. Ogilvie’s aftercare instructions and attending follow-up appointments will help reduce the potential for these risks.

Chicago, Il

Mole Removal

Name: Ogilvie Plastic Surgery
Brand: Ogilvie Plastic Surgery
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (16 reviews)

Introduction to Mole Removal

Depending on who you ask, moles can either add to our aesthetic beauty or break it completely. This is mainly dependent on where it’s located, the size, the shape, and the color, and it can affect our self-esteem one way or the other. If you have a mole that’s been bothering you or you’re noticing some changes in an existing mole that you want to have screened, removing it is the best course of action. Plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Ogilvie of Ogilvie Plastic Surgery offers mole removal procedures for patients in and around Chicago to ensure you can have peace of mind and feel good about your appearance.

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What is Mole Removal?

Mole removal is exactly as it sounds–it’s a procedure that removes the mole for aesthetic or medical purposes, such as checking for cancer, and can be done using several methods, depending on the mole’s size, type, and location. Some of the most common methods include the following:

Shave Excision: This method involves using a small, sharp tool to shave off the mole from the skin’s surface. It’s often used for raised moles and is less invasive, usually leaving minimal scarring. This is ideal for cosmetic purposes.
Surgical Excision: This is a more involved procedure in which the mole is cut out along with a small margin of surrounding tissue to ensure all of it is removed. This method is commonly used when there are concerns about the mole being cancerous, as it allows for tissue biopsy.
Laser Removal: Laser technology can be used to remove certain moles, especially flat ones. It works by targeting the pigment in the mole, breaking it down, and allowing the body to absorb it. Laser removal is typically less invasive and leaves minimal scarring, but it may not be suitable for all types of moles.
Cryotherapy: Involves freezing the mole with liquid nitrogen, which destroys the tissue. It’s usually more effective for small, non-cancerous moles but may not be recommended for larger or deeper moles.
Hyfercation: High-frequency electrical currents are used to burn-off and remove mole tissue with minimal scarring. It’s particularly effective for smaller moles, offering a quick recovery and a less invasive option compared to traditional excision methods.

What Are the Benefits of Mole Removal?

As mentioned, the benefits of mole removal extend beyond just aesthetics. Of course, removing a mole in an unflattering spot, such as the face, hands, arms, or others, can bring feelings of confidence and higher self-esteem, especially when the mole is more predominant. On the other hand, if you have a mole that has emerged out of nowhere, this is often cause for concern and should be checked for cancer like melanoma. Even if the mole is benign, removing it can bring peace of mind and ensure your safety.

Who Are the Best Candidates for Mole Removal?

The best candidates for mole removal in Chicago are individuals who have moles that are either aesthetically unwanted or pose potential health risks. Those who find certain moles bothersome, especially if located on the face, neck, or other visible areas, may choose mole removal for cosmetic reasons. On the other hand, people who notice changes in a mole, such as changes in size, shape, or color, or if it begins to bleed or itch, should seek mole removal to rule out skin cancer, such as melanoma. Some people proactively remove moles to prevent the development of skin cancer or to keep track of changes in their skin health over time, especially if their family has a history of skin cancer. Patients with many moles (a condition known as multiple nevi) may opt for mole removal to prevent potential complications or to monitor suspicious moles over time.

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Let’s get started

What’s the First Step?

If you aren’t sure whether or not to remove a mole, speak with a professional such as Dr. Ogilvie, as he can help determine how you should proceed. Start by scheduling a consultation with him at his Chicago office. Here, he will look at your personal and family medical history and then do a thorough skin evaluation. Based on the findings, he will discuss different removal options. For cosmetic concerns, he may recommend shaving or laser treatments. Surgical excision is more common for medical concerns to ensure the mole is fully removed and to obtain tissue for biopsy.

Take this opportunity to ask questionsto understand the treatment fullyt. Our goal at Ogilvie Plastic Surgery is to ensure you’re comfortable and informed before proceeding with the procedure. If you decide to proceed, Dr. Ogilvie will provide pre-treatment instructions before scheduling the procedure.

What to Expect on the Day of Mole Removal Treatment

When you arrive at our Chicago office for the procedure, we will first get you started with prep. This includes administering local anesthesia to numb the area around the mole so that the treatment is as comfortable as possible. Then, depending on the mole’s size, area, and location, Dr. Ogilvie will use one of several methods to remove it, such as shaving it, laser removal, surgical extraction, or cryotherapy. After the procedure, you’ll be given care instructions to follow, which may include keeping the area clean and covered, avoiding sun exposure, and applying ointments to promote healing.

Mole Removal Recovery

Recovery after mole removal varies depending on the method used. For shave excision, healing typically takes 2-3 weeks, with minimal discomfort, though a small scab will form that should be left to fall off naturally. Surgical excision may involve a longer recovery time, with stitches removed after a week and full healing taking 2-4 weeks, though a small scar may remain. Laser removal usually heals in 2-3 weeks, with slight redness or scabbing fading as the mole disappears, leaving minimal scarring. Cryotherapy results in a blister that heals within 1-2 weeks, with the skin regenerating without significant scarring. In all cases, aftercare involves keeping the area clean and avoiding sun exposure. Most people fully recover in 2-4 weeks, with scars fading over time.

Mole Removal Cost

How Much Does Mole Removal Cost in Chicago, IL?

The average cost of Mole Removal in Chicago is about $400 to $700. This greatly depends on the size, area, and location of the mole being removed, along with the method being used to remove it, as well as the anesthesia costs, facility costs, and the expertise of the surgeon performing the treatment. When you speak with Dr. Ogilvie during your consultation, he’ll break down exactly what is needed for your treatment, including the costs, to ensure full transparency before moving forward. Financing options may be available as well.

Why Choose Ogilvie Plastic Surgery?

Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Michael P. Ogilvie offers expert mole removal with a highly personalized approach, blending his dual board certifications and extensive general and plastic surgery training. His careful attention to detail and artistic vision ensure natural results for each patient’s unique needs. With a commitment to the highest standards of care, Dr. Ogilvie’s expertise is founded on years of rigorous training, including his post-doctoral research fellowship at the University of Miami and his prestigious fellowship at Duke University. Whether the mole removal is for cosmetic or medical purposes, Dr. Ogilvie’s compassionate care and skillful techniques provide patients with the confidence of safe, effective, and satisfying results.

Dr. Ogilvie is an active member of the American Board of Surgery (ABS), the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and the Illinois Society of Plastic Surgeons (ISPS)

Mole Removal FAQ’S

Mole removal is generally not painful. However, after the procedure, you may experience some mild tenderness, swelling, or a sensation of tightness around the treated area. This is usually short-lived and can be easily managed. The healing process may also involve some minor itching or discomfort, particularly as the skin begins to close or scab over. Most patients report little to no pain, making mole removal a relatively comfortable procedure with minimal downtime.
Typically, mole removal is a one-appointment procedure. During the consultation, Dr. Ogilvie will assess the mole, discuss the best removal method, and answer any questions you have. The procedure itself is often completed in the same visit. In some cases, if a mole is being removed for medical reasons, such as suspicion of skin cancer, a follow-up appointment may be necessary to review the biopsy results. Additionally, if stitches were used, a follow-up visit would be scheduled to remove them and ensure proper healing.
The mole removal results are typically visible within a few days after the procedure. The area may heal quickly for treatments like shave excision or laser removal, with the mole fading or falling off within a couple of weeks. Surgical excision, where a deeper removal is performed, may take a bit longer for the skin to close fully and for the scar to flatten. It can take several weeks to months for the skin to completely heal, with the scar’s final appearance becoming more apparent after this time.
Depending on your individual goals, this treatment can often be combined with other procedures. Many patients choose to combine mole removal with aesthetic procedures such as BOTOX or facial fillers. However, it’s important to discuss your options with Dr. Ogilvie to ensure that the combination of treatments is safe and effective for your specific needs. If you’re undergoing mole removal for medical reasons, the focus should remain on the healing process before considering additional cosmetic procedures.
Though risks are rare, some include infection, scarring, and changes in skin pigmentation, and while local anesthesia minimizes discomfort, there may be slight pain or swelling during recovery. If a mole is removed for medical reasons, there’s a small risk that not all of the mole was fully excised, which may require additional treatment. In some cases, the skin may heal with a visible scar, though this can typically be minimized with proper aftercare. Following Dr. Ogilvie’s aftercare instructions and attending follow-up appointments will help reduce the potential for these risks.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re in the Chicago area and thinking about removing a mole, speak with Dr. Ogilvie for a professional opinion and options for a unique treatment plan. Dr. Ogilvie takes care of each of his patients to ensure they get exactly what they need and are happy with the results. Give us a call at 312-625-0097 or fill out the online contact form to get started.

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