Mole Removal – Medical or Cosmetic?

image of a mole on a person's shoulder
Surgical mole removal is an effective medical dermatological procedure that can simultaneously improve your appearance and address suspicions of skin cancer.

If you’re bothered by the appearance of a new mole on your skin, call Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle today to schedule a full skin exam with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Steven Greene. Dr. Greene has more than twenty-five years of proven experience diagnosing and treating every type of skin cancer.

During your full skin exam, Dr. Greene may determine that your mole is benign, meaning it is non-cancerous. If your mole is classified as benign, it is not detrimental to your health that it be removed. In these cases, it is up to you whether or not you would like to proceed with elective benign growth removal, also known as cosmetic mole removal. This is a safe and popular choice for patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their moles.

Is Cosmetic Mole Removal Covered by Insurance?

The cost of a cosmetic mole removal is not covered by insurance. It is an out-of-pocket procedure and the price varies according to the number of moles being removed, the size of the mole, and the amount of time needed by the provider to perform the procedure. Without a physical exam, exact pricing is indeterminable. After removal, Dr. Greene sends the mole to a laboratory for testing. There are infrequent cases when a pathologist will detect abnormalities in the removed mole. You will be notified for further follow-up if necessary. Lab fees are not included in the price of your cosmetic mole removal.

Is Cosmetic Mole Removal Painful?

Cosmetic mole removal is tolerated very well by most patients. In fact, most patients are able to resume their daily activities immediately following the procedure. Local anesthesia is applied to the treatment area to reduce discomfort. Ice and Acetaminophen are recommended for pain management. Avoid using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin. Depending on the placement of your sutures, Dr. Greene may suggest that you refrain from physical exercise until stitches are removed in one to two weeks.

Mole Removal in Seattle – Before & After

Mole Removal - Before & After

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Does Cosmetic Mole Removal Leave a Scar?

Following cosmetic mole removal, it is possible that a residual scar will form over time. As an experienced board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Greene possesses the knowledge, skill, and precision needed to achieve effective and attractive results. He uses a highly-aesthetic approach to minimize the risk of scarring. You will be provided with detailed post-care instructions on how to prevent scarring and optimize your healing process.

Schedule Your Seattle Full Skin Exam Today

The first step toward learning more about your mole, and possibly having it removed the same day, begins with a full skin exam at Advanced Dermatology and Laser Institute of Seattle. Contact us today online or at 206-402-4797 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Greene. We proudly serve patients in the Seattle, Washington area.

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