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A mole is a cluster of pigmented skin cells that can appear anywhere on your body. It is a common type of skin growth that usually shows up during childhood or adolescence. Most moles are benign (noncancerous).
If you do not like the way a mole looks or feels, or if they get in your way (such as when you dress or shave), you can have it removed through a procedure called mole removal. Mole removal can also be performed if a mole on your body is found to be cancerous. In this case, mole removal is done to get rid of the dangerous cells.
Mole removal can usually be done by a dermatologist in a single office visit. There are several techniques used to remove a mole:
Shave excision
During shave excision, your doctor will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area around the mole. Then, a thin tool similar to a razor is used to gently slice away your mole and some tissue beneath it. Your doctor may also use a device with a small electrode at its end to perform a procedure called electrosurgical feathering. The feathering is done to help reduce the appearance of the excision as it can blend the edges of the wounds with the skin that surrounds it. In most cases, no stitches are needed for a shave excision. Once the surgery is completed, your doctor may examine the mole under a microscope to check for signs of skin cancer.
Surgical excision
Surgical excision is deeper than a shave excision. After numbing the area of the mole, your doctor will cut out the entire mole, the subcutaneous fat layer underneath it, and some healthy skin around it using a scalpel or a sharp, circular blade. The wound is then closed with stitches.
Laser mole removal
Your doctor starts this procedure by applying local anesthesia around the area of the mole you want to remove. Then, laser ray is directed to the cells that form the mole. These cells absorb the laser ray, causing the mole to fumes away from the surface of your skin, while the adjacent skin remains intact.
Mole removal is usually an outpatient procedure, so you can leave the hospital as soon as your mole removal is complete. You can normally leave Barbados within a day or two. However, if your mole removal procedure involves stitches, you may need to stay longer, usually around a week.
The recovery time for mole removal varies. It may take a few days to a few weeks for you to fully recover, depending on how large the mole was and how deep your doctor had to cut it. In general, a mole removal scar takes at least 2 to 3 weeks to heal. However, you should be able to return to your normal activities the next day after your procedure if the mole was small and your doctor does not need to make a deep cut. If you had stitches, it is recommended that you avoid doing any strenuous activities for a few days.
Your doctor will instruct you on how to care for yourself after the procedure. To reduce the size of a scar and decrease the chance of infection, you can do the following:
Avoid direct sunlight on the scar for at least six months. If you do go outside, ensure that your scar is covered with a strong sunscreen (at least SPF 30). Cover the scar with sun-protective clothing whenever possible.
Do not stretch the scar. A lot of movement on the area where the scar is located can stretch it and result in longer healing time and a bigger scar.
Always keep the incision site clean, moist, and covered.
Note that if your doctor’s instruction is different from any of the above, you should follow there instruction.
Mole removal is generally a straightforward, simple, and safe procedure with high success rates. The biggest risk after the procedure is scarring. The site can also get infected and bleeds. You can avoid both by carefully following your doctor's instructions to care for the wound until it is healed.
There are currently no other alternatives to mole removal than the procedures mentioned in this article. You may have heard or read a number of at home, “do-it-yourself” techniques to remove a mole. While these methods may sound pretty easy, they are not proven to work. Some may even be dangerous for your health. A safer way to conceal moles if you do not like their appearance is to cover them with makeup.
Before mole removal, you may have a mole that makes you feel self-conscious about, makes your activity uncomfortable, or cancerous. After the procedure, the mole should be gone completely. Depending on the reason you had the procedure, you may feel more confident, more comfortable, or the cancer is prevented from growing and spreading.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Barbados is an island country located in the Caribbean region of North America. This vibrant island nation boasts an abundance of astounding natural beauty, beautiful weather, smashing nightlife, beautiful architecture, and welcoming people. Beyond its white sand beaches and dazzling turquoise bays, Barbados is also an emerging medical tourism destination. It is known as a leading destination for IVF, rehabilitation, and a wide range of surgical and non-surgical treatments. Hospitals and clinics in the country are equipped with modern technology and high-quality services. The doctors and specialists are highly-trained and international patients can enjoy the country’s beauty and tranquility, while undergoing a medical procedure and holistic therapy at the spa. This allows patients to be at their optimum relaxation when they undergo medical treatment, making the recovery period easier and the success rate higher.
Bridgetown, Barbados’ UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital, is filled with old colonial architecture and vibrant culture. Visitors can go to the beautifully restored Barbados Synagogue, learn more about cricket in the Cricket Legends of Barbados, explore the history of the country in Barbados Museum, and admire the beauty of the neo-Gothic parliament. Those who want to experience the tranquil beaches and the calm Caribbean Sea should visit Holetown. Located 13.5 kilometers from Bridgetown, this beautiful city offers the perfect blend of history with modern-day living. It is lined with world-famous restaurants and museums. The main draw of the city is its beaches, and most tourists come to witness the remarkable sea turtles in their natural habitat, try out paddle boarding, or see the man-made coral reef. Aside from Holetown and Bridgetown, other popular cities are Bathsheba, Oistins. And Speightstown.
International visitors will arrive at Grantley Adams International Airport as the airport serves the US, Canada, Central America, and Europe. A great way to travel around the country is by bus, which is the most affordable mode of transportation. Visitors who need a more flexible option can opt for a taxi. Taxis in the country are not metered, but the fares are regulated by the government based on the distance traveled and the cost is reasonably priced.
Barbados allows citizens of most countries, including Australia, the US, all EU countries, and the UAE, to visit and stay without a visa for up to 180 days. Nationals of other countries, such as Libya and Egypt, need a visa before arrival. All visitors must have a valid passport for at least 6 months.
Located in the tropics, Barbados experience hot sunny days and tropical rain showers during the summer months (mid-April to November). The cooler season (December to mid-April) has dry and less humid weather, making it the best time to visit the country.