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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 Guatemala 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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Guatemala is a country in Central America and its territory was once the core of the Maya Civilization. There are numerous historical sites to explore in this country, from Tikal National Park where visitors can learn more about the Maya to the colonial city of Antigua, which is one of the many footprints the Spanish left behind. However, there are other charms as well, such as the many amazing volcanoes, lakes, jungles, and inexpensive food markets. Besides its natural beauty and ancient ruins, Guatemala is also popular among international tourists for its medical tourism. Foreign patients who are looking for a more cost-effective solution for their medical requirements choose Guatemala because the country offers the finest quality healthcare at reasonable rates. On average, medical procedures in this country are 50 to 75% less expensive than in the US. Furthermore, the standard and quality of the hospitals and clinics in this country are on par with those in the USA.
The most popular city in Guatemala is Antigua, which was the capital of Guatemala. Located in the central highlands of the country, between three volcanoes, this city is mainly known for its preserved Spanish Baroque-influenced architecture. From its churches, houses, ruins, parks, to its cobbled streets, the city will never cease to captivate visitors. Visit the Plaza Mayor (central square) to admire its awesome palaces, cathedral, and gardens. While most travelers used to skip Guatemala City, the capital of the country, more and more travelers are coming to the city as it reinvents itself as a safe and interesting destination to visit. Another popular city is Panajachel, which is the gateway to the striking Lago de Atitlán.
The primary airport in Guatemala is La Aurora International Airport, which operates international flights to and from several cities in North and Central America, such as Los Angeles, New York, Mexico City, and San Salvador. Low-cost airlines, including JetBlue and Volaris, serve flights from this airport. The most common way to travel around the country is by pull man (first-class buses+, rental cars, and “chicken bus” (second-class buses). To travel inside cities and towns, taxis and three-wheeled Thai tuk-tuks are widely available.
Holders of passports of 86 countries, including all EU countries, the US, and the UK, are allowed to visit Guatemala for up to 90 days. Other nationals, including China and Nepal, need to apply for a visa to be able to visit the country.
Guatemala has two seasons. The rainy season stretches from May through October, with the majority of rain falling between September and October. The dry season extends from November to April, characterized by clear, blue skies. Note that coastal areas can be very humid.