If you have a mole that displays external changes it has to be examined by a doctor with experience in treating moles, related skin conditions and skin cancer. Not all atypical moles turn out to be cancerous, but are more likely to develop into cancer. Moles may also be removed to improve appearance.

A local anesthesia is used for this procedure. A pathological evaluation of the mole is first done to rule out cancer. If the results are normal the surgeon can remove it either by shaving or cutting it. The shaving method removes the protruding surface of the mole so that it is flush with the surrounding skin. This technique is common for patients who have moles that become irritated by clothing or movement. This method can leave some of the mole cells beneath the skin which could grow back over the next several years.

The cutting method of mole removal is more commonly used for potentially cancerous moles. This procedure removes the mole as well as the surrounding and underlying tissue in the shape of an ellipse and is often called elliptical excision. A suitable surgical blade or a laser may be used for this procedure. The laser technique reduces bleeding and allows for quicker healing time with no sutures. The area of disection is covered with a suitable bandage. After a mole is removed, a scab will develop and then heal within a couple of weeks.