Mole & Birthmark Removal in North Scottsdale, AZ

Though moles and birthmarks are common and usually benign, they can also be upsetting or embarrassing. Fortunately, Dr. Kyle Sanniec, a highly respected, board-certified plastic surgeon with over a decade of experience, offers innovative mole and birthmark removal treatments at his state-of-the-art offices in Scottsdale, Mesa, and Glendale, AZ.

Are you interested in achieving healthy, radiant skin? Contact us at (623) 937-8969 or complete our online form to schedule a private consultation.

What Are Moles?

Moles are common skin growths formed by melanocytes. They can be flat or raised, light or dark, small or large, and sometimes have hair. Typically, moles develop during childhood or adolescence but can appear throughout adulthood. Sun exposure can make them darker, larger, or more numerous.

Sudden changes in moles could indicate skin cancer, so you should always have a dermatology professional check them. If our experts recommend removing a mole for health or aesthetic reasons, they can use several techniques based on its type, size, and location:

Shave excision (suitable for superficial moles)
Excision with sutured closure (appropriate for deeper moles)
Cryosurgery
Laser treatment

How to Identify Moles

Most moles are harmless and don’t require treatment. They are diagnosed based on various factors:

Their appearance to the naked eye and under a microscope
The cell types they contain
Their growth patterns

The most prevalent types of moles are as follows:

Common moles (acquired nevi)

These can emerge spontaneously throughout your life and appear anywhere on your body. Typically, these moles are small, round, have a defined border, and exhibit uniform coloration.

Congenital moles

These moles are present at birth, often located on the face or trunk, and could become larger than common moles.

Dysplastic nevi (atypical moles)

These moles are generally larger than common moles and may have irregular borders or inconsistent coloration. Due to their atypical characteristics, they pose a greater risk factor for developing melanoma.

Blue nevus

These moles feature deep pigment deposition, resulting in a blue or bluish-gray appearance. They are typically benign.

The ABCDEs of Moles: Your Detection Checklist

Moles can develop into melanoma, one of the most preventable skin cancers. Give yourself monthly screenings using the ABCDE acronym to ensure your skin’s health.

Asymmetry

Ensure moles are symmetrical. You should be able to visually fold your mole in half and have it look even on both sides.

Border

Check for well-defined, regular edges.

Color

Monitor for consistent color throughout.

Diameter

Watch for moles larger than 6 mm.

Evolving

Note changes in size, shape, or color.

When Should You See a Doctor About a Mole?

Most skin growths are harmless and do not require intervention. Schedule an appointment with one of our expert dermatologists if your moles show any of the ABCDEs or are bloody, itchy, tender, or painful or if you become concerned. These signs may indicate early stages of skin cancer or other health issues.

During your evaluation, our experts will diagnose the mole to determine the appropriate treatment. If there is concern about potential skin cancer, we’ll perform a biopsy to examine the lesion in more detail and come up with a definitive treatment plan.

What Is a Birthmark?

Birthmarks are congenital skin anomalies present at birth. They fall into two categories – vascular and pigmented. Vascular birthmarks consist of improperly formed blood vessels, while pigmented birthmarks are clusters of pigment cells. Generally, birthmarks don’t indicate a serious medical condition.

Some birthmarks fade naturally over time, while others require laser therapy, medication, or surgical procedures. Though it is generally not medically necessary to treat birthmarks, you can choose to have yours removed if it is prominent and affects your self-confidence.

Anyone can consider birthmark removal. Our experts will help you choose the best treatment based on the type of birthmark.

Vascular birthmarks: Hemangioma of infancy, port-wine stain, nevus simplex
Melanocytic: Congenital melanocytic nevi, café au lait spots
Nonmelanocytic: Nevus sebaceous, epidermal nevi

Birthmark Treatments

Treatment options for birthmarks depend on their type, size, location, and associated health concerns. Common interventions include laser therapy, surgical procedures, and medications.

Laser therapy effectively lightens birthmarks by targeting and breaking down blood vessels or pigment cells.
Surgical intervention may be appropriate for smaller, raised birthmarks or those presenting health risks.
Medications, such as beta-blockers or corticosteroids, can reduce the size or lighten some types of birthmarks.