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Mole Removal/DPN
Like it was never even there!
Cosmetic mole removal requires vast experience and superior surgical technique. Mole removal workup involves a thorough exam including the characteristics of the mole and whether or not the mole possesses attributes that may imply the potential for malignancy. Also, there are many different ways to remove moles. Dr. Mueller uses a specialized technique using radio-wave technology and occasionally CO2 laser to remove benign moles. This technique results in little to no scarring and is performed in most instances with no sutures.
Patients should continually monitor their moles and other growths/spots for color, size, and behavior changes. If you have any head, face, and/or neck moles that you are concerned about, please make an appointment with Dr. Mueller to have them evaluated. If you have benign moles that you wish to have removed, Dr. Mueller can remove them easily and with little to no scarring. Although a mole may appear benign, Dr. Mueller biopsies them to ensure that there is no malignancy.
Mole/DPN Information
Types of “bumps” include benign moles, skin tags, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Many basal cells look like benign moles but can spread under the skin. This is why biopsy is important. If a basal cell is diagnosed, Dr. Mueller is very skilled in the cosmetic removal of these potentially destructive lesions. If Dr. Mueller is suspicious of a mole, he may elect to biopsy part of the mole prior to full removal. This is important, because if it does turn out to be a basal cell carcinoma, a portion of the lesion is left behind to mark its location for definitive planning for removal with proper margins.
If there is a procedure that requires an incision and sutures, the scar may be treated at a later time with the CO2 laser if needed.
The procedure is usually performed with topical gel and local anesthesia. After the mole is removed, the skin is dressed with antibiotic ointment. This ointment is re-applied for three days and the skin will regenerate within 5 – 7 days. The skin will remain pink for about two weeks but can be covered with makeup after about 6 days. Once the skin has completely healed and the pink resolves, it is usually difficult to tell where the mole was originally.
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra
Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra (DPN) is a benign skin condition that manifests as black or brown papules on the skin that are flat and raised from the surface. These mole-like bumps are usually between 1-5mm in size. They are typically seen on the cheeks, forehead, neck, and torso. For some patients, DPN occurs as moles under the eyes.
DPN has three levels of severity:
- Mild- less than 10 papules
- Moderate-more than 10 papules
- Severe-more than 50 papules
Epidemiology
This skin condition occurs in about 35% of the black population and an unknown percentage of Asians. Women are usually affected more than men. Symptoms are apparent starting in adolescence. With age, the papules increase in number and size.
Dermatologists are not clear as to the exact causes of Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra. One possibility is that the pilosebaceous follicle does not develop properly. Also, it is likely to be linked to a genetic predisposition. Research shows that 40-50% of patients have a family history of this condition.
There are several different treatments for DPN. Either a 1064nm or a 940nm laser have been used as well as Radiowave ablation. Dr. Mueller prefers radiowave surgery for its ease of use and exceptional results. The procedure can be performed either with topical or traditional local anesthesia, depending on the number of papules. IV anesthesia is also available when large numbers of papules are treated.
In many instances, DPNs heal completely without scar formation, but in some cases, there is still a very faint color difference with the normal skin. Even with this faint color difference, all patients have been very pleased with the results.
Learn More About Mole Removal/DPN
Dr. Mueller's Expert Treatment Options
Whether for cosmetic reasons or medical necessity, addressing moles and DPN can enhance your confidence and comfort. Dr. Mueller provides expert care using advanced techniques tailored to your specific needs. If you’re considering mole removal or DPN treatment, Dr. Mueller and our team are dedicated to delivering personalized care in a comfortable outpatient setting. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can assist you in achieving your desired look and skin health goals.
Schedule a Consultation
The consultation is perhaps the most important time spent between the doctor, staff, and patient. It is paramount that patients feel relaxed and be prepared to talk and listen. Some patients are nervous when it comes to talking to someone about their cosmetic concerns.
Please feel free to bring a spouse or friend along. It is always good to discuss the treatment at some point with a caregiver or support person.
We will address your concerns, and at the same time, Dr. Mueller will fully evaluate your facial features. He will then discuss the comprehensive changes of aging and the available options to improve and enhance your look. We will discuss your health history and how it relates to safe surgery and anesthesia. Please be prepared to discuss your medical history and have a list of all the medications that you are taking. This includes all supplements and over-the-counter medications. It is also important to know if you smoke and how much.
Dr. Mueller always reminds patients that facial cosmetic surgery is a want or desire to look better. There are always multiple options for rejuvenation and he will discuss various treatment options. We encourage you to take notes since we will be discussing many things. We will provide you with a list of procedures we discussed as well as their costs. We want all of our patients to feel satisfied with their cosmetic surgery results.
