View Photo Gallery

Methods to Remove Moles and Bumps

A mole or unwanted bump is often a burden on your appearance. Fortunately, there are several surgical and non-surgical ways to address unsightly moles or uncomfortable bumps around the body. These treatments use advanced technologies and surgical techniques to address your concerns and help you achieve smoother skin.

Dr. Hannah Vu of SkinZone Medical is an aesthetic surgeon and anti-aging specialist with more than 25 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Vu focuses on using gentle, trusted techniques to achieve her results, ensuring her patients always look naturally refreshed and rested.

If you are ready to schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Vu, please contact us online or call your closest office:

About Removing Moles and Bumps

Moles and bumps are growths that can develop on the body for many reasons. Moles themselves are benign, pigmented growths that occur when pigment-producing cells grow in clusters rather than evenly across the body. Skin bumps can develop for several reasons, such as genetics or aging. While both moles and bumps are not typically life-threatening, their appearance can lead to physical discomfort, diminish your aesthetic appearance, or cause skin irritation. By undergoing mole and bump removal treatment, you can address your concerns and restore your sense of self-confidence and comfort.

Candidates

You may be an ideal candidate for this treatment if you have noticed moles or bumps that will not resolve on their own or respond to over-the-counter treatments. You should also be in good overall health and maintain realistic expectations regarding your results.

Dr. Vu will assess your candidacy during your consultation. Please note that you may qualify for certain treatments, but not for others.

Personal Consultation

Before undergoing your procedure, you will need to attend a personal consultation at either our Alhambra or Santa Ana office. During your visit, Dr. Vu will explain your treatment options, review your medical history, listen to your concerns, and perform a physical examination to assess each bump and mole of concern. Using this information, Dr. Vu will then determine the most appropriate course of action and create a personalized treatment plan.

Dr. Vu will take the time to explain each aspect of your procedure, including how to prepare for it, how she will perform it, and the best way to care for yourself afterwards. She will also take the time to set realistic expectations, answer each of your questions, and quell any concerns.

If you are ready to schedule this consultation, please contact us online or call the office most convenient for you:

We are proud to service the following cities in both Los Angeles and Orange County:

  • San Marino
  • Arcadia
  • Pasadena
  • Montebello
  • Pico Rivera
  • Glendale
  • Hollywood
  • Buena Park
  • Puente Hills
  • Baldwin Park
  • Norwalk
  • Fountain Valley
  • Huntington Beach
  • Anaheim
  • Costa Mesa
  • Newport Beach
  • Irvine
  • Tustin

Preparing for Mole and Bump Removal

Once you have scheduled your treatment, you may need to make certain preparations. To help, Dr. Vu will give you a set of instructions. These instructions will be fairly simple, but you are still expected to follow each one to optimize results. They may include:

  • Avoiding the use of any acidic or harsh skincare products near the treatment area
  • Refrain from using any medications or herbal supplements that contain blood-thinning or antiplatelet properties
  • Cease any nicotine or tobacco consumption in the weeks leading up to your procedure, and prepare to maintain your abstinence in the weeks following it

Methods of Removal

On the day of your procedure, you will meet with Dr. Vu one last time to address any remaining questions and concerns. She will then cleanse your skin, and you will receive anesthesia to ensure your comfort as she treats you. She will then proceed to either perform your procedure using laser technology, RF energy, or surgical intervention.

Laser Technology

Dr. Vu can use advanced laser technology to remove your bumps and moles. The focused laser energy can target both the outermost layer of skin and the deeper layers beneath it to ensure a smooth and even appearance. (1) Once she has effectively removed each of your concerns, she will apply a cream or ointment to calm and soothe your skin.

Radiofrequency Energy

Dr. Vu will use a pen-like device that features a fine, hairline strip of platinum wire to remove your growth. When she brings the device to the growth, a high-frequency alternating current will pass through the wire, carefully removing the bump or mole from your skin’s surface and minimizing bleeding with coagulation. She will proceed to use this pen on each lesion.

Surgical Intervention

Dr. Vu may either remove your growth using surgical excision or shave excision. (2) When performing a surgical excision procedure, she will use a small scalpel to carefully excise each mole or bump before closing the incision site using sutures. If your mole or bump is smaller in size or diameter, Dr. Vu may use a sharper blade to perform the shave excision technique. This entails shaving the bump or mole until it is level with the surrounding skin. She will then dress the area to protect it.

Recovery

Your recovery timeline will vary depending on several factors in your treatment plan, including the size of your growth, its location, the removal method used, and the rate at which your body naturally heals.

It is common to experience some initial swelling, redness, or tenderness around the targeted treatment areas. These effects are temporary and will subside shortly after, but you may also manage them by keeping your skin clean and moisturized and using over-the-counter medications. You may return to your regular activities shortly, though this timing may vary depending on the details of your treatment plan.

Dr. Vu will provide you with detailed instructions to help you care for the treated area as you heal. By following each step as she directs, you can ensure a quick return to your normal routine and the best possible results.

Results

Once you have fully recovered, you will be able to enjoy the full results of your mole and bump removal. While they will vary, you can expect your skin to look and feel smoother and more even. Depending on the size and location of your growths, you may also notice improvements in your personal comfort.

Cost of Removing Moles and Bumps in Santa Ana & Alhambra

The cost of removing your moles and/or bumps will vary depending on various factors of your treatment plan. These can include the number of moles and bumps you wish to address, the size and location of each blemish, the method of removal, and the extent of the treatment overall. Once she has established each of these details, Dr. Vu will discuss your financial obligations with you.

FAQ

Will my mole or bump return?

Depending on your circumstances, yes, it is possible for a mole or bump to return. If it does, we ask that you contact us so that Dr. Vu can assess and remove it.

What methods can Dr. Vu perform to remove moles and bumps?

Dr. Vu may elect to use laser technology, radiofrequency technology, shave excision, or surgical excision to address your growths.

How will I know which removal method is best for me?

During your personal consultation, Dr. Vu will ask you several questions about your medical history, discuss your concerns, and perform a physical examination to assess your growths. Using this information, she will determine the best course of action for your needs.

What type of anesthesia will Dr. Vu administer when removing my mole or bump?

The type of anesthesia you receive will vary depending on the removal method Dr. Vu performs, as well as the number of growths being addressed. Dr. Vu typically uses either local or topical anesthesia, but she will discuss your numbing options with you ahead of time.

Can Dr. Vu remove multiple moles or bumps within one appointment?

Yes, Dr. Vu can address several different growths within one treatment session.

Will there be significant scarring after my mole and bump removal?

If you undergo surgical excision, you may experience minor post-operative scarring. However, any scars will fade and flatten until they are barely perceptible.

What happens if I think my mole is abnormal?

If you believe your mole is abnormal, we ask that you schedule a consultation with Dr. Vue as soon as possible. She can perform a comprehensive examination on your mole or bump to determine whether it is cancerous or not.

How long does it take to recover after mole or bump removal?

Recovery depends on the removal method used and the size and location of the growth. Most patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately or within a day.

References

  1. Sardana K, Chakravarty P, Goel K. Optimal management of common acquired melanocytic nevi (moles): current perspectives. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology. Published online March 2014:89. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s57782
  2. Mole Removal: Surgery, Aftercare & Scars. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23312-mole-removal