Removing A Mole by Shave Excision

The removal of moles, lesions, and tumors on your skin can be easily accomplished in Johns Creek, Georgia with a simple procedure called shave excision or surgical shave.

How Shave Excision Works

A shave excision is less invasive and expensive than other forms of mole removal treatments. It’s also a simpler procedure that begins by applying a local anesthetic under the mole to ensure that you stay comfortable throughout the procedure. Filling the area with anesthetic raises the mole and makes it easier to access. After you’re numb, the mole is carefully shaved off with a scalpel or sharp razor. Remember, you shouldn’t feel any discomfort, but you will feel tugging and pressure.

To help ensure that a shave excision leaves only a minimal scar, we can use an electrode to perform a technique known as “feathering” during which we blend the edges of the wound. Feathering also removes any cells that were left behind after shaving, so that the mole doesn’t grow back.

After the removal and feathering are complete, we apply aluminum chloride hexahydrate, or another similar product to the area to stop any bleeding.

As a final step, we’ll clean the surgical site, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover the area with a bandage to help prevent infection as it heals.

Getting the Growth Tested

If we decided to perform a shave excision on one of your moles, it could be because the doctor felt confident that it wasn’t a cancerous growth. To confirm the diagnosis, all moles that are removed will be sent to a lab for analysis. If cancers such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma are present, they can be determined using the biopsy sample. Typically, the doctor will call you several days after your procedure to let you know the lab results. If you’re clear, then no further treatment is needed. However, if the results do say that the growth is cancerous or malignant, then we’ll advise you on what to do next.

Finding a Doctor for Mole Shave Excision

If you have a mole or other skin growth that you would like to have removed, then you want to see a doctor who has experience in shave excision. Dr. Myla Bennett of Preserve your Pretty Skin and Body Plastic Surgery in Johns Creek, GA has performed a countless number of these procedures for our clients. For expert care, give us a call today.