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Moles (nevi) are pigmented formations that form on the human body as it grows and interacts with the environment. Some of them can jeopardize the health or aesthetic appearance of a person. Such moles can be removed with a laser – evaporated or cut out with a beam. How exactly is this possible, how safe is laser removal of nevi and how to properly care for the skin after the procedure?
General characteristics of formations
Moles are pigmented neoplasms of brown color. They are formed as the human body grows and develops. Additional factors for the appearance of nevi are hormonal background, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, genetics. At the heart of each mole is melanin – a complex pigment that is responsible not only for color, but also for protecting the skin from sunlight.
Most moles on the human body are not dangerous. The main thing is not to injure them, use sunscreen and regularly conduct self-examinations. But some pigmented formations can degenerate into melanoma. It is a malignant tumor that develops from melanocyte cells.
Melanoma is characterized by a rapid growth rate (cells divide intensively and start metastases throughout the body). The result is damage to organs and systems, which leads to irreversible consequences and death.
Can melanoma be avoided? Yes, it is enough to conduct a self-examination and visit a dermatologist if one of the moles is suspicious. The only caveat is that it will not be possible to remove melanoma with a laser. For this, only surgical excision is used. If you notice that one of the moles has changed in color, size, or texture, contact a dermatologist immediately.
Types of nevus
Benign skin formation can be congenital or acquired. Nevi are also distinguished by shade, size, shape and surface texture. Congenital moles are conditionally divided into 4 categories based on size: small, medium, large and giant. Giant moles are extremely rare and occupy the entire anatomical area (for example, the chest or face).
Giant moles carry a hidden threat. The risk of degeneration of a nevus into melanoma reaches 50%. Patients with giant nevi should be regularly examined by a dermatologist to control the process and prevent degeneration in time.
Acquired education is formed in early childhood. At this time, there is an intensive movement of melanocyte cells from the depths to the surface of the skin.
The number and location of moles is determined by genetic factors, UV exposure, and general health.
There are only three varieties of acquired nevi.
The first one is epidermal. This is the accumulation of a large number of melanocytes in the epidermis (top layer of the skin), which triggers the development of a flat miniature mole.
The second type is intradermal. Indicates the accumulation of pigment cells in the dermis (deep layers of the skin), which form bulging volumetric nevi. The third variety is borderline. This is an accumulation of melanocyte cells at the border of the dermis and epidermis.
In what cases is it necessary to remove a mole?
The operation is necessary for frequent damage to the mole. If the formation is located on the scalp, chin, neck, groin, back or skin folds, then it constantly comes into contact with clothing / accessories, which leads to injury. Moles on the “legs” should also be removed to avoid twisting or tearing off the legs.
Another common reason for removal is aesthetic. Volumetric nevi on the body or face make adjustments to the appearance of a person. Someone considers this their highlight, someone is trying to hide the pigment spot by any means. Laser excision or vaporization is perfect for this.
For aesthetic purposes, a mole can not only be removed, but also created. This is possible with the help of a tattoo.
The only caveat is that it will not be possible to remove the tattoo without a trace, so the mole will remain with the person for life.
Contraindications to the procedure
The list of contraindications for laser removal includes:
- malignant degeneration of a nevus;
- inflammatory foci on the skin;
- exacerbation of the disease, general deterioration in the health of the patient;
- pregnancy (the appropriateness of the intervention is determined by the doctor);
- menstruation in women;
- predisposition to the formation of keloids.
Do not self-medicate and be sure to consult a dermatologist before any manipulations. He will examine the mole, determine its nature and select the best method of removal.
What you need to know about laser surgery?
Laser surgery is one of the ways to perform surgical procedures. It consists in removing/cauterizing small areas on the human body. The advantage of the method lies in the minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissues and the rapid restoration of the epidermis. For different types of operations, a specific type and power of equipment is used.
Laser surgery is used to correct vision, remove tumors, eliminate clogged arteries, and excise pigmented lesions.
How is the removal going?
With laser intervention, the nevus is literally evaporated from the skin. A beam directed at a pigment formation evaporates the cells in layers, partially touching the healthy tissue. Additionally, the laser acts on the vessels, neutralizing bleeding.
The skin reacts normally to the intervention, the cells begin to actively divide, filling the affected area with a layer of healthy epidermis.
Before the intervention, the patient is given local anesthesia. If a person is confident in his abilities, and the size of education is minimal, then you can do without anesthesia. The operation itself lasts an average of 5-10 minutes, depending on the size and specifics of the formation.
Recovery period
After laser exposure, a dark crust forms at the site of the mole. This is a normal skin reaction to intervention. The crust forms a kind of protective layer that blocks damage / infection of the epidermis and helps to return to normal sooner. The main thing is not to tear off the crust, because an unaesthetic scar may form in its place.
The first 5-7 days, the area cannot be wetted, but this does not negate the general hygiene of the body. Try to protect the skin from mechanical damage, cosmetics and ultraviolet rays. All these factors can slow down the recovery process and damage the structure of the skin. Treat the wound daily and lubricate with medicines prescribed by a dermatologist. After applying the medication, you should use a sunscreen or spray that will prevent UV radiation from affecting the health of the skin.
Applying bandages, cauterizing the surface with alcohol is also prohibited. If the condition of the wound bothers you (soreness, redness, rash) – be sure to tell the dermatologist about it.
Possible complications and side effects
In most cases, side effects and complications were not recorded. Redness and a crust remain at the site of the removed formation, which disappear on their own 2-5 days after excision.
Patients rarely experience pain, but itching and mild discomfort are normal responses to intervention.
Skin sensitivity can cause irritation, swelling, peeling, inflammation, or scarring. All these symptoms can be neutralized with medications that a dermatologist prescribes in advance. Do not self-medicate. Use only those drugs prescribed by the doctor so as not to aggravate the situation.