Most moles are completely harmless — but a mole that changes, itches, bleeds, catches on clothing, or simply bothers you doesn't have to stay. At Fayetteville Dermatology, Dr. James Prezzano — a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon — removes moles in a single office visit, with every removed mole examined by pathology. Patients across Central New York come to us for removals that are safe, quick, and cosmetically thoughtful.
What Is a Mole?
A mole (nevus) is a cluster of pigment cells in the skin. Most adults have between 10 and 40 of them, and the vast majority never cause a problem. Moles can be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and range from pink to dark brown. New moles commonly appear through your 30s; a brand-new dark spot later in adulthood deserves a look before anything else.
Medical vs. Cosmetic Mole Removal
Medical removal is recommended when a mole shows features that could indicate skin cancer — change in size, shape, or color, irregular borders, itching, or bleeding. In these cases the mole is removed and sent for pathology, and the visit is typically covered by insurance.
Cosmetic removal is for moles that are benign but bothersome — a raised mole that catches on a razor, collar, or bra strap, or one in a spot you'd simply rather not have it. Insurance generally doesn't cover cosmetic removal, but it's a quick, affordable office procedure and we'll quote you the cost up front — no surprises.
When a Mole Should Be Checked First
Before removing any mole, Dr. Prezzano examines it — often with dermoscopy, a polarized lens that shows pigment structure beneath the surface. Get a mole checked promptly if you notice:
- Asymmetry — one half doesn't match the other
- Border irregularity — ragged or blurred edges
- Color variation — multiple shades within one mole
- Diameter — larger than a pencil eraser (6mm)
- Evolving — any change in size, shape, color, or symptoms
This matters because a suspicious mole should be removed the right way — with technique and margins chosen to give pathology the clearest possible answer. It's one of the reasons we recommend never using at-home mole removal kits or having moles lasered off without a biopsy: both can destroy the tissue needed to detect a melanoma.
How We Remove Moles
Mole removal is done under local anesthetic in our Fayetteville office. The appointment usually takes 20-30 minutes, and the removal itself just a few minutes. Depending on the mole, Dr. Prezzano will use one of two techniques:
- Shave removal — the mole is shaved level with the surrounding skin. No sutures needed; the small wound heals over 1-2 weeks. Best for raised, benign-appearing moles.
- Surgical excision — the full depth of the mole is removed and the site closed with sutures. Used for flat moles, deeper moles, and anything suspicious. Sutures come out in 1-2 weeks depending on the location.
Every mole we remove is sent for pathology examination — even the clearly benign-looking ones. Results are usually back within 1-2 weeks, and we contact you either way.
Will It Leave a Scar? An Honest Answer
Any time skin is cut, some mark remains — anyone who promises "scar-free" removal is overselling. What we can honestly say: scars from mole removal are usually small, flat, and fade considerably over the first 6 months. Dr. Prezzano's fellowship training in Mohs surgery includes advanced reconstruction and cosmetic closure techniques, and he plans every removal — orientation, depth, closure — with the final appearance in mind. If a scar heals more noticeably than expected, there are quick in office procedures to improve the appearance.
Aftercare and Healing
- Days 1-2: Keep the site covered and dry. Minor tenderness is normal.
- Until healed: Gentle daily cleansing, petrolatum, and a fresh bandage. This simple routine beats antibiotic ointments for most people.
- 1-2 weeks: Shave sites heal over; excision sutures are removed (or dissolve, depending on type used).
- Ongoing: Protect the healing site from sun for 2-3 months — a new scar tans darker and stays that way.
If you notice spreading redness, increasing pain, or drainage, call us at (315) 637-9116.
Why Have Your Mole Removed at Fayetteville Dermatology
Three reasons patients choose us: every removal includes an expert evaluation first, so nothing suspicious gets removed the wrong way; every specimen goes to pathology, so you get an answer, not just a removal; and the procedure is performed by a fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon whose daily work is precise removals and cosmetic closures on the face. Appointments are typically available within a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Two reasons: home kits can't tell you whether the mole was cancerous — removing a melanoma without pathology can delay a diagnosis that matters — and they routinely cause burns, infection, and worse scarring than an in-office removal. Removal by a dermatologist is quick, and the tissue always gets examined.
Often, yes. If the mole is straightforward, Dr. Prezzano can usually remove it during the same visit. Larger or more complex removals may be scheduled as a follow-up so enough time is set aside.
Occasionally, yes — particularly after shave removal, where pigment cells deeper in the skin can regrow. A regrown mole is usually harmless, but it should always be rechecked, especially if the original had any atypical features. Full excision makes regrowth much less likely.
If the mole is being removed for a medical reason — suspicious changes, irritation, bleeding — it's covered by most insurance plans. Purely cosmetic removals are not, but they're a quick office procedure and we'll give you the exact cost before anything is done.
Some mark is unavoidable whenever skin is cut, but scars from mole removal are typically small and fade significantly over the first 6 months. Dr. Prezzano plans each removal with the cosmetic result in mind, and if a scar remains noticeable, there are quick in-office procedures to improve its appearance.
No — the area is numbed with local anesthetic first, so you'll feel a brief pinch from the injection and then pressure but no pain. Afterward, most patients need nothing stronger than Tylenol, if anything.
Schedule Your Mohs Consultation
If you've been diagnosed with a skin cancer — or your primary care provider or another dermatologist has recommended Mohs surgery — we typically have appointments available within the same week.
We accept most major insurance plans including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, United Healthcare, and Medicare.
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