As skin conditions go, moles are relatively common. Some people are born with these dark-colored bumps; others develop them later on. Depending on the situation, your dermatologist may recommend mole removal, or a patient may request to have it done for a variety of reasons.
Mole removal is a fairly standard procedure, and it is generally done on an outpatient basis. Depending on several factors, such as whether the mole is being removed for cosmetic reasons only, doctors use different methods of removal. If you’re considering mole removal, winter just might be the perfect time. Here are three reasons why.
1. It’s Easier to Stay Out of the Sun
Any wound or scar will heal better if you keep it out of direct sunlight. And of course, avoiding sun exposure is generally much easier to do in the winter. If you have a mole removed during swimsuit season, you’ll have to skip a few pool parties, or at least keep covered up while you’re there. Talk to your dermatologist about caring for your mole removal scar, and follow aftercare instructions carefully regarding how to avoid sun exposure and other factors that could affect the way it heals.
2. You Can Hide the Evidence Under Warm Clothes
If you’d rather not disclose your mole removal to every co-worker and acquaintance you see, you can literally keep things under wraps during sweater season. Depending on the mole’s location and the technique your dermatologist uses to remove your mole, you may be left with a few stitches afterward. Other methods generally leave you with a small wound that you’ll probably be instructed to dress with a bandage. In either case, the minor wound will eventually heal. If you time it right, your removal site will have completely healed by the time you’re ready to show more skin.
3. Winter Is a Convenient Time to Treat Potentially Dangerous Moles
If a mole is potentially cancerous, your dermatologist will conduct tests. This can be done before or after removal. If you’re awaiting lab results and potentially face additional treatment, winter can be an ideal time. Often, people have more time off around the end of the year, and it might be easier to recruit emotional and physical support from friends and family.
If you have a mole that shows signs of being cancerous, such as displaying dramatic changes in shape or redness beyond the mole’s borders, don’t wait to have it looked at. Talk to a trusted dermatologist like those at Georgia Dermatology Partners about any moles that concern you. Together, you can develop a treatment plan that works for your schedule and your health.
