Everyone has moles of various sizes on different parts of the body. Which moles need to be removed? Every day, patients consult or worry about the moles on their body, about which moles need to be removed and how to remove them, the answer is here. Which moles need to be completely removed We do not need to “talk about moles”, in fact, most pigmented moles are safe. In principle, pigmented moles generally do not require treatment as long as they do not affect your life. For congenital moles with the possibility of melanoma, surgical excision is preferable; moles occurring in the palmoplantar, lumbar, axillary, groin and other friction-prone areas should also be considered for surgical excision. Nevus cell nevus should be surgically removed if the following signs of malignant changes occur: 1) sudden increase in size; 2) darkening; 3) surface erosion, ulceration, bleeding or swelling; 4) self-induced pain or itching; 5) small satellite lesions around the nevus. For facial moles, Asian facial pigmented moles are generally not malignant and can be considered for removal if they affect the aesthetics. However, it should be noted that when new prominent facial nevi appear in elderly people, especially when the surface breaks down, they should be promptly seen in hospital to differentiate them from basal cell carcinoma. When the edge of the mole becomes irregular and its color deepens, it should be removed as soon as possible. What are the methods to remove moles? At present, there are three main methods of mole removal, namely, freezing, laser and surgery, and it is recommended to choose specific treatment methods under the guidance of doctors. 1.Cryotherapy: It is mainly for small and superficial pigmented moles. After cryotherapy, the local tissues can be seen to be white and swollen, and blisters can occur within 1-2 days, then dry and scab, and the scabs will be removed in 1-2 weeks. The treatment does not require anesthesia, and the face can be washed and moisturized normally after the freezing. Its characteristic is that the treatment effect is relatively superficial, often need several times (1-8 times ranging) repeated treatment, the chance of scarring is small. 2.Laser therapy: Currently recognized as the most effective method to remove moles, high power laser is used to destroy the tissue. If one is sensitive to pain, surface anesthesia is recommended, otherwise there will be local burning sensation, redness, pain and other sensations. After laser treatment, there will be different degrees of local tissue fluid exudation, and generally scab will be formed after a few hours, and the scab will be removed in about 1 to 2 weeks depending on different body types. After the treatment, pay attention to sun protection and do not get wet for 3 days. Laser therapy requires a small number of repeated treatments (1-3 times) and has a medium chance of scarring. 3.Surgical treatment: Nowadays, with the promotion of cryotherapy and laser therapy, only few people need surgery to remove moles. Patients suspected of malignant changes must be operated and need to be combined with pathological examination. Surgical treatment requires surface anesthesia and is characterized by root eradication and only one treatment. After surgery, the wound may need to be changed and stitches removed, and there is a high chance of scarring. Is there any harm in mole removal? In general, mole removal does not cause any harm, but a very small number of patients may have scars, recurrence or infection. Scarring: Pigmentation may remain after freezing and laser treatment, which usually returns to normal skin color in 3-6 months, and a few patients will have superficial scars of different degrees, and timely topical application of fibroblast growth factor after treatment can prevent scarring. 2.Recurrence: Very few people may have recurrence in the same area after removing moles for a long time. 3.Infection: Mostly seen in surgical patients who do not pay attention to hygiene/do not change medication on time after surgery causing incision infection. What precautions should be taken to remove moles? The most important thing to note about mole removal: Be sure to be treated in a regular hospital! Don’t go to roadside clinics! Don’t go to beauty salons! Many irregular places have problems with disinfection and operation, and most of the popular mole removal prescriptions and mole removal potions are corrosive and have no safety guarantee. In addition, pay attention to a light diet after treatment. For laser mole removal patients, pay attention to sun protection, avoid sweating, do not put on makeup, do not get wet for 3 days, and wash your face after 3 days. Surgical patients should change medication on time to avoid infection. People with scars should inform the doctor before surgery and choose the treatment carefully.