Dermatologists are highly trained to identify moles that require treatment. Most moles do not require treatment, but a mole may be removed if:

• it bothers the patient (rubs against clothing or itches)
• a patient finds it unattractive
• the mole could be skin cancer

The mole can usually be removed during the office visit. Some moles may require a second visit. The mole may be removed using a shave technique, in which a surgical blade is used to remove the surface of the mole, or by surgical excision, in which the entire mole is removed and stitches may be used to close the skin.

After a mole is removed, the skin will heal. If the mole comes back, immediately call the office to make another appointment. This can be a sign of skin cancer.