Moles are extremely common and usually harmless, but knowing the facts can help you identify any changes that may warrant medical attention. In this article, our plastic surgeons explain what moles are, what causes them, and which characteristics to monitor over time. We also cover when a mole should be checked or removed, and what mole removal at Blooming involves. Being informed about your skin is a simple but important part of maintaining your health. If you have any doubts about a mole, do not hesitate to contact us for advice.
Moles — we all have them. Moles are spots on the skin caused by an accumulation of benign pigment-forming cells. They can vary in colour and shape, ranging from brown to black and in some cases even skin-coloured. Sometimes they feel bumpy, and sometimes smooth. In this article, we discuss a number of facts about moles.
Babies and Moles
Moles are also commonly referred to as birthmarks. However, most babies do not yet have visible moles. Moles only become visible on the skin between the fifth and 25th year of life, and develop over time. Children under the age of ten often have only two or three moles, whilst young adults have between 20 and 30.
Moles Are Hereditary
There are several factors that contribute to the number of moles you have. The most important factor is heredity. If your family members have many moles, there is a good chance you will too. People with fair skin and freckles also tend to have more moles.
Twins and moles
Approximately 25% of twins are born as mirror-image identical twins. In these cases, one is often left-handed and the other right-handed, and irregular teeth and the crown of the hair are often mirrored. Moles also frequently appear on exactly the opposite side.
Moles in Asia
In Asia, hairs growing from moles are considered a sign of good luck. In addition, Chinese Taoists believe that moles on the front of the body bring good fortune. Moles on the back of the body are said to represent the burdens one must carry. A mole on the right foot indicates a love of travel, whilst a mole on the chin signifies success.
Malignant Moles
A malignant mole, also known as a melanoma, is the most dangerous of all types of skin cancer. You can recognise it by the so-called ABCD rule:
- Asymmetrical shape
- Irregular Border
- A different Colour than the standard brown
- A Diameter greater than 6mm
Mole Removal
A malignant mole can be removed at the plastic surgery outpatient clinic at the hospital, after which the tissue is sent to the laboratory for analysis. For a benign mole, removal is not necessary, but it is possible. You may wish to have a mole removed for cosmetic reasons — for example, because it is very large or situated in an unsightly location. It may also be the case that the mole is in an inconvenient position, such as between two fingers.
You can have your benign mole removed at Blooming. The mole will be locally anaesthetised and then removed by the plastic surgeon. The skin lines are always carefully examined first. A scar heals most neatly when made parallel to the skin lines, as it then blends more naturally into them and becomes less noticeable. For more information about mole removal, please call 023-5444974, fill in the contact form or make an appointment directly.