Mole and Milia Removal San Diego
At Eros Beauty and Wellness, we provide the safest cosmetic removal of several benign skin lesions, including moles, milia, skin tags, and keloid scars. Moles and milia are two of the most common types of skin growths, but they are also among the most prevalent skin concerns for adults. Thankfully, it’s possible to have them safely removed by a trained, board-certified physician. However, if you notice a skin lesion, it’s important to always check first with your primary care physician. A helpful tool to know if your skin lesion is something to worry about is follow the acronym ABCDE.
Asymmetrical—If the mole isn’t an even circle, it would be wise to have it inspected by your doctor.
Borders—Does your mole or skin lesion have irregular borders?
Color—Is your skin dark, or is it uneven in color?
Diameter—Is it bigger than 6mm in size?
Evolving—Did the lesion suddenly appear, and is it changing quickly?
Please keep reading to learn more, or make your appointment for a complimentary consultation at Eros Beauty and Wellness by calling us at (619) 481-4651.
What Are Moles?
Moles occur when melanocytes, which give skin its natural color, cluster together instead of spreading throughout the skin. Most moles form during childhood and adolescence, though you can continue to get new moles throughout your life. Some people are even born with congenital moles.
Moles can become larger or darker due to hormonal changes, or they can fade away over time. The majority of moles are no cause for concern. However, suppose you have a mole with an asymmetrical shape, uneven color, irregular border, or one that starts itching or bleeding. In that case, you should see a doctor to determine if your mole is pre-cancerous or cancerous.
Dr. Eros can remove a mole if you don’t like how it looks or feels or if it otherwise affects your quality of life.
Mole removal at Eros Beauty and Wellness can cost anywhere from $118 to $350.
What Are Milia?
If you have noticed tiny white bumps on your cheeks, chin, nose, or around your eyes, you might initially have assumed they were pimples. However, unlike acne, milia can arise for virtually no reason. It’s impossible to pop or extract milia in the way you can with typical whiteheads. The white stuff isn’t pus; it’s a buildup of excess keratin in your skin’s outermost layer.
Though milia are painless and harmless, they can make you feel self-conscious and affect your skin’s texture and appearance. So, if you have milia, don’t squeeze, scratch, or pick at them. Instead, we advise that you make an appointment with Dr. Eros for safe removal.
Milia removal costs $150.
What Is Keloid Removal?
Keloids are small or disfigured scars that form when the body tries to heal an area after a bug bite, cut, piercing, or skin lesion removal. When the skin is injured, fibrous tissue covers the wound to repair and protect the injured skin. However, in some cases, extra scar tissue forms. These are called keloids. Although they aren’t harmful to your health, they can present cosmetic concerns or cause discomfort in areas where clothing rubs against them.
Treatments for keloids include:
- Steroid injections into the scar
- Steroid treatments followed by laser therapy
Following your treatment, Dr. Eros may discuss treating these areas with Hydroquinone cream when appropriate.
Keloid removal can cost between $118 to $250.
Skin Tag Removal
Skin tags are benign growths with a stalk or stem at the base. They are usually raised from the skin’s surface and can be flesh-toned or slightly brownish. They commonly appear on the armpits, the neck, the groin, or any place where the skin rubs together. They often go unnoticed unless they are located where they can catch on things like clothing, jewelry, or while shaving. They can be found on anyone, but they are commonly found on those with a genetic predisposition, overweight, or pregnant.
Treatments for skin tags include:
- Liquid nitrogen: Dr. Eros will use a treatment called cryotherapy, which freezes the skin tag, allowing it to fall off over time. Those with darker skin tones may experience hyperpigmentation in the treated area.
- Electrocautery: Dr. Eros will use the hyfrecator to heat the skin tag after numbing the area. This will kill the root, and the tag will fall off over time.
- Surgical Shaving: After numbing the area, Dr. Eros will use a surgical blade to gently shave off the tag.
Skin tag removal costs $118 to $224.
What Does Mole and Milia Removal Entail?
People tend to develop many different types of benign growths in their lifetime. The method for removing these growths depends on the type of mole and where on the body it is located. Some common methods that Dr. Eros uses for removal are:
- Surgical excision: After numbing the area with a topical anesthetic, Dr. Eros will use a sharp blade to remove the lesion entirely and suture the wound closed while the skin heals. You will need to return to have the sutures removed.
- Surgical shaving:For smaller moles, after numbing the area, Dr. Eros will use a small blade to shave off the mole and some tissue underneath it. You won’t typically need stitches.
- Electrodesiccation: After cleansing and numbing the area, Dr. Eros will use a hyfrecator machine, which uses electrical currents to remove specific skin lesions such as skin tags and keloid scars. A high-frequency electric current is delivered through a needle-shaped electrode to heat the targeted area of the skin. The high voltage will dry out the cells, and the lesion will fall away over time.
- Laser Therapy: Some moles can be removed using our 755nm Alexandrite laser. This laser effectively eradicates unwanted skin lesions without damaging any healthy surrounding skin.
Most milia will clear up on their own after a few months. However, if these small cysts are causing you discomfort, you can have Dr. Eros take care of them for you. Many people choose to have milia frozen off with liquid nitrogen. But, if you are dealing with milia on top of other skin concerns such as discoloration, wrinkles, or a roughened skin texture, you may wish to get a mild salicylic acid peel to address milia and those additional issues at the same time.
Most mole removals heal after one to two weeks. Dr. Eros will provide care instructions to help prevent scarring; however, there may be a small scar left that will continue to fade.
Proven Benefits of Mole and Milia Removal
Removing moles and milia is a safe procedure when performed by a qualified physician in a clinical setting. These techniques can:
- Remove a source of frustration and self-consciousness
- Make it easier to apply makeup and topical skin care products
- Improve overall skin tone and texture
Who Is a Good Candidate for Mole and Milia Removal?
If you’re healthy and not prone to excessive scarring or infections, you are likely well-suited to have unwanted moles and milia removed. Dr. Eros will examine your skin during your private consultation and help you decide if the procedure is right for you.
What to Expect After Your Mole and Milia Removal
Dr. Eros will send you home with detailed instructions on how to care for your skin after having moles and milia removed, including what to do if you choose to have your mole surgically excised. In general, here is some aftercare advice to follow.
- Keep the treated area clean and moisturized. If you have a bandage or other dressing protecting the spot where a mole was removed, be sure to change it as instructed.
- Wear sunscreen when going outside. You should already be following this instruction as part of your skincare routine, but it becomes even more crucial to protect your skin from future sun damage after you have had a treatment such as a mole and milia removal.
- Be aware of all your remaining moles and whether they change size, shape, or color, especially if you have a family history of skin cancer. It’s a smart idea to have annual skin checks to help minimize your risk of melanoma.
Frequently Asked Questions About San Diego Mole and Milia Removal
How Much Will It Cost to Have My Moles and Milia Removed?
The answer to this question depends on the state of the lesion being removed and the removal technique determined by you and Dr. Eros. You can expect an accurate estimate at your consultation, but prices range from $118 to $350.
Can I Use Health Insurance to Offset the Cost of My Mole and Milia Removal?
If you have moles and milia removed purely for cosmetic reasons, your health insurance will probably not cover it. When in doubt, check with your provider.
Will I Have to Take Time to Recover?
It’s unlikely that you will experience any downtime after undergoing the removal of a skin lesion. Even surgical mole excision will leave you with a small wound that shouldn’t affect your ability to work or continue with other daily functions.
Can I Remove Moles and Milia on My Own?
You may have seen various at-home remedies for getting rid of unwanted blemishes. It’s essential to note that you should never try to remove moles and milia on your own as you could run the risk of infection, scars, or other long-lasting damage to your skin.
Learn More About Mole and Milia Removal in San Diego
Make moles and milia a thing of the past. We invite our neighbors in the San Diego metropolitan area to reach out to Eros Beauty and Wellness via our online contact form. You can also call our friendly team at (619) 481-4651 to schedule your no-cost consultation with Dr. Eros today!
Dr. Christine Eros, a Board-Certified Family Physician with a background from UCSD, has offered aesthetic services since 2007. At Eros Beauty and Wellness in Point Loma Plaza, she provides treatments like Botox®, Restylane®, Radiesse®, Fillers, Laser Hair Removal, Liquid Facelift, Kybella®, Skin Rejuvenation, EmsculptNEO, and more. With personalized care, Dr. Eros helps clients enhance their natural beauty and overall well-being.
