
Mole Removal
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Key Points About Mole Removal
- Our mole-removal procedures are done in-office under local anesthesia (with optional IV sedation), so patients go home the same day with minimal discomfort.
- Most lesions are removed via complete surgical excision following skin’s natural tension lines — a method designed to minimize visible scarring once healed.
- For certain raised or benign lesions, a less invasive “shave excision” is offered as a cosmetic-focused alternative that may leave little to no scar.
- Any suspicious or atypical lesion can be sent for pathological analysis to check for cancer or other skin-health concerns before deciding on further treatment.
- Mole removal is part of a broad menu of dermatological services — including skin-cancer care, cosmetic dermatology, and general dermatology — allowing patients to address both aesthetic and medical skin needs at one clinic.

Facial nevi, also referred to as moles or “birthmarks”, are benign lesions on our skin that are rarely a cause for concern. They are typically brown or black and can be present since birth or develop over time. Many patients are not bothered by their appearance and no intervention is required. Sometimes however, these lesions can be unsightly or in prominent locations that draw attention away from the rest of our face. They can even be irritating or uncomfortable which prompts the patient to seek mole removal solutions. In these cases, patients can elect to have the lesions removed.
With any lesion on our skin, it is of utmost importance to ensure that it is not cancerous or cause for concern. Dr. Hall, along with the experts at Golden State Dermatology, is well versed in the various skin conditions and their treatment. If there is any concern, the lesion will be sent for pathological analysis.
Common skin conditions that can be treated include pre-cancerous lesions, nevi or moles, seborrheic keratosis, epidermoid cysts, sebaceous cysts, mucoceles, lipomas, skin tags and syringomas.
The Procedure
Mole removal procedures can be performed in the office with only local anesthesia. Patient’s go home the same day with minimal discomfort. If a patient prefers, or if the lesion is in a sensitive location, IV sedation can be utilized as well.
The size, shape and pathology of the lesion often dictates how it is removed. Most commonly, complete surgical excision is performed. This entails carefully orienting an incision along relaxed skin tension lines, the natural lines and creases of our body, which creates a scar that is barely perceptible once healed. The lesion is then completely excised and the wound is meticulously closed. This procedure takes anywhere from fifteen minutes to one hour.
Another option for removal of raised lesions in particular is shave excision. This entails slicing the lesion off so that it is flush or even with the surrounding skin. This often does not completely remove the lesion but can provide an excellent cosmetic result with no obvious scar.
Real Results
FAQs
Can you just laser the lesion off?
A laser can be used for some skin lesion but it often entails multiple treatments with incremental improvement. Surgical excision can often be a more effective treatment option. Other times, laser treatment is warranted. At your consultation, Dr. Hall will be able to go over both options and determine which is better suited for you.
How do I know my lesion isn't cancerous?
If there is any concern by the physician or if the patient prefers, the lesion is sent for pathology. Once the pathology comes back, the patient is informed of the results and if any further treatment is necessary.
What if my lesion comes back as cancer on pathology?
If your lesion comes back as cancerous you may need an additional excision to ensure complete removal. A margin of tissue will be excised around the previous lesion and sent for further pathology. Typically, the wound is repaired at the same setting.
What is the recovery for this type of procedure?
Recovery depends on how the lesion is removed. If you undergo surgical excision you will have sutures in for one week. You may return to work if you would like as long as there is no heavy physical labor or significant sun exposure. Once the sutures are removed, you can resume all physical activity. If you have a shave excision, there are no sutures. You will just need to avoid sun exposure.
Provided at These Locations




Beverly Hills
Moy, Fincher, Chipps Facial Plastics & Dermatology
421 N. Rodeo Drive, 2nd Floor
Beverly Hills, California 90210




Encino
Moy, Fincher, Chipps Facial Plastics & Dermatology
5400 Balboa Blvd, Suite 220
Encino, CA 91436







Los Angeles
ShanthiMD Dermatology
2990 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90064







Mountain View
The Menkes Clinic
Melchor Pavilion 2490 Hospital Drive, Suite 201
Mountain View, CA 94040


Pleasant Hill
Golden State Dermatology
400 Taylor Boulevard,
Ste. 301
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Pleasanton
Golden State Dermatology
6155 Stoneridge Drive
Suite 150
Pleasanton, CA 94588

Roseville
Golden State Dermatology
8735 Sierra College Blvd., Suite 200
Roseville, CA 95661


Sacramento – Fair Oaks
Calkin & Boudreaux Dermatology Associates
2625 Fair Oaks Blvd
Ste. 1 & Ste. 4
Sacramento, CA 95864

Sacramento – J Street
Center for Dermatology & Laser Surgery
5601 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95819

San Francisco – Cosmetic & General Dermatology
Golden State Dermatology
450 Sutter Street, Suite 1426
San Francisco, CA 94108





St. George
St. George Dermatology
Ventana Medical Park
230 North 1680 East, Suite N
St. George, UT 84790



Torrance – Earl St.
Golden State Dermatology
20911 Earl St. Suite 310
Torrance, CA 90503

Torrance – Lomita Blvd.
South Bay Dermatology
3400 Lomita Blvd., Ste 503
Torrance, CA 90505

Torrance – Pacific Coast Highway
Moy, Fincher, Chipps Facial Plastics & Dermatology
2802 Pacific Coast Highway
Torrance, CA 90505



Walnut Creek – General Dermatology
Golden State Dermatology
355 Lennon Lane, Suite 295
Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Walnut Creek – Ygnacio Valley
Golden State Dermatology
2255 Ygnacio Valley Road, Ste. B-1
Walnut Creek, CA 94598

