Full Body Skin Exam / Benign Mole Removal

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, CA

Full Body Skin Exam / Benign Mole Removal Dr. Monika Kiripolsky Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, and the Greater Los Angeles

A full-body skin exam is a key element in one’s skincare routine as it focuses on assessing the skin’s health throughout the body. Annual screenings are important for skin cancer prevention and early diagnosis. By monitoring skin changes, individuals can catch signs of a skin condition early, before it’s able to spread, making it easier to treat. This includes evaluating moles, spots, and any other skin lesions that might have changed in color, shape, or size. UV exposure and environmental factors contribute significantly to skin abnormalities and skin cancers, so it is essential to perform self-checks and have your skin examined by a dermatologist at least once a year.

Dr. Monika Kiripolsky is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained laser and cosmetic surgeon with over 20 years of experience helping patients keep their skin healthy through skin exams and mole removal procedures. She proudly treats patients from Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, and the Greater Los Angeles area. Contact our Beverly Hills office online or call (424) 652-6563 to learn more about how we can help you improve your skin health.

Before and After Photos

Mole & Melanoma Removal Before & After Patient #656
Mole & Melanoma Removal Before & After Patient #656
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Full Body Skin Exam

During a personal consultation at our Beverly Hills practice, Dr. Kiripolsky will review your medical history, evaluate your moles with a full-body skin exam, and discuss your aesthetic goals. The examination can take as little as 15-20 minutes. When creating your treatment plan, Dr. Kiripolsky may consider the following factors:

  • Visual Inspection: During this step, she examines the skin systematically, checking for any irregularities. She starts from the scalp and checks all the way down to your toes.
  • Mole Evaluation: Special attention is given to moles, looking for the ABCDE rule—Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than 6mm, and Evolving in appearance.
  • Dermatological Assessment: A thorough analysis that may include checking for signs of specific skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis and a family history of skin cancer.
  • UV Exposure Assessment: Evaluating past sun exposure and lifestyle choices that may affect skin health.
  • Skin Condition Diagnosis: Identifying any concerning skin conditions that may require further evaluation or treatment.

Please come to the appointment prepared to ask any questions you have about the procedure. To begin your journey towards clearer skin, contact our office at (424) 652-6563 to arrange your full-body skin exam with Dr. Kiripolsky.

About Benign Mole Removal

Benign mole removal is a cosmetic procedure that removes non-cancerous skin lesions to improve your appearance. Moles are small growths on the skin composed of pigmented cells called melanocytes. They are often present at birth or develop over time, and while they are generally harmless, many people choose to remove them for aesthetic reasons. If you have raised moles that catch uncomfortably on clothing or pigmented lesions that affect your complexion, Dr. Kiripolsky can remove them for smoother, more even skin.

Benign moles are extremely common, and most people have many of them. (1) Moles are often caused by genetics, sun exposure, and aging. If you experience sunburns or prolonged sun exposure, you can also develop more moles. Deciding to remove them can improve your appearance, especially if changes in the size or shape of the mole draw attention.

Most moles are removed for either cosmetic reasons or the risk of them becoming malignant (cancerous). In a recent study, researchers determined that fewer than 1 in 33,000 moles become malignant, even in high-risk groups such as men over 60. (1) Dr. Kiripolsky can assess your moles and develop a treatment plan based on the location, size, and type of mole.

Benign Mole Removal Benefits

Choosing to undergo benign mole removal presents numerous advantages, including:

  • Improved skin health: Removing moles can decrease your risk of developing mole-related skin conditions in the future, providing peace of mind.
  • Increased self-esteem: Improving your appearance can enhance self-confidence and comfort in social situations.
  • Smoother skin and less irritation: Some moles can catch on clothing or jewelry, and removing them can reduce the risk of skin irritation.
  • Improved skin texture: After mole removal, you can enjoy a smoother skin texture without raised moles that affect your complexion.
  • Customizable treatment options: Dr. Kiripolsky can customize your treatment plan based on your aesthetic goals and the size of the mole.
  • Minimal Scarring: Less invasive techniques such as laser mole removal and strategic excisions minimize visible scarring, yielding better cosmetic outcomes.
  • Quick Recovery: Most mole removal methods have a minimal recovery process, and you can return to your normal routine immediately afterward.

Benign Mole Removal Candidates

Suitable candidates for benign mole removal wish to remove moles that affect their appearance. Ideal candidates would like to:

  • Treat moles that have changed in size, shape, or color
  • Remove moles that cause discomfort or physical irritation
  • Achieve a smoother, more even complexion

To learn more about the best mole removal procedure for your needs, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kiripolsky to discuss your aesthetic goals.

Benign Mole Removal Preparation

Dr. Kiripolsky will provide detailed pre-treatment instructions. Before your appointment, there are several steps you will need to take to prepare:

  • Stop taking blood thinners 1-2 weeks before the procedure
  • Cease smoking or nicotine use before surgery for optimal healing
  • Fill prescriptions for your recovery, if applicable

Although benign mole removal does not require downtime, you will need to take good care of your skin, and Dr. Kiripolsky may provide aftercare ointments or creams to help you recover more quickly.

Benign Mole Removal Procedure

Full Body Skin Exam / Benign Mole Removal Dr. Monika Kiripolsky Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, and the Greater Los Angeles

Mole removal procedures may involve simple excisions, shaving techniques, or laser treatments depending on the size and depth of your mole. Your procedure will depend on your specific treatment plan and whether or not you need additional treatments to meet your goals.

Types of Mole Removal

There are several methods Dr. Kiripolsky can use to remove your mole, depending on its physical characteristics:

  • Excision: For deeper moles, Dr. Kiripolsky can surgically excise them along with a margin of healthy tissue. This method ensures complete removal and a biopsy if needed.
  • Shave Removal: For smaller moles, Dr. Kiripolsky can shave off a thin layer of skin to remove the mole without stitches.
  • Hyfrecation: Uses a small needle with an electrical pulse to zap away a wide range of benign skin spots, lumps, and bumps. The treated area will scab for 7-10 days then fall off.
  • Laser Removal: Laser treatments target the chromophores in your skin that cause the pigment in the mole to be a different color than the rest of your skin. (2) Depending on the type of mole you have, Dr. Kiripolsky can use lasers to vaporize smaller moles and minimize the risk of scarring.
  • Cryotherapy: Dr. Kiripolsky can freeze superficial moles with liquid nitrogen, causing them to fall off.

Recovery & Results

Although mole removal requires minimal downtime, you must take good care of your skin afterward to allow your incisions to heal properly. You may need to wear a bandage for several days and will need to follow your recovery instructions carefully (no picking, peeling, rubbing, or irritating your skin in any way) to minimize the possibility of scarring. Dr. Kiripolsky works delicately to prevent scarring, offering a natural-looking result. After the procedure, you can enjoy a more even complexion and smoother skin.

Other Skin Conditions

Acne

Acne is a common skin condition that affects your appearance and self-esteem. We offer several different acne treatments to help you achieve a more even complexion:

  • Lasers and light therapy treatments can kill bacteria that are causing acne and resurface your skin.
  • Chemical peels can exfoliate your skin and remove dead skin cells that are clogging your pores and contributing to the development of acne.
  • Dr. Kiripolsky can perform extractions on larger cysts to remove the build-up of fluid-filled sacs behind your pores. She can drain the cysts with a thin tool that minimizes the risk of scarring and infection.

Melasma

Melasma is a condition that causes dark patches of skin to form. It is often caused by hormonal changes and sun exposure. If you are struggling with melasma, Dr. Kiripolsky offers several laser treatments to help you achieve a more even skin tone and minimize its appearance. During the treatment, she uses laser energy that the darker patches of your skin absorb. It helps your body break down the pigment in your skin for a more even skin tone and texture.

Eczema

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy skin. It can affect your quality of life because intense itching can make daily tasks difficult to perform. If you have sensitive skin from eczema, we can apply topical treatments to help you find relief. We can also use cleansers and moisturizers specifically designed to help repair your skin barrier and anti-inflammatory creams to reduce skin irritation.

To learn more about additional treatments that can help you achieve your aesthetic goals, see our blog.

Cost of Mole Removal in Beverly Hills

The cost of benign mole removal varies based on the characteristics of the moles you would like to address and your specific procedure. We can provide an all-inclusive quote for your specific procedure. You should not have to wait to achieve smoother skin and a more even skin tone. Contact our Beverly Hills office or call (424) 652-6563 to learn more about benign mole removal and full-body skin exams.

FAQ

Will I have scars after mole removal?

You may have a discrete scar after mole removal, depending on the technique used to remove it. However, dermatologists take care to minimize the risk of scarring and can discuss any concerns you have during your consultation.

How do I know if my mole is benign?

We can assess your mole and recommend a biopsy if any characteristics indicate a risk of skin cancer. During your consultation, we can discuss your concerns and carefully examine each mole to assess your risk.

How long does it take to recover from mole removal?

Although most procedures do not require downtime, biopsied patients will receive sutures that will need to be removed 10-14 days post-removal. Full recovery may vary depending on individual factors and the specific procedure.

Can I combine mole removal with other cosmetic procedures?

Yes, you can combine mole removal with other procedures such as eczema or acne treatments. During your consultation, we can discuss any questions you have to create a treatment plan that meets your needs.

Are there non-surgical options for mole removal?

Yes, options such as laser treatments, hyfrecation, and cryotherapy may be appropriate for certain types of moles.

References

  1. Walter FM, Humphrys E, Tso S, Johnson M, Cohn S. Patient understanding of moles and skin cancer, and factors influencing presentation in primary care: a qualitative study. BMC Family Practice. 2010;11(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2296-11-62
  2. Sardana K. The science, reality, and ethics of treating common acquired melanocytic nevi (moles) with lasers. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery. 2013;6(1):27-29. Accessed December 3, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3663172/