should one freeze off moles and how long will it take to fall off?

Question

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Freezing will not help moles.  Please see an expert for an evaluation, excision or lasers can be used.  Dr. Emer.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. In most cases moles should be excised to ensure complete removal as well as to allow pathologic evaluation for any concerning signs that may be present. Hope this helps.

Payman Kosari, MD, FAAD · Answer

I typically recommend against freezing a mole.  There are multiple reasons this is not a good idea.  When I explain a mole to a patient, I liken it to a glacier.  Just like a glacier, there is a surface component that we can see and a deeper component under the skin.  To freeze a mole off would require a good amount of freezing which can be painful and have unwanted side effects like hyper- (darkening) or hypopigmentation (lightening) of the skin.  Even with heavy freezing, however, you may not be able to reach the deeper component of the mole which means there is a possibility of it recurring.  There are other more acceptable means of removing a mole such as shave or punch removal or the use of a laser or light based device.  Shave or punch removal will typically remove the mole well with minimal scarring.  Laser or light based devices should only be used if there is certainty of the benign nature of the mole.  Regardless, you have great options.  Just make sure to touch base a qualified physician and you will be satisfied with your results. Best,Payman Kosari, MD, FAADDermatology, Laser and Vein SpecialistsCharlotte, NC*Please remember to +1 answers you like to keep them at the top*Also, "Follow" physicians you like to receive email updates as they post on RealSelf

Jeremy S. Hurren, BSc, MBBS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Moles are not usually treated with freezing (cryotherapy). Some abnormalities of the skin (lesions) can be successfully treated with freezing, for example seborrheic keratoses. I suggest you get the opinion of a suitably qualified and experienced doctor.Best wishes.

Beth Lertzman, MD · Answer

Freezing moles will not remove the entire lesion as there is a deep component to a mole that is not reachable with standard cryosurgery procedures. Some lesions that are removed by freezing include seborrheic keratoses and soft fibromas as these are more superficial. Some patients confuse moles with keratoses.  So it is really important to qualify exactly what type of lesion is being removed.   If the lesion is truly a Nevus or mole, it is better removed with surgical excision so that there is pathology.

should one freeze off moles and how long will it take to fall off?

Answers (5)

Answer: Freeze moles

Answer: Freeze moles

Answer: Would not "freeze" a mole.

Answer: Would not "freeze" a mole.

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Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

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should one freeze off moles and how long will it take to fall off?

Answers (5)

Answer: Freeze moles

Answer: Freeze moles

Answer: Would not "freeze" a mole.

Answer: Would not "freeze" a mole.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.