What is the standard practice for removing moles/skin tags?

Question

I had 3 moles and 2 skin tags froze at a dermatologist last week. There was no follow up care given, just 'wash as normal', and they might die and fall off in the next couple weeks, or may need frozen again. Every location that was frozen swelled to 3 times it's regular size! and has been 'weeping' also. And there was no mention of pathology. This is my first visit to a dermatologist, and although I didn't know what to expect, I certainly didn't expect this! Is this normal?

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

First I'm sorry you did not get the care you expected for being your first visit at the dermatologist office.  Cryotheraphy is commonly used procedure in a dermatology office.  It is most commomly used to cryo skin tags, irritated moles, warts and various other skin conditions. When Cryotherapy is used it can cause a burning, itching feeling for about 10-15 minutes after the area is treated.  The area may blister like an oven burn blister, turn red and swollen, and even weep a few hours to weeks after the treatment.  It will then preform a scab and flake off.  I encourage my patients to keep the area clean with mild soap and water and then apply either Vaseline or a moisturizing cream, such as CeraVe.  If you had any moles biopsied some may need to be sent out for pathology but not all.  The care for a biopsy is wash with mild soap and water and apply Vaseline and a bandaid for 7-10 days.  If you have any other questions I encourge you to contact the office that did the procedure.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This varies for each physician.  I have all my patients use a growth factor wound healing gel to the area twice daily for 2-4 weeks and avoid sun.  We have post operative instructions and follow up with our patients.  If you are concerned, please call your physicians office.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Estee Williams, MD · Answer

It is not standard of care to freeze a mole.  As a previous doctor posted, the lesions you are calling "moles" may be seborrheic keratoses, which are warty growths that sometimes mimic moles.  Your doctor should be able to clarify what you had.  After freezing, the skin may be red and swollen; usually this subsides after a day or two.  Be well.

Michael A. Greenberg, MD · Answer

From your question, it's hard to determine what the original diagnoses were.  Dermatologists do not freeze moles, but remove them and send them for pathology.  You might have had what are called seborrheic keratoses, benign lesions that some patients think are moles but are not.Skin tags and serborrheic keratoses can be be frozen or cauterized off, but in either case, there will be some swelling and inflammation.I would call your dermatologist's office for an explanation and share your concerns.I am sorry you were disappointed with the experience.  You can schedule a follow up or if you are dissatisfied, see another doctor.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question. Cryotherapy is the term used to describe the procedure you had done to your skin tags and moles. The expected progression of the lesions after treatment is redness, blistering, scabbing, and then the scab will fall off, and this process takes about 10-14 days. Cryotherapy is a common way to remove skin tags, and often times, the lesions do not need to be sent to a laboratory. There are other alternatives for skin tag and mole removal, and I recommend you consult with your dermatologist to discuss these other options and to address your concerns. Take care and good luck.

What is the standard practice for removing moles/skin tags?

Answers (5)

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