Moles can be removed for medical reasons, such as ruling out skin cancer, or for cosmetic preference.
A dermatologist first examines a mole and may biopsy or remove it if it looks atypical or has changed. Removal methods include shave removal for raised moles and surgical excision for deeper or suspicious ones, with the tissue often sent to pathology. Medically necessary removals are commonly covered by insurance, while purely cosmetic removals are usually paid out of pocket.
A raised mole is shaved flush with the skin; quick, with minimal downtime.
The mole is cut out fully with a margin and closed with stitches; preferred for suspicious lesions.
Any removed tissue is analyzed to rule out skin cancer when there is concern.
Used for select small, flat, benign pigmented spots; not appropriate for suspicious moles.
A Florida medical license lets a physician practice, but board certification is the signal that a doctor completed accredited residency training and passed rigorous exams in their specialty. Look for certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) member board that matches the care you need — and verify it yourself.
Procedure facts on this page draw on authoritative medical sources. Confirm specifics in a consultation.
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) ↗Skin Cancer Foundation ↗Choose a board-certified doctor — and verify it yourself:
ABMS — Certification Matters ↗ Look up any U.S. physician’s board certification across all 24 ABMS member specialty boards. Florida DOH — License Verification ↗ Confirm an active Florida license and review any disciplinary history. NPI Registry (CMS) ↗ Verify a provider’s national identifier and registered specialty taxonomy. Medicare Care Compare ↗ Compare clinicians, hospitals and facilities on quality measures.