Almost every person has those small brown spots on their body that appear either from birth or over time: moles. In medical terms, we call them nevi. Some are like a characteristic signature on our face, while we might not even notice the presence of others. However, sometimes that small spot stops being just an aesthetic concern and turns into a question mark for both our health and peace of mind. “Why did this mole grow?”, “Why did its color change?”, or “It keeps catching on my clothes; what should I do?” If these questions have started circling in your mind, the solution is clear and reliable: Nevus Excision.
Nevus excision might sound like a complex medical term, but in reality, it is the art of “mole removal.” At Forever Clinica, during the procedures we perform in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey, the most important thing we observe is that an excision performed by the right hands creates not just a physical improvement but also a tremendous psychological relief for the patient.
What is Nevus Excision? More Than Just Mole Removal
Nevus excision is the process of completely removing a nevus (mole) from the subcutaneous tissue, along with surgical margins. This procedure isn’t just about “taking something away.” Excision is both a therapeutic and a diagnostic process. Once the mole is removed, it is typically sent for pathological examination. This is the most definitive way to understand whether the cellular structure of that mole is entirely benign.
So, how does it differ from laser cauterization or freezing (cryotherapy)? The biggest difference is this: methods like laser destroy the mole tissue, making it impossible to perform a pathological examination. If the mole in question has a suspicious structure, surgical excision is the gold standard. As surgeons and dermatologists, we know very well that it is safer to see and analyze a tissue in its entirety than to lose its cells to destruction.
Why Do We Feel the Need to Have Moles Removed?
The reasons our patients apply to us are generally grouped under two main headings. Which story feels closer to yours?
1. Medical Necessity (Health-Oriented Approach) Sometimes, a mole can quietly send out danger signals. If a mole is growing rapidly, its edges have become irregular, or there is bleeding or itching on it, this is a medical necessity. Excision is vital for the early diagnosis of serious skin diseases such as melanoma.
2. Functional and Aesthetic Reasons Some moles are located right at the beltline, catching on clothes every day and becoming irritated. Or they might be right in the middle of the face, in a position that affects a person’s self-confidence. In these cases, the “mole removal” process turns into an aesthetic touch that increases the quality of life. Especially in a city like Istanbul, where the heart of aesthetics beats, we can eliminate these problems with microscopic techniques where almost no scarring is left.
The Alphabet of Moles: When Should You Worry? (The ABCDE Rule)
There is a simple but effective rule accepted worldwide to understand whether a mole is “innocent.” Ask yourself these questions when examining your own moles, and if your answer is “yes,” you should definitely see a specialist:
A (Asymmetry): Does one half of the mole look different from the other half?
B (Border): Are the edges of the mole irregular, notched, or blurred?
C (Color): Are there multiple colors (black, brown, blue, red) within the mole?
D (Diameter): Is the size of the mole larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)?
E (Evolving): Has your mole changed in color, shape, or size in recent months?
How is Nevus Excision Surgery Performed? A Safe Step-by-Step Process
Don’t let the word “surgery” scare you. Nevus excision is generally performed under local anesthesia and is an even more comfortable procedure for the patient than a dental filling. How does this process work at Forever Clinica?
Preparation and Numbing The area where the procedure will be performed is cleaned, and local anesthesia is applied with very fine-tipped needles. Only that specific area is numbed; you remain awake but feel absolutely nothing.
The Surgical Cut (Excision) Our doctor makes a very thin, elliptical (spindle-shaped) incision around the mole. Why elliptical instead of round? Because we achieve the most natural and aesthetic scar when closing the skin with elliptical incisions. The mole is removed along with a small amount of fat tissue beneath it.
Suturing and Closing The answer to the “Will there be a scar?” question is hidden here. The skin is joined using “subcuticular” (under the skin) stitching techniques used in aesthetic surgery. Usually, dissolvable stitches are used, so you don’t even have to worry about getting them removed.
Sending to Pathology The removed tissue is placed in a special solution and sent to the laboratory. The report that arrives within a few days provides complete peace of mind.
The Recovery Process: When Can I Return to Normal Life?
When the procedure is finished, you walk out of our clinic with a small bandage. The recovery process after nevus excision is quite fast:
The First 24 Hours: It is important to keep the area dry.
The 3rd Day: Generally, you can take a shower (with your doctor’s approval).
The 1st Week: The wound edges join together, and redness decreases.
The 1st Month: The scar turns pink and approaches the skin color over time.
Actually, your biggest enemy during the healing process is the sun. On the sunny days of Istanbul, you must protect the treated area with high-factor sunscreen. Otherwise, the scar may take on a darker color.
Istanbul, Turkey: Why Are We at the Top of Health Tourism?
Thousands of people from all over the world choose Istanbul, Turkey, for nevus excision or more complex aesthetic operations. But why?
First, the manual dexterity and case experience of Turkish doctors are at an indisputable level. In centers like Forever Clinica, we combine the latest surgical technologies with the most comfortable service. Second, while having this procedure done, you also have the opportunity to take a vacation in the fascinating atmosphere of Istanbul. Recovering while breathing the Bosphorus air completely eliminates the stress of the medical process. Moreover, you can receive much higher quality service at a cost far below that in Europe or America.
Common Myths About Nevus Excision
“If you have a mole removed, cancer will spread through your body.” This is perhaps the most dangerous urban legend. On the contrary; if a mole carries a cancer risk, leaving it there causes the cancer to spread. Excision is the process of uprooting that danger from the body.
“Removing a mole is very painful.” Thanks to local anesthesia, zero pain is felt during the procedure. After the procedure, there may be a slight ache, which easily passes with simple painkillers.
“Laser removal is always better.” While laser is sometimes advantageous aesthetically, not every mole can be removed with a laser for health reasons. Every suspicious mole should be surgically removed and examined.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Will there be a scar after nevus excision? Every surgical procedure will inevitably leave a scar; however, this scar turns into a thin, white line that is very difficult to notice over time. When plastic surgery techniques are used, the scar quality is at its maximum.
2. How long does the procedure take? The excision of a single mole takes approximately 15–20 minutes.
3. When will the pathology result be ready? Usually, your results will be ready between 3 and 7 business days.
4. Will another mole grow in the same place after removal? If the mole was removed with all its roots and depth (which is the goal of excision), a recurrence at the same spot is not expected.
5. Is nevus excision an expensive procedure? No, especially compared to laser or other aesthetic applications, it is quite accessible and offers the highest value in terms of health.
Conclusion: Don’t Delay, Find Peace
If a mole on your body causes you discomfort, if you don’t like how it looks, or if it worries you, there is no need to keep it there as a source of stress. Nevus excision is a scientific and safe solution that relieves you of this burden in 20 minutes.
As Forever Clinica in Istanbul, Turkey, we care not just about your health but also about your smile and self-confidence. You can contact us to meet our professional team and have a detailed analysis of your moles. Remember, early intervention is not just aesthetic; it is life-saving.
