Moles Blog
Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about the subject, or to ask Dr. Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.
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Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about the subject, or to ask Dr. Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.
I want my mole to be checked. I’m kind of scared about it because it’s big and dark. How much does this cost?
The medical terminology for mole is nevus. A nevus is made up pigment producing cells and may present in many different colors, shapes and sizes. In fact, one individual may have several different populations of nevi. It is important not to only look at a concerning nevus but to put a concerning nevus into perspective by examining the entire integument. If a pigmented spot is indeed unusual in the context of the remaining skin, a biopsy is indicated for microscopic analysis. Health insurances consider both the full body evaluation with a concerning mole as well as possible biopsy a medical benefit.
I was wondering if any of the doctors have experience treating Becker’s Nevus or Keratosis Pilaris with lasers? In doing my research, Q-switched ruby laser (694 nm), Er:YAG laser (n= 11) over a Q-switched Nd:YAG system (n = 11), or a long-pulsed 755-nm alexandrite laser how shown some results for Becker’s Nevus. Are any of the doctors familiar with the treatment and/or fading of these two skin conditions? Thank you.
Becker’s nevi consist of pigment change as well as of hair. Not everyone with a Becker’s nevus shows both features equally. If the pigment is of predominant concern, Becker’s nevi are best treated by Q-switched lasers such as Q-switched ruby in the past, and nowadays with the Q-switched Nd:YAG. They respond well but need a number of treatments to reduce pigment.
The ER:YAG may achieve results but I do not use it for this purpose. In my experience, the long pulsed alexandrite is the best to remove unsightly hair and it may erase some pigment in Becker’ nevus. The 810 nm diode laser can also reduce hair and may even work on some color change but is not the most efficient.
If hair is the most bothersome, we will be able to help you. We do not currently operate the Q-switched Nd:YAG. (The Q-switched ruby technology is great but a bit outdated and I am unaware of anyone reputable still using it.)
Keratosis pilaris is a common trait in 10% of the population. It is not commonly treated by laser. The alexandrite laser is the perfect choice to remove the rough, stubbly hair on the arms and thighs and thereby a lot of the redness resolves. Some type of daily exfoliation with glycolic or lactic acid in from of lotion may still be necessary to reduce the thickening of the skin around the hair follicles.
Franziska Ringpfeil, MD
I think I have Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra. I have read several articles and saw a few pictures of this condition and the moles that I have look and sound similiar to this condition. I have 25-30 small moles that I want removed. My insurance will not cover treatment because this is an elective procedure. How much will removal cost and is there a great chance that I will need more than one treatment to have these moles removed? My moles are small and raised, they appear around my eyes and on my cheek bones.
Dermatosis papulosa nigra (DPN) is a benign condition that can sometimes be aesthetically unpleasing. There are several safe and well tolerated methodologies to remove unwanted DPN on all skin types. Contraindications for removal are rare and will be assessed during an in-person examination.
We charge $400 to remove DPNs from one anatomic area, such as the entire face. The charge may be higher if removal of lesions from face AND neck AND/OR chest is desired. The charge may be lower if the total number of growths is less than 15. Usually only one treatment is required and the spots do not grow back once removed. However, when you have DPN, you may occasionally develop a few new spots over years than can also be removed. To date, we are unaware of a preventative treatment.