Introduction
Having pigmented moles around the areola can be a concern for many individuals in New York City. Not only can these moles affect one's appearance, but there may also be concerns about their potential to turn cancerous. Resection of these moles is a procedure that many are considering, and finding the top - ranked doctors and facilities for this operation is crucial. In this article, we will explore the best options for the resection of pigmented moles around the areola in New York City in 2025, along with essential information about moles, the resection process, and post - operative care.
Understanding Pigmented Moles around the Areola
What are Pigmented Moles?
Pigmented moles are black or brown concentrations of skin cells called melanocytes that grow in a cluster. Most are benign (non - cancerous) and painless. They generally appear before the age of 25, though they can develop later in life. Over time, moles may darken, raise, develop hair, or fade and disappear. Around the areola, these moles can be a source of self - consciousness or may pose a potential health risk if they change in any way.
Common Types of Moles
- Atypical or Dysplastic Nevus: Atypical moles are defined by their unusual features when viewed under a microscope. Clinically, they can have irregular borders, inconsistent pigmentation, be asymmetrical, or appear bumpy or raised in an irregular way. While common and considered benign, individuals with more than 50 of these moles may be at higher risk for skin cancer.
- Spitz Nevus: These are a rare kind of non - cancerous growth that can occur anywhere on the body. They are defined by their domed shape and reddish - brown pigmentation and may grow quickly and then stop for a long time. Many dermatologists recommend their surgical removal due to their unusual appearance under the microscope.
- Acquired Nevus: These are moles that form after birth. They are very common and usually have benign features such as a round shape, symmetry, smooth borders, homogenous color, and small overall size. They are often removed for cosmetic reasons.
- Congenital Nevus: Also known as "birthmarks," these moles form within the first year of a baby's birth. They occur in 1 - 2% of the population and can be found on any part of the body. Although benign, they should be monitored for potential signs of melanoma and may be removed for cosmetic reasons.
When to Consider Resection
There are several reasons to consider the resection of pigmented moles around the areola. Firstly, if a mole is causing physical discomfort, such as rubbing against clothing and jewelry, leading to irritation, bleeding, or pain, resection may be necessary. Secondly, from a cosmetic perspective, many individuals feel self - conscious about the appearance of moles around the areola, especially if they are large, dark, or irregularly shaped. Most importantly, any changes in the mole's size, shape, color, or if it starts to bleed, itch, or becomes painful, should prompt an immediate evaluation by a medical professional as these could be signs of malignancy.
Top Doctors for Pigmented Mole Resection in New York City
New York City - Wide Top Doctors
Healthgrades lists several highly - rated doctors who treat moles in New York City. These doctors have an average rating of 4 stars and a certain number of past patient ratings, ensuring their experience and credibility. Here are some of the top doctors:
Doctor's Name | Rating (out of 5) | Address |
---|---|---|
Dr. Hirshel Kahn, MD | 4.70 | 110 Duane St, New York, NY 10007 |
Dr. Ariel Ostad, MD | 4.80 | 897 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10065 |
Dr. Jeffrey Weinberg, MD | 4.80 | 32 Union Sq E Ste 516, New York, NY 10003 |
Dr. Adelle Quintana, MD | 4.80 | 130 W 42nd St Ste 1900, New York, NY 10036 |
Dr. Alan Greenspan, MD | 5.00 | 39 Broadway Rm 3005, New York, NY 10006 |
Dr. Shari Lipner, PhD | 4.80 | 1305 York Avenue 9th floor, New York, NY 10021 |
Dr. Brendan Camp, MD | 4.80 | 820 2nd Ave Rm 3a, New York, NY 10017 |
Dr. Lindsey Bordone, MD | 4.80 | 51 West 51st street, New York, NY 10019 |
Dr. Noah Gratch, MD | 4.60 | 820 2nd Ave Rm 3a, New York, NY 10017 |
Dr. Man Hong Ma, MD | 4.80 | 668 Broadway # 670, Bayonne, NJ 07002 |
Top Plastic Surgeons and Their Relevance
Some of the top plastic surgeons in New York City may also be well - equipped to handle the resection of pigmented moles around the areola. In 2024 Q1, according to the Review Growth Index ™(RGI™) by Doctor Marketing, MD™, the top 10 plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery clinics in New York were identified. These surgeons offer high - quality care and have a large number of positive patient reviews:
Clinic Name | Number of Reviews | Rating (out of 5) | Surgeons |
---|---|---|---|
Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York | 2572 | 4.9 | Dr. Lloyd Hoffman, Dr. Stelios Wilson |
Lexington Plastic Surgeons | 865 | 4.2 | Dr. Michael Jones, Dr. Karan Mehta, Dr. Angel Farinas, Dr. Kayvan Ross Tin |
Neinstein Plastic Surgery | 554 | 4.9 | Dr. Ryan Neinstein, Dr. Chris Funderburk, Dr. Anna Steve |
Kassir Plastic Surgery | 487 | 4.6 | Dr. Ramtin Kassir, Dr. Philipp Franck |
Anna Avaliani MD Cosmetic & Laser Surgery | 459 | 4.7 | Dr. Anna Avaliani |
Dr. Mansher Singh, MD | 415 | 5 | Dr. Mansher Singh |
Lara Devgan, MD, PLLC | 361 | 4.7 | Dr. Lara Devgan |
Tal Dagan, MD, FACS | 329 | 4.8 | Dr. Tal Dagan |
Madnani Facial Plastics | 272 | 5 | Dr. Dilip Madnani |
Pearlman Aesthetic Surgery | 258 | 4.8 | Dr. Steven Pearlman |
These plastic surgeons often have the skills and experience to perform mole resections with a focus on minimizing scarring and achieving aesthetically pleasing results, which is especially important for a sensitive area like around the areola.
Specialist Doctors for Pigmented Mole Resection
Dr. Darrick Antell
Dr. Darrick E. Antell, M.D., F.A.C.S, is an internationally renowned and board - certified plastic surgeon. He has repeatedly been listed as a “top plastic surgeon” by Harper’s Bazaar, Town and Country, Vogue, and New York Magazine. His experience in treating skin cancer, combined with his skill as a plastic surgeon, makes him an ideal choice for removing suspicious or unsightly moles while minimizing scarring. Dr. Antell will personally perform the mole removal procedure at his private New York practice. For patients considering resection of pigmented moles around the areola, his attention to detail and aesthetic sense can be highly beneficial.
Dr. Julia Tzu
Dr. Julia Tzu and the team at Wall Street Dermatology offer a compassionate and expert approach to mole removal in NYC. With 10,000 + mole removals performed, she is one of the most experienced mole removal surgeons in the city. She has glowing reviews on Google & Yelp and provides a full range of mole removal procedures including laser, shave, and surgical excision. Her academic credentials are impressive, with a Stanford undergrad, an MD from Johns Hopkins, and a dermatology residency at the University of Miami, among other fellowships. Her expertise allows her to tailor the treatment to the specific needs of the patient, which is crucial for a delicate area like around the areola.
Dr. Hooman Khorasani
Dr. Hooman Khorasani is a quadruple board - certified, fellowship - trained cosmetic and skin cancer surgeon. Specialized in advanced skin cancer management, he is an expert in mole removal of all kinds. He offers different mole removal procedures such as precise fx laser ablation, shave removal, and excision. His ability to choose the most appropriate technique based on the location and type of the mole is an advantage for patients seeking resection of pigmented moles around the areola.
The Pigmented Mole Resection Process
Initial Consultation
When you first visit a doctor for the resection of a pigmented mole around the areola, the doctor will conduct a thorough examination of the mole. They will assess its size, shape, color, and any other physical characteristics. The doctor may also ask about your medical history, including any family history of skin cancer or other skin conditions. If the mole shows any signs of being potentially cancerous, the doctor may recommend a biopsy. During the consultation, you can also discuss your concerns, expectations, and goals for the resection with the doctor.
Pre - operative Preparations
If the decision is made to proceed with the resection, there may be some pre - operative preparations. This could include getting blood tests to check your overall health, stopping certain medications that may increase bleeding risk, such as aspirin or non - steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs. You will also be instructed on how to care for the area around the areola in the days leading up to the surgery, such as keeping it clean and avoiding excessive sun exposure.
Resection Techniques
- Shave Excision: This technique is suitable for more superficial moles. It is slightly less invasive than a full - thickness excision and does not require stitches. A scab will form, usually flaking off after approximately one week, leaving new, reddish skin that will eventually return to a healthy color within a few weeks. However, if the mole extends beneath the surface of the skin, it may grow back.
- Full - thickness Excision: Most often used for deeply rooted moles or any suspicious moles. The doctor will use a scalpel to remove the mole all the way down to the subcutaneous layer. The incision will be closed with layers of meticulously placed stitches. If external sutures are used, they are typically removed one to two weeks after the procedure. This method best allows the pathologist to evaluate the cells for any pre - cancerous changes.
- Laser Removal: A dermatologist uses precision - targeted bursts of light to break down the mole. It is most often used to remove superficial, non - cancerous moles in sensitive or visible areas. It effectively removes the mole without harming the surrounding skin. Depending on the size and depth of the mole, several sessions may be required. It is important to note that laser mole removal is contraindicated for moles that are irregular or may be cancerous.
Post - operative Care and Recovery
Immediate Post - operative Care
After the resection, the doctor will provide instructions on how to care for the surgical site. This may include keeping the area clean and dry, applying an antibiotic ointment, and covering it with a bandage. You may experience some mild pain, swelling, or bruising in the area around the areola, which can usually be managed with over - the - counter pain medications as recommended by the doctor.
Long - term Recovery
The recovery time can vary depending on the type of resection procedure performed. For shave excision and laser removal, recovery is usually quicker, and you may be able to return to your normal activities within a few days. However, for full - thickness excision, you may need to avoid strenuous activities, especially those that may put pressure on the chest area, for a few weeks. The surgical site will need to be monitored for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. A post - operative appointment will typically be scheduled within the first one to two weeks to ensure the treatment site is healing as it should, and any sutures will be removed at this time.
Monitoring for Recurrence and Cancer
Even after the resection, it is important to monitor the area for any signs of mole recurrence or the development of new moles. All excised tissue is sent to a pathologist for examination. If the report indicates abnormal cells, swift treatment will be used to ensure the removal of all malignant cells. Regular follow - up appointments with the doctor are recommended to monitor your skin health and detect any potential issues early.
Conclusion
The resection of pigmented moles around the areola is a procedure that can have both cosmetic and medical benefits. In New York City, there are many highly - qualified doctors and surgeons who can perform this procedure with skill and expertise. By understanding the nature of moles, the resection process, and post - operative care, patients can make informed decisions about their treatment. Whether you are concerned about the appearance of a mole or its potential health risks, seeking the advice of a professional is the first step towards a successful outcome.
If you are considering the resection of a pigmented mole around the areola, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of the top - ranked doctors in New York City. Share your concerns and goals with them, and they will be able to provide you with personalized advice and