What Are the Pros and Cons of Radiosurgery for Mole Removal?

There are pros and cons to having radiosurgery for mole removal. Among the pros is the relatively easy and effective removal of moles. These procedures are typically painless as well, and they do not usually involve bleeding or stitches. The cons, on the other hand, include the fact that there is a small risk of scarring, and most insurance won't cover such procedures.

The main pro of radiosurgery for mole removal is the fact that it can effectively remove moles. Many people dislike the look of moles and feel that they significantly detract from their appearance. Often, people feel self-conscious about them and actually view them as blemishes. This procedure can remove moles fairly easily and doesn't require any waiting — a mole can usually be removed during a single procedure. It also enables mole tissue to be sent away for testing to ensure the tissue isn't cancerous.

Another pro of having radiosurgery for mole removal is the relative ease of the procedure. This type of mole removal is typically painless, as doctors deliver a local anesthetic to prevent discomfort. Some people may experience a pinch when the doctor injects the local anesthetic, but this is generally minor. Additionally, in most cases, a person won't experience bleeding or need stitches as a result of this type of mole removal. A patient typically develops a scab, but that often drops off within a couple of weeks after mole removal.

One of the primary cons of radiosurgery for mole removal is the fact that it can cause scarring. In most cases, however, the scarring is minimal, so some people decide that getting rid of a mole is worth taking the chance with scarring. Others, however, decide against this procedure because they feel more comfortable having a mole than even a slight scar. This line of thinking may prove particularly common when a mole is located in a prominent place, such as on the affected person's face.

Often, people consider payment among the cons of having radiosurgery for mole removal. Since this type of mole removal is often used to correct a person's appearance rather than to treat a true medical condition, many insurance companies label it as cosmetic surgery. Typically, insurance companies deny claims for cosmetic surgery, and patients must find ways to pay for these surgeries on their own. For some, this may prove a deterrent. Others may decide that getting rid of moles is worth the out-of-pocket expense.