Is it ok to use a laser to burn off a mole?

[R3ddrag0n]

just wonderin

 

[Toke]

CO2 lasers are used as scalpels, by vets and physicians.

I recommend leaving even minor surgery to professionals.

 

[lasersbee]

^^^^ Ditto^^^^
This is a Laser Forum not a Medical Procedures Forum...

Jerry

 

[Tech_Junkie]

Bad idea. It will pop, and make it way worst. A 10 minute visit to a doctor is a much better idea.

 

[R3ddrag0n]

im talking about flat moles so i don't think they will pop

i tryed it 2 days ago with a focused 50mw laser, it made my mole darker colored, then 2 days later i scratched it off leaving a scar that should heal in a week or so

 

[AUTO XX]

You guys are all pussies!
This is a DIY forum is it not?
445nm self surgery sounds like a good idea to me but a chainsaw would be faster (and you don't need safety goggles)
*Try not to sneeze while using chainsaw*

*I take no responsibility for your potential loss of limbs

 

[Tech_Junkie]

im talking about flat moles so i don't think they will pop

i tryed it 2 days ago with a focused 50mw laser, it made my mole darker colored, then 2 days later i scratched it off leaving a scar that should heal in a week or so

So you already did it. Not to bright trying it without doing some research. Even more messed up asking our advice after you've done it. Are just F**king with us, or do you like the attention?

Chainsaw FTW.

 

[Cheech]

So it worked. This question was brought up months ago but never answered.
How long did you lase it? How much darker did it get? how deep was the hole after you scratched it off? Please follow up with future info on scar or if it comes back.
What kind of laser was it?

 

[R3ddrag0n]

532nm laser i used for like 10 seconds feeling a sting, just a flat red scar when i scratched it no hole or anything
got like 30% darker

 

[Tech_Junkie]

If you didnt get the root (no hole) it will be back.

 

[00Giorge]

If you didnt get the root (no hole) it will be back.

You are correct. I have had a couple removed and was told that they have to cut out the roots otherwise the mole will come back. The moles were also sent in to see if they were cancerous. If your mole was cancerous you might have just made it worse.

 

[Toaster]

If you go to a dermatoligist, like you should, they use a spoon type instrement with razor edges and scoop it out. Burning a mole can lead to more skin problems so I wouldnt do it, not to mention you would have an ugly scar... This must be on the KipKay: Medical Edition
Channel

 

[Addonex]

I think it is safe to say this is not the best idea, agreeing with what Tech_Junkie said. This snip from Wikipedia gives a bit more detailed information:

[..]other dermatologists think lasers are not the best method for removing moles because the laser only cauterizes or, in certain cases, removes very superficial levels of skin. Moles tend to go deeper into the skin than non-invasive lasers can penetrate. After a laser treatment a scab is formed, which falls off about seven days later, in contrast to surgery, where the wound has to be sutured. A second concern about the laser treatment is that if the lesion is a melanoma, and was misdiagnosed as a benign mole, the procedure might delay diagnosis. If the mole is incompletely removed by the laser, and the pigmented lesion regrows, it might form a recurrent nevus.

 

[lasersbee]

532nm laser i used for like 10 seconds feeling a sting, just a flat red scar when i scratched it no hole or anything
got like 30% darker

Yeah... it has been shown that a mole will get darker when
irradiated as Cancer starts in the cells....

(not the sharpest tool in the box...IMO)...:undecided:


Jerry

 

[IsaacT]

You guys are all pussies!
This is a DIY forum is it not?

Correct me if I am wrong but this is a Forum for Laser Enthusiasts and DIY *LASERS.* Not DIY goggles, not DIY tap-shoes, and certainly not DIY surgery....if you want to DIY, go to med school

 

[Bionic-Badger]

The last thing you want to do is give your mole an excuse to go malignant especially with shorter wavelengths.