Moles
Moles, known medically as melanocytic nevi, are benign growths that form where pigment-producing melanocytes cluster together instead of spreading evenly through the skin. Most adults carry somewhere between 10 and 40 of them, anywhere on the body, in shades from pink through dark brown and black. The overwhelming majority never cause a problem. Two things bring patients in: a mole that changed, and a mole that is simply in the way, catching on collars, straps or a razor. Dr. Julia Tzu has personally performed over 10,000 mole removals at the practice's Financial District office. Her approach is to reach for the least invasive method that still gives a good cosmetic result, and where excision is the right answer, to close it with technique aimed at keeping the scar as inconspicuous as the skin allows. She holds American Board of Dermatology certification in dermatopathology as well as in dermatology and Mohs surgery, so when tissue is sent for microscopic examination, reading it falls within that same specialty.
At a Glance
- Most adults have between 10 and 40 common moles, which is considered normal[2]
- The vast majority of moles are benign and will never become cancerous[4]
- Most moles appear during the first two decades of life and may change gradually over time[1]
- A common mole is usually smaller than 5 millimeters and has uniform color and distinct edges[4]
- Professionally performed cosmetic mole removal typically results in minimal scarring[6]
What are the symptoms of Moles?
- Round or oval shape with smooth, distinct edges
- Uniform color ranging from pink, tan, brown, to black
- Flat or raised (dome-shaped) appearance
- Size typically smaller than 5 millimeters (about the width of a pencil eraser)
- May darken with sun exposure or hormonal changes
- Some moles may have hair growing from them
- Texture can be smooth, wrinkled, or slightly rough
When should you seek care for Moles?
- Asymmetry, where one half of a mole does not match the other
- A border irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred
- Uneven color, with shades of brown, black, tan, white, red, or blue in one lesion
- A diameter greater than about six millimeters, roughly the width of a pencil eraser
- A mole evolving in size, shape or color, or that now looks unlike your others
- A mole that repeatedly bleeds, crusts, or refuses to heal
- A mole that catches on clothing, jewelry or a razor, or is uncomfortable enough that you want it gone
- A cosmetically unwanted mole on the face or another visible area, where the removal method chosen determines the scar
Have questions about moles? Our team is here to help.
What causes Moles?
- Clusters of melanocytes forming during skin development
- Genetic predisposition to developing moles
- Sun exposure and ultraviolet radiation
- Hormonal changes during puberty or pregnancy
- Fair skin with less protective melanin
How are Moles treated?
Interested in mole removal for cosmetic reasons or to address irritation? Learn about our mole removal services →
Prognosis
- Most moles remain stable and benign throughout life
- Moles may naturally lighten or disappear with age
- Cosmetic removal procedures typically result in minimal scarring when the method suits the mole and the wound is closed carefully
- Regular monitoring can detect any concerning changes early
Julia Tzu, MD, FAAD, FACMS
Triple board-certified cosmetic and surgical dermatologistManhattan's Financial District
Trained at Stanford, Johns Hopkins, Penn & NYU
Over 10,000 mole removals
Dr. Julia Tzu has performed over 10,000 mole removals. She always seeks the least invasive option that gives the best cosmetic result. Even when excision is needed she uses precise technique to keep scarring as imperceptible as possible, with surgical results that often surpass results from noninvasive treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are moles and why do they form?
Moles, or melanocytic nevi, are common benign skin growths that form when melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) grow in clusters instead of being spread evenly throughout the skin. They can develop due to genetic factors, sun exposure, and hormonal changes. Most people develop moles during childhood and adolescence, with the average adult having 10 to 40 moles.
Are moles normal to have?
Yes, moles are very common and usually harmless. Almost every adult has at least a few moles, and having 10 to 40 moles is considered normal for adults with light skin. Most moles remain stable throughout life and never cause any health concerns. However, monitoring moles for changes is still recommended as part of regular skin health awareness.
What are the options for cosmetic mole removal?
Several dermatological procedures can remove moles for cosmetic reasons. Shave excision involves using a surgical blade to remove raised moles at skin level without stitches. Surgical excision completely removes the mole and surrounding tissue with stitches. Laser removal uses concentrated light to break down pigment cells in small, flat moles. The most suitable method is selected on the basis of the mole's characteristics, its location, and the cosmetic result each method gives.
Does cosmetic mole removal leave scars?
When the removal method suits the mole and the wound is closed with care, cosmetic mole removal typically results in minimal scarring. The type of scar depends on the removal method and location. Shave excision often leaves a round scar that fades with time. Surgical excision leaves a thin line scar that usually fades over time. Scars from mole removal on the face often heal with excellent cosmetic results due to the face's good blood supply.
What changes in a mole indicate a need for evaluation?
The ABCDE rule outlines warning signs that warrant professional evaluation: Asymmetry (one half differs from the other), Border irregularity (ragged or blurred edges), Color variation (multiple shades or colors), Diameter larger than 6 millimeters, and Evolving (changes in size, shape, color, or bleeding and crusting over weeks or months). Any mole showing these features warrants prompt evaluation by a dermatologist.
Is it concerning to develop new moles as an adult?
While most moles develop during childhood and adolescence, new moles can occasionally appear in adulthood. However, a new mole appearing after age 30 warrants attention and evaluation by a dermatologist. Adults noticing new moles or significant changes to existing moles benefit from professional assessment to ensure the growth is benign.
What can be done about moles that cause irritation?
Moles in areas where they experience friction from clothing, jewelry, or shaving can become irritated or uncomfortable. An in-person evaluation can determine whether removal would be beneficial. Removal of moles causing chronic irritation is often straightforward and can prevent ongoing discomfort. The removal method depends on the mole's size, location, and characteristics.
How is a mole removed, and what decides the method?
Three routes: a shave removal, which takes the mole flush with the skin surface; a surgical excision, which removes the full thickness and is closed with sutures; and laser removal, which suits a mole that is small, lighter colored and superficial. What decides between them is the mole type, how deep it sits, and where it is on the body. Dr. Tzu works from the least invasive option that will give the result. A shave leaves a flat mark where an excision leaves a line.
Will removing a mole leave a scar?
Every removal leaves some mark. How noticeable it ends up is a function of the method, the location, the closure and how your skin heals. Over more than 10,000 removals Dr. Tzu has built a technique around keeping that mark as imperceptible as possible, and surgical results on visible areas frequently look better than what a noninvasive alternative would have left behind.
Does a removed mole get sent to a lab?
Yes. The AAD recommends that all removed moles be sent for laboratory analysis to rule out melanoma, and all removed tissue is typically sent for histopathological examination even when the removal was done for cosmetic reasons. Dr. Tzu is board certified in dermatopathology and completed a dermatopathology fellowship at NYU Langone, which means the physician who removed the tissue is also qualified to interpret what it shows under the microscope.
Is it normal to get new moles as an adult?
Most moles appear during childhood and early adulthood. A genuinely new mole after about age 30 deserves a look, as does any mole that stands out from the pattern of your others. That does not make it cancer, but it does make it worth an examination with dermoscopy, which magnifies pigment structures that are invisible to the naked eye.
Can a mole be removed purely for cosmetic reasons?
Yes, and it is one of the most common reasons patients book. Cosmetic removal is evaluated the same way as any other: the mole is examined first, and only then is a removal method chosen. Cosmetic procedures are paid out of pocket, since insurance covers medical dermatology only.
Ready to Get Started?
Have questions about moles? Our team is here to help.
Sources & References
This article draws from 6 peer-reviewed sources.
Medical Institutions
Educational & General
Medically reviewed by Dr. Julia Tzu, MD, FAAD, FACMS · Last reviewed: 2026-08-19