Some people are born with moles, but they can also appear later in life. Moles can be cancerous or benign. They occur when your skin cells reproduce abnormally. A person may want to have a mole removed for a number of reasons, including a desire to safeguard their health, a pursuit of comfort, or aesthetic preferences. A dermatologist can remove your mole quickly and safely. Here are four things you can do to prepare for your mole treatment:

1. Get a full-body skin cancer screening.

Dermatologists sometimes recommend mole removal when they believe a mole may be cancerous. If you're having a suspicious mole removed, you should schedule a full-body cancer screening before your mole excision surgery. A cancer screening will allow your dermatologist to check your body for additional suspicious moles, which can be removed at the same time. Many people find it more convenient to have multiple moles removed during the same procedure.

2. Wear loose-fitting clothing.

Moles can form anywhere on your body. If your mole is located in a place that's usually covered by clothing, make sure to plan appropriately. Tight clothing can irritate the surgical site after your procedure is over. Prevent unnecessary discomfort by wearing loose-fitting clothing. If your mole is located on your back, chest, or shoulder, you may want to forgo wearing a bra. Prioritize comfort over appearance for the best experience.

3. Skip your usual makeup routine.

If your mole is located on your face, you won't have to worry about clothing irritating it. However, you should still prepare for your surgery. Skip your usual makeup routine on the day of your mole removal treatment. Your doctor will need to remove makeup from the surgical site anyway, and you may not want to wash your face later. Show up to your appointment with a clean, freshly washed face.

4. Consider securing a ride home.

The mole removal procedure is performed using local anesthesia, which means you'll be conscious but unable to feel pain for the duration of the surgery. Local anesthesia should not affect your cognition or motor skills, so you'll be able to drive yourself home after your procedure if you desire. However, you may be in pain once the anesthesia wears off. Driving may not be comfortable right away. You may want to save yourself the stress by asking a friend or family member to drive you home after your mole removal treatment.

For more information about mole treatment, contact a dermatologist.