Board-Certified Dermatologist | 34+ Years Experience
Moles are common skin growths that can develop anywhere on the body. Most moles are benign, but some may become irritated, change in appearance, or require evaluation to determine whether they should be removed.
At Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., Dr. Holmes provides personalized evaluation and mole removal in Washington, DC. As a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience, Dr. Holmes evaluates each mole based on its appearance, size, location, symptoms, and individual characteristics when determining whether removal is appropriate.
Schedule a Mole Removal Consultation
Mole removal procedures are scheduled by phone. Call our office to discuss your concerns and determine the appropriate next step.
Call: 202-737-6800A mole, also called a nevus, is a common skin growth that develops when pigment-producing cells called melanocytes grow in a cluster.
Moles can vary in:
They may be flat or raised and can range from light brown to dark brown or other shades.
Most moles are harmless. However, a mole that is new, changing, bleeding, or otherwise unusual should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Not every mole needs to be removed.
Mole removal may be considered when a mole:
Dr. Holmes will determine whether removal is appropriate based on the individual mole and your concerns.
A mole should be evaluated if you notice changes such as:
A changing mole does not necessarily mean that it is cancerous, but changes should be evaluated rather than assumed to be harmless.
Mole evaluation and mole removal are two different services.
A dermatologist may evaluate a mole without recommending removal when it appears benign and is not causing problems.
Removal may be recommended when a mole is:
If a mole has concerning features, the primary goal is appropriate diagnosis and evaluation rather than cosmetic removal alone.
Dr. Holmes will examine the mole and consider:
When appropriate, additional evaluation or biopsy may be recommended.
The removal technique depends on the type, size, location, and characteristics of the mole.
When appropriate, mole removal may involve a procedure such as:
The appropriate technique depends on the individual mole and the reason for removal.
Dr. Holmes will discuss the recommended approach during your evaluation.
Mole removal is generally performed using local anesthesia to numb the treatment area.
You may feel pressure or movement during the procedure, but the area should be adequately numbed.
Some tenderness, swelling, or discomfort may occur after removal as the area heals.
The time required for mole removal depends on:
Your expected procedure time can be discussed during your consultation.
When a mole is removed because its appearance is concerning or the diagnosis needs to be confirmed, the tissue may be sent for laboratory examination.
Pathology results can help determine whether the growth is benign or requires additional treatment.
Dr. Holmes will determine whether laboratory evaluation is appropriate based on the individual lesion.
After removal, the treated area will need time to heal.
Depending on the removal technique, you may receive instructions regarding:
Following your post-procedure instructions can help support proper healing.
Any procedure that removes tissue from the skin can result in some degree of scarring.
The final appearance of a scar can depend on:
Dr. Holmes will discuss expected healing and scarring as part of your treatment planning.
Patients with skin of color may experience pigmentation changes following inflammation or injury.
After mole removal, the treated area may temporarily become darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. Individual scar formation can also vary.
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers each patient's natural pigmentation and individual skin characteristics when evaluating moles and discussing removal.
Learn more about Dermatology for Skin of Color in Washington, DC →
A mole may sometimes recur or pigment may reappear in the treated area depending on the type of removal performed.
If a growth returns or a new or changing lesion develops, a dermatology evaluation can help determine whether additional assessment is appropriate.
Mole removal is not the same as skin cancer treatment.
Most moles are benign, but some lesions may have features that require biopsy or further evaluation.
If a removed mole is found to contain skin cancer or a precancerous change, additional treatment may be necessary depending on the diagnosis.
For this reason, suspicious or changing moles should be evaluated by a dermatologist rather than treated solely as a cosmetic concern.
Learn more about Skin Cancer Treatment in Washington, DC →
Consider scheduling an evaluation if a mole:
A dermatologist can determine whether the mole appears benign, requires monitoring, or should be removed or further evaluated.
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Board-Certified Dermatologist
with 34+ years of experience
Comprehensive Mole Evaluation
to determine whether removal or additional evaluation is appropriate
Individualized Treatment Planning
based on the mole's size, location, appearance, and characteristics
Experience With All Skin Types
including patients with skin of color
Attention to Healing and Scarring
with consideration for individual skin characteristics
Recognized
2025 Best Dermatologist in Dupont Circle
Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience serving patients in Washington, DC.
She provides individualized evaluation and treatment for moles, skin growths, and other dermatologic concerns. When mole removal is appropriate, Dr. Holmes considers the characteristics and location of the mole, the patient's symptoms and concerns, and whether additional evaluation may be necessary.
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers each patient's individual skin characteristics when evaluating moles and planning treatment.
Learn more about Dr. Holmes →
If you have a mole that is changing, irritated, bothersome, or otherwise concerning, a dermatology evaluation can help determine whether it should be monitored, removed, or further evaluated.
Schedule a Mole Removal Consultation in Washington, DC
