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Moles

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Moles, known medically as melanocytic nevi, are benign growths that form when pigment-producing melanocytes cluster together rather than spreading evenly through the skin. Most adults have between 10 and 40 moles, which may appear anywhere on the body in shades ranging from pink to dark brown or black. The overwhelming majority never cause a problem. Patients commonly seek evaluation because a mole has changed or because it catches on a collar, strap or razor. Dr. Julia Tzu has personally performed over 10,000 mole removals at the Financial District office. She selects the least invasive method that can still give a good cosmetic result. When surgical excision is appropriate, she closes the wound with technique aimed at keeping the scar as inconspicuous as the skin allows. Dr. Tzu holds American Board of Dermatology certification in dermatopathology as well as in dermatology and Mohs surgery, so interpreting tissue sent for microscopic examination falls within that same specialty.

5 min read · Last updated: 2026-02-08 · Reviewed by Dr. Julia Tzu , MD, FAAD, FACMS

At a Glance

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 dermatologist

Julia Tzu, MD, FAAD, FACMS

Triple board-certified cosmetic and surgical dermatologist · Manhattan'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.

More About Dr. Tzu →

Frequently Asked Questions

On this page

  1. What are the symptoms of Moles?
  2. When should you seek care for Moles?
  3. What causes Moles?
  4. How are Moles treated?
  5. Prognosis
  6. FAQs
  7. Sources

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Sources & References

This article draws from 6 peer-reviewed sources.

Medical Institutions

  • [3] Mayo Clinic – Moles Symptoms and Causes
  • [5] Cleveland Clinic – Moles: What They Are, Causes, Types
  • [6] Cleveland Clinic – Mole Removal

Educational & General

  • [1] AAD – Moles Overview
  • [2] AAD – Moles: Who Gets and Types
  • [4] NCI – Common Moles, Dysplastic Nevi, and Risk of Melanoma

Medically reviewed by Dr. Julia Tzu , MD, FAAD, FACMS · Last reviewed: 2026-08-31

Medical Dermatology | Cosmetic Dermatology | Mohs Surgery

World-Class Cosmetic & Surgical Dermatologist in NYC

Julia Tzu, MD, FAAD, FACMS — Financial District, New York

Call (212) 931-0538

Frequently asked questions

What are moles, why do they form, and are they normal?
Moles are common, usually harmless clusters of pigment-producing melanocytes. They can develop because of genetic factors, sun exposure and hormonal changes, and most appear during childhood and adolescence. Almost every adult has at least a few. An average of 10 to 40 moles is considered normal for adults with light skin, and most remain stable throughout life without causing a health concern. Monitoring them for changes is still recommended as part of regular skin health awareness.
How is a mole removed, and what determines the method?
The three routes are shave removal, surgical excision and laser removal. A shave uses a surgical blade to take a raised mole flush with the skin surface and does not require stitches. Surgical excision removes the full thickness of the mole and surrounding tissue, then closes the area with sutures. Laser removal uses concentrated light to break down pigment cells and may suit a mole that is small, flat, lighter colored and superficial. The choice depends on the mole type, its depth and characteristics, its location on the body, and the cosmetic result associated with each method. Dr. Tzu works from the least invasive option that will give the result. A shave leaves a flat or round mark, while an excision leaves a line.
Will cosmetic mole removal leave a scar?
Every removal leaves some mark. When the method suits the mole and the wound is closed carefully, cosmetic mole removal typically results in minimal scarring. A shave often leaves a round scar that fades with time, while surgical excision leaves a thin line that usually fades. How noticeable the final mark becomes depends on the method, location, closure and how the skin heals. Facial removal often heals with excellent cosmetic results because of the face’s good blood supply. Across more than 10,000 removals, Dr. Tzu has developed a technique aimed at keeping the mark as imperceptible as possible. On visible areas, surgical results frequently look better than what a noninvasive alternative would have left behind.
What changes in a mole call for evaluation?
See a dermatologist promptly if a mole shows an ABCDE warning sign: Asymmetry, where one half differs from the other; an irregular, ragged or blurred Border; Color variation involving multiple shades or colors; a Diameter larger than 6 millimeters; or Evolving size, shape or color. Bleeding or crusting over weeks or months also calls for evaluation.
Is it concerning to develop a new mole as an adult?
Most moles appear during childhood and early adulthood, but new ones can occasionally develop later. A genuinely new mole after about age 30 deserves evaluation, as does one that stands out from the pattern of your other moles or an existing mole that changes significantly. That does not make it cancer, but it does make professional assessment appropriate. Dermoscopy magnifies pigment structures that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
What can be done about a mole that causes irritation?
Moles that repeatedly rub against clothing or jewelry, or catch during shaving, can become irritated and uncomfortable. An examination can determine whether removal would be beneficial. Removing a mole that causes chronic irritation is often straightforward and can prevent ongoing discomfort. The method depends on the mole’s size, location and characteristics.
Does a removed mole get sent to a laboratory?
Yes. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that all removed moles be sent for laboratory analysis to rule out melanoma, and removed tissue is typically submitted for histopathological examination even when the reason for removal was cosmetic. 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.
Can a mole be removed purely for cosmetic reasons?
Yes. Cosmetic concerns are among the most common reasons patients seek mole removal. The mole is examined first, just as it would be for any other removal, and the method is selected only after that evaluation. Cosmetic procedures are paid out of pocket because insurance covers medical dermatology only.

Sources & references

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