A closeup of a beauty mark.
Beauty mark removal methods may vary depending on the specifics of the beauty mark. Some people refer to blemishes as beauty marks and may need to be shaved, cauterized, or lasered to remove them. Beauty marks that are flat and look like large freckles or age spots may be easier to remove because they are usually smaller and do not grow below the skin’s surface. Bleaching creams, laser treatments, and chemical peels can make these blemishes less visible or even remove them altogether. Some beauty mark removal treatments, such as whitening creams, can be used at home, while others, such as laser treatments and surgeries, are performed by a dermatologist.
An embossed beauty mark.
Surgical options to remove beauty marks include cutting, shaving, or cauterizing. For larger moles that don’t respond effectively to other treatments, surgery may be the best option. If a wart or mole is large, stitches may be needed, and the procedure may leave a scar. For this reason, some people may prefer to use this treatment for blemishes that are not located on visible areas of the body. Once a mole is surgically removed, there is also a chance that it may grow back and the procedure may need to be repeated several times to be effective. If a surgically removed patch grows back, it should be evaluated by a doctor to make sure it is not cancerous.
Woman with a mole on her upper lip.
Laser beauty mark removal is one of the most effective methods and can be used for blemishes, age spots, and other skin discolorations. This can be caused by excessive sun exposure, aging, or natural skin pigmentation. A laser procedure involves removing the top layers of damaged skin to reveal healthier skin underneath. A patient may experience redness and irritation along with other side effects after a laser procedure, and some topical treatment may be necessary. For the most part, people who opt for this type of treatment will need to avoid sun exposure, which can cause beauty marks to return.
Beauty mark removal may involve cauterization.
Topical treatments to remove skin discoloration and age spots are also available, but are generally not effective for blemishes. Chemical peels and microdermabrasion treatments remove the outer layers of skin to help remove beauty marks and other dark spots along with wrinkles. Patients often experience little downtime with these procedures, but as with laser treatment, they will need to stay out of the sun and be careful when applying sunscreen.
Whitening creams are not very effective.
Many local drugstores and pharmacies sell over-the-counter bleaching creams, which are another option for removing beauty marks. However, unless the mark is large, it can be difficult to apply the cream only where it is needed. If it comes into contact with surrounding skin, that skin will also be lighter. In general, lightening creams are not considered to be as effective as other methods for removing blemishes and age spots.