Mole removal is performed for various reasons and is performed by two surgical methods which are as follows:

• Removal by excision (cutting)  with or without stitches
• Removal by shaving, using a scalpel without the use of sutures.

Although laser excision has been tried for moles, it is not the method of choice for those that are deeper as the laser light beam does not penetrate deep enough, leaving no tissue to be examined histopathologically.

Typically, the plastic surgeon or dermatologist may choose to remove the mole by excision with or without stitches, depending on the depth of the mole.