Having a mole looked at and possibly removed. ?

Question

In a couple of weeks i'm having a couple of moles looked at and possibly getting them removed. I've always had them and i'm almost positive these are not cancerous, i've done my research and they don't compare to what i've looked up. Since i am having them removed completely for cosmetic reasons, will my insurance cover it? I'm sure the doctor will do a biopsy of them, so is it still cosmetic?

also, i've never had anything, but a child, removed from my body, what can i expect?

Answer 1

Hi Kimmy,

  I am a seasoned veteran of mole removal with 20+ removed!  I have NEVER had my insurance bill me for the procedure because they are considered cancer PREVENTION!   Of course, your dermatologist needs to be "in network" according to your insurance provider and you will have to pay any necessary co-pays for the actual office visit.

Think of it this way, your insurance company would rather pay for a mole biopsy now, rather than advanced cancer treatment like chemotherapy, radiation or a more in-depth surgery.

Here and there I get them taken off because they bother me and since they are always sent to the lab for testing, my insurance covers it.

Usually, you will feel a small prick/pinch of pain at the mole site since the local anesthetic is administered via syringe. The mole(s) are then removed with a scalpel and put into a jar for the lab. I have NEVER felt the Dr. cutting me, it is totally numb. They slap a band-aid with some petroleum jelly on it, and you are on your way. It's all healed in 2 weeks or less.   Every so often they will require a suture, but that is rare. And on those occasions, they normally use the dissolving sutures. If you are concerned about scarring, there are several anti-scar creams you can buy to rub on the scar and it will eventually fade away. Ask your dermatologist for a recommendation, she might even have some samples.

It's also like getting a tattoo, once you get one, you will want others (removed)!

Good luck!

Answer 2

I was also going to get moles removed, but since they are not cancerous, my insurance does not cover it.  I'm not sure what kind of insurance you have, but usually the companies do not cover cosmetic procedures.

Answer 3

im not sure about insurance.. but expect 3 long seconds of pain... sorry thats all i will tell u.... idk if u wanna know... i got moles removed last year

Answer 4

I'm not sure about the insurance part, but I've had 3 moles removed for cosmetic reasons and it was totally worth it!  I know it wasn't fun to have the procedure, but I don't recall much (if any) pain.  I'm sure your doctor will numb the area first.  Compared to child birth, wouldn't even register as pain. ;)

When I got home and removed my bandages...I looked in horror at the deep cuts left behind.  I thought I had probably made a mistake.  They never hurt though and healed beautifully.  I would just follow your doctor's cleaning and care directions to a tee.

Good luck!  :)