IPL is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that uses high-intensity, broad-spectrum light to address various skin concerns. Moles, medically known as nevi, are common skin growths that develop when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) grow in clusters. While IPL is effective for many forms of skin pigmentation, it is generally not recommended or safe for the removal of true moles. The primary reason for this caution is the medical risk associated with applying light therapy to a lesion that could potentially be or become a melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
How Intense Pulsed Light Targets Pigmentation
Intense Pulsed Light technology operates by emitting a flash of light containing a wide range of wavelengths, unlike a laser which uses a single, focused wavelength. This broad-spectrum light is selectively absorbed by chromophores, which are light-absorbing targets within the skin. The most relevant chromophore for pigmentation issues is melanin, the dark pigment responsible for skin and hair color.
When the light is absorbed by the melanin in pigmented spots, the light energy is converted into heat. This thermal energy causes the pigmented cells to break down into smaller particles, a process called photothermolysis. The body then eliminates these fragmented particles, leading to a fading or elimination of the spot over several weeks.
IPL is designed to treat superficial pigment concerns like sunspots, age spots, and freckles, which are benign accumulations of melanin in the upper skin layers. Moles are fundamentally different; they are deeper, dense proliferations of melanocyte cells, not just surface-level pigment. This difference makes IPL an ineffective and risky removal method for moles.
The light energy from an IPL device may lighten the color of a mole by targeting the most superficial pigment, but it often does not penetrate deeply enough to remove the entire structure. This incomplete treatment can lead to the mole regrowing. It may also cause superficial burns or irritation due to the high concentration of melanin absorbing excessive heat.
The Critical Danger of Treating Moles with Light Therapy
The most serious concern regarding the use of IPL on moles is the potential for masking a melanoma, a malignant tumor of melanocytes. Moles must be medically assessed before any removal procedure because some can transform into melanoma. Early detection is crucial for a favorable prognosis.
Applying IPL to a pigmented lesion can cause a temporary lightening of the mole’s color, or it can alter its shape and texture. This change makes it significantly harder for a dermatologist to accurately assess the lesion using standard diagnostic tools like a dermatoscope. The treatment interferes with the visual cues—such as asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, and diameter (the ABCDE method)—that doctors use to identify suspicious growths.
If a developing melanoma’s surface characteristics are masked by IPL treatment, a diagnosis can be missed or significantly delayed. The delay allows the cancer to progress, potentially spreading deeper into the skin and to other parts of the body. Even if a mole is benign, light-based treatments may not remove the entire cell cluster, leaving a portion behind that is difficult to monitor for future changes.
Medical professionals recommend that any pigmented lesion considered for removal must first be examined by a dermatologist. If the lesion is suspicious, it should be removed using a method that allows for a complete pathological analysis of the tissue. This microscopic examination is the definitive way to confirm whether the lesion is benign or malignant, an assurance that IPL cannot provide.
Medically Approved Procedures for Mole Removal
Once a skin growth has been examined and deemed safe for removal, dermatologists use several established surgical techniques. These methods prioritize both complete removal and pathological analysis. The choice of procedure depends on the mole’s size, depth, location, and suspicion of malignancy.
Shave Excision
For small, raised, and confirmed benign moles, a shave excision is often performed. The area is numbed with a local anesthetic, and a sterile razor or scalpel blade is used to shave the mole off flush with the surrounding skin. This technique is cosmetically favorable because it generally requires no stitches and leaves a minimal scar.
Punch Excision
A punch biopsy or excision is typically used for smaller, flat moles that extend slightly into the dermis. A specialized circular tool is rotated into the skin to remove a cylindrical piece of tissue containing the entire mole. The resulting small circular hole may be closed with a single suture.
Surgical Excision
The most comprehensive technique is a surgical or full excision, required for any mole suspected of being malignant or for deeply rooted benign moles. The doctor uses a scalpel to cut out the entire mole, along with a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue, ensuring all potentially abnormal cells are removed. The wound is then closed with stitches, and the removed tissue is sent to a lab for histopathological examination. This process of submitting the full specimen for analysis makes these surgical methods medically superior to IPL, as it ensures a clear diagnosis and confirmation of complete removal.