You've probably noticed them: small, flesh-colored bumps on your neck or underarms, or brown spots that have been on your skin for years. Skin tags and moles are incredibly common, especially in South Florida where sun exposure plays a major role in how our skin ages and changes. While most are completely benign, it's important to know when a mole or skin tag should be checked by a board-certified dermatologist.
At Dermatology Experts, with locations in Tamarac, Parkland, and Miami, Dr. Angelo Ayar and our team help patients across South Florida understand what's normal and what needs further evaluation. Here's what you need to know about skin tags, moles, and when it's time to schedule a professional skin check.
Skin tags are small, soft growths that hang off the skin, typically appearing on the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, or under the breasts. They're made of loose collagen fibers and blood vessels surrounded by skin. While they're not dangerous, they can be annoying, especially if they catch on clothing or jewelry.
Common causes of skin tags include:
Skin tags are usually harmless and don't require removal unless they become irritated, bleed, or bother you cosmetically. If you want them removed for comfort or appearance, a dermatologist can safely remove them in a quick office procedure.
Moles, also called nevi, are clusters of pigmented cells that appear as brown, tan, or black spots on the skin. Most people have between 10 and 40 moles by adulthood, and the majority remain completely benign throughout life. However, moles can sometimes change in ways that signal a need for closer evaluation.
Signs a mole should be checked by a dermatologist:
These are known as the ABCDEs of melanoma detection. If you notice any of these changes, it's important to schedule a skin cancer screening as soon as possible. Early detection can make all the difference.
Living in South Florida means year-round sun exposure, which increases your risk for sun damage and skin cancer. Even if you're diligent about sun protection now, past sun exposure, especially during childhood and adolescence, can contribute to changes in your moles over time.
You should schedule a professional mole check if:
Dr. Ayar, who trained at the University of Michigan and has extensive experience in skin cancer detection and treatment, recommends annual skin exams for all adult patients, and more frequent checks for those at higher risk. During a mole check, he examines every mole on your body and may use dermoscopy, a specialized tool that allows for a closer look at suspicious spots.
If Dr. Ayar identifies a mole that looks atypical or concerning, he may recommend a biopsy or removal. This is a straightforward in-office procedure performed under local anesthesia. The mole is carefully removed and, if needed, sent to a lab for analysis.
Reasons a mole may be removed:
Most mole removals heal quickly with minimal scarring, especially when performed by an experienced, board-certified dermatologist. Dr. Ayar takes care to use precise surgical techniques that prioritize both your health and cosmetic outcome.
At Dermatology Experts, we believe in proactive skin care. That means partnering with you to monitor your skin over time, catch potential problems early, and provide treatment that's both effective and minimally invasive. Whether you're concerned about a changing mole, want a baseline skin exam, or need a bothersome skin tag removed, our team is here to help.
With three convenient locations in Tamarac, Parkland, and Miami, it's easy to get the expert care you need close to home. We see patients from across Broward and Miami-Dade counties, including Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Boca Raton, and Fort Lauderdale.
If you've noticed a new or changing mole, or you're overdue for a skin check, don't wait. Early detection saves lives, and peace of mind is just one appointment away.
Call Dermatology Experts today at (954) 726-2000 to schedule your mole check or skin tag evaluation at our Tamarac, Parkland, or Miami office.