Mole Removal: Q&A

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Can a Mole Be Removed Without Leaving a Scar?

What can I expect in terms of scars after mole removal? Is it possible to do it with no scars whatsoever?

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22 Doctor Answers | Asked by Eva S in Seattle, WA
+4

Never remove a mole with a laser.

I disagree with a posting by another physician here. True moles (nevi) are collections of melanocytes, the cells that make melanoma if they become malignant, not just random brown patches on the skin. These should never, ever be removed by laser. Laser may remove the outer layer of the pigment cells, leaving deeper melanocytes that can't be well monitored for changes over time. Any mole removal should be surgical (shave or excision) and be sent for pathologic evaluation to... more
+3

Removing a mole will always leave a scar.

There are three things which make a scar noticeable. 1. Thickness or if it raised 2. Width 3. darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. The surgeon that does your mole removal should understand these issues and be knowledgeable of the techniques used to prevent or minimize their occurrence.
+3

Scars after mole removal

Anything that traumatizes the skin has the potential to leave a scar. Some scars heal so well that they're barely perceptalble. These might be the scars that patients might refer to as a "no scar" type of surgery. However, there are a lot of factors that determine the ultimate outcome, including what type of procedure was done (shave vs. excision), whether the wound was closed or allowed to heal by itself, whether there was any complication, such as thickened scarring or... more

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+2

Surgery means a surgical scar

Patients often come to me as a plastic surgeon for mole removal because they "don't want a scar." It is impossible to make a surgical cut and not leave a scar. What plastic surgeons and anyone who pays attention to getting the best possible cosmetic outcome do is to allign scars along natural skin tension lines to minimize the scarring.  
+2

Scarless Mole Removal

Depending on the type of mole, some can be removed with a "scarless" technique.  I use a modification of a shave technique which makes it very difficult if not impossible to tell where the mole has been removed.  
+2

Mole Removal By Scalpel Sculpting: The No Stitches Way

Scalpel Sculpting is a three-minute, simple way to remove moles (often called "beauty marks," or "birth marks.") without the need for cutting deeply into the skin or placing any stitches. Most moles are benign overgrowths of pigment cells. Typically, they begin as flat brown spots and with time begin to grow and stick out above the skin surface. That's when they come to most people's attention, especially when they are on the highly visible areas of the face, neck and especially on the... more
+1

Moles can be removed without scars

Moles can be removed without scars depending on the size and location of the lesion itself and the nature of the mole. If the mole needs a shave removal as opposed to stitches, you are much less likely to get a scar. The area can remain red while it heals for several weeks but should return to your natural color. Some moles are deep and the pigmentation may recur in that area. It is best to consult a board certified dermatologist both in terms of diagnosing and... more
+1

Mole removal

If a mole is being completely surgically excised, there will be a scar in its place. As a plastic surgeon, the goal is to make that scar look as best it possibly can. I recommend that you see a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation.
+1

Mole Removal

No, removing a mole will leave a scar. How bad the scarring will be depends on your on the size, depth, and location of the mole. The removal the technique used to remove the scar and how well you follow your post might also affect the scar. It is important to follow all of your post procedure instructions. "Dr.D"
+1

Can a mole be removed without a scar?

Any time the skin is cut, it will heal with a scar. How obvious the scar is depends on the size of what is being removed, the location of the spot being removed, how the person heals, and the technique used to remove it. Certain areas, like the chest and arms, are more apt to form a scar. Shave removal and excision with stitches are both good options for removing moles. Moles can be sent to a dermatopathologist to be examined.
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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

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