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Mole/birthmark Removal, Should I Do It Surgically or with Electrocautery?
asked 7 months ago by juliatoronto in vaughan ON
Latest answer by Robert L. Kraft, MD
Question viewed 319 times
Tags: arms, options
Hi I have this mole/birthmark its a completely flat brown nevus on my arm probably 1 cm wide and I have always felt insecure about it and finally at 20 ive decided im going to get it removed. I went to a laser clinic and they told me that because its very deep, I would need electrocautery laser to remove it. However, thats going to leave white scarring and and its going to cost 500$. Do you think I should go with electrocautery or have it removed surgically? And what would be the less scarring?
3 answers to Mole/birthmark Removal, Should I Do It Surgically or with Electrocautery?
+1
Nevus removal
Surgical excision is recommended as this will produce a specimen for pathologic analysis and completely remove the lesion. The lesion will be replaced by a linear scar and a board certified plastic surgeon can use closure techniques to create the best possible scar. Full excision is covered by most insurance plans.
+1
Surgery is preferred method for removing nevus (mole)
Surgery is definitely the preferred method to remove a mole (nevus) for two reasons.
One: it works better cosmetically and Two: any mole removed should be sent for pathology to exlude cancer.
A one centimeter mole is larger than usual and warrants pathologic exam - this should be covered by insurance.
Electrosurgical destruction will probably not completely remove it and will generate heat, causing longer healing and usually a less desirable scar.
I have...
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Robert Strimling, MD
Las Vegas Dermatologist
Las Vegas Dermatologist
+1
Surgery vs electrocauterization for birthmarks
The vast majority of moles/birthmarks tend to be benign. A small portion may be malignant (ie, melanoma) or pre-malignant (ie, dysplastic nevus). Although you would be trading your mole for a surgical scar, the major advantage would be complete excision of the birthmark so that there is no chance of developing a malignant, albeit rare, complication. Also, you would be obtaining a firm diagnosis which offers peace of mind. Depending on the source, there is...
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Andre Panossian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon