Mole Removal: Q&A
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Mole Removal by Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon?
I have a mole on the border of my lip that I need to have removed because it is malignant, but I'm not sure if I should let my dermatologist remove it. Because it is located on my face (and because I don't want to look deformed after it is removed), I am wondering if I should go to a plastic surgeon or a facial plastic surgeon instead. What type of doctor is most qualified to remove a mole from my face without making me look deformed?
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27 Doctor Answers |
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anon
+4
In this case, it may take a team approach. Depending on...
In this case, it may take a team approach. Depending on the type of malignancy that it is, the best option may be to have a specially trained dermatologist perform Mohs micrographic surgery to remove the lesion and a facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon perform the reconstruction.
Mohs micrographic surgery is a procedure where a specially trained physician, usually a specially trained dermatologist, will remove the lesion in such a way as to be able to examine the borders at the...
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+3
Play it safe with your Face
Although dermatologists are completely qualified to remove moles, plastic surgeons are more qualified to keep the scar minimum afterwards.
Depending on your insurance, it may be possible for your excision to be covered, even if it is removed by a doctor outside of the network.
If your main objective is to have your face looking as if nothing were ever there, it is worth the expense for a board certified plastic surgeon to remove your mole. Especially since it is bordering your lip, which is...
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+2
Most Qualified Surgeon to Remove Malignant Mole on Face
Your choice and you certainly have options. If it was my face I would pick the surgeon with the most training and experience. That would be a board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery plastic surgeon. Additionally if extra normal skin needs to be removed as in the case of many melanomas and aggressive skin cancers, the plastic surgeon would best be equipped to reconstruct the defect in most cases. Also please note that "Facial Plastic Surgeons"...
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+2
To avoid being deformed, you need a surgeon...
To avoid being deformed, you need a surgeon specificially experienced with operating on the lip.
While some dermatologists have experience in these things, I think in general for a malignancy in this area, that I would suggest you see a surgeon.
Whether it should be a facial plastic or a general plastic is tough to say. Both groups have adequate training and understanding. It would come down to the experience of the individual doctor.
I'll tell you what I would do if I had this: I would...
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+1
Malignant Mole on your face
Depending on what type of malignancy you may need two doctors to work together - a Moh's surgeon to cut the cancer cells out and make sure the margins are clear- and a Plastic Surgeon to close the wound to make sure you get the best cosmetic result. Surgery near the lip is a difficult area and you need someone highly qualified and trained.
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+1
Mole removal
It may be best to have the lesion removed by a Mohs surgeon and then see a facial plastic surgeon perform the reconstruction.
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Dermatologist vs Plastic Surgeon, the good, the bad, the ugly
First off, I am a Dermatologist. I have a general dermatology practice and perform many cosmetic as well as advanced surgical procedures in treating skin cancers. I am military trained and have worked extensively with 3 Mohs surgeons and have set up Mohs programs in military training centers. Another qualifier is that there are good and not so good physicians in every specialty. In your situation, based on your history, you probably have a...
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Mole removals are best done by Dermatologic Surgeons!
Although plastic surgeons can remove moles, most don't know whether the mole is deep or superficial or where the edges begin and end or whether the lesion is a mole or a keratosis or fibroma etc...and they tend to cut and stitch everything whether it needs it or not. This is where the derm surgeon has the most expertise and can remove the lesion without over cutting the skin for a bigger scar than is necessary. Many lesions that look like moles can be curretted or shaved rather...
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Mole Removal on the Lip - Dermatologic Surgeon of Plastic Surgeon?
As mentioned by another physician, i think it is disappointing there are so many answers with such obvious bias. Depending on their skill, training and comfort level, both dermatologic surgeons and plastic surgeons can perform surgery on the lips and achieve great results for their patients. In fact, removing moles on delicate anatomical areas is something that Mohs Surgeons (dermatologists with specialty training in surgery and skin cancer surgical treatments) do all day. The...
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Plastic surgeon for lip cancer removal
Both plastic surgeons and dermatologists can remove skin cancers. However the plastic surgeon is experienced in the highest level of wound closure to achieve the best possible scar. Skin cancer excision requires wide margins and the scarring will be more extensive than that of benign lesions so it is important to place yourself in the hands of a surgeon who can address the complexity of closure in the lip, particularly if the lesion extends past the vermillion border dividing the pink of the...
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