Removing flesh-toned mole on head

asked 2 years ago by texan75 in Austin, Tx.
Latest answer by Andrew Kaufman, MD
Question viewed 2,385 times
Tags: female, hair, insurance, scalp, skin tags

I have an ugly big mole on my head and I want to have it removed. It is of the same color of my scalp and its shape has changed, it looks kind of like a mushroom with thin edges. It is very soft and sometimes it hurts.

I have a hard time getting my hair done because I am embarrassed and I never let anyone run their fingers through my hair for the same reason. How would that get removed? Would they need to shave my hair? Would the insurance cover the removal. I am a female by the way. Thanks.

5 answers to Removing flesh-toned mole on head

Mole Removal on the Scalp

A mole of the type you describe (skin colored, mushroom shape, traumatized by grooming) is usually best treated by shave excision on the scalp. No hair needs to be shaved. It's a simple, short procedure. If the dermatologist feels that there are some atypical features to this mole when they examine you, they might recommend excision and suturing, but most likely shave excision will suffice. Since the mole is symptomatic and changing, your insurance should cover its removal, but of course... more

Andrew Kaufman, MD
Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon

Best Methods of Mole Removal

The good news is that typically when I remove scalp nevi (moles) I will usually use a "shave excision" method. The mole is actually "shaved off" at a level just below the surface of the skin. This method is quite effective to remove moles and leaves a minimal scar. No hair is removed or destroyed. The procedure typically takes less than a minute, and is fairly painless. Moles that are removed in this fashion will rarely recur enough to be bothersome. If they do, they can... more

Mitchell Schwartz, MD
South Burlington Dermatologic Surgeon

dorsetstreetdermatology.com

Mole on scalp

Dermatologists often see moles on scalp that are traumatized by hair brushing etc.. Depending on the appearance of the mole, also called a nevus, the dermatologist can decide whether it should be removed deeply with stitches, or simply by a more shallow shave to remove the part that sticks out and gets traumatized. Either way, the tissue removed is sent to a pathologist to make sure it is completely benign. Generally, unless the lesion is very suspicious, no hair needs to... more

Madeline Krauss, MD
Boston Dermatologic Surgeon

Mole removal from scalp

In order to remove a mole completely, an excision that includes the deeper portions of the skin needs to be performed. Taking a mole off the surface of the skin may not remove the entire lesion and it may recur. For an excision, a small area surrounding the mole would need to be shaved so that the wound dressing can be applied after the surgery. The question is also why the mole is tender. Is it because you are traumatizing it when brushing or washing your hair? ... more

Emily Altman, MD
Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

Mole removal

Mole removal from the scalp does not need shaving of the hair. As for insurance coverage, that would depend on your insurance and specifics of the policy. check with your insurance. Consult a board certified plastic surgeon to get the best scar possible.

Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

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