Jennifer T. Haley, MD, FAAD

You can certainly have your mole removed but most Dermatologists would prefer leaving a mole unless it is cancerous.  If a mole is removed for cosmetic reasons, the scar should look better than the mole itself.  Once you have a scar, especially in an area that stretches/flexes continuously every time you walk, it is there forever.  So, if you would prefer a wide fish-mouth scar instead of your mole, explain this to your doctor and find the best surgeon around!

The salicylic acid burned your skin.  Aquaphor or Vaniply are great options immediately until the epidermis (top layer of the skin) heals.  After the wound heals, you should expect to see "post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation".  Basically, all the inflammation caused the pigment cells to migrate to the area.  Strict sun protection (hat + sunscreen with spf 30+ with zinc oxide EVERY AM) and lightening creams (with or without hydroquinone) applied to that spot and blended outwards for 3+ months is recommended.  It will fade over time.  If you are not satisfied with the area at 3 months, I recommend seeing a Board Certified Dermatologist.

Dermatologists will vary in the daily dosage they prescribe for patients with acne.  Typical dosage is about 1 mg/kg/day which equates to about 50 mg daily for you.  In achieving successful treatment, we look at the whole patient and how they respond to treatment.  My approach is to usually start low and then bump to 1 mg/kg/day after the first month.  Goal treatment is about 150mg/kg total cumulative dosage.  If I have a patient who is moving or deploying in the military or going to college and wants to complete therapy quicker than the average 5-6 months, I will put them on a higher daily dosage (assuming no side effects, pregnancy, all blood work is monitored carefully).  If I have a patient who cannot have any dryness or side effects (athlete, public speaker, etc), I will put them on a lower daily dosage for a longer period of time.  What matters is reaching that goal CUMULATIVE dosage and being clear of acne clinically, of course.  If you have any concerns, speak with your doctor as dosage can be easily adjusted.  Don't do it on your own - a good relationship for the long term is key for successful treatment with this highly effective medication.

You have a very common question and are on great topical medications.  While Accutane (Isotretinoin) will help your acne, it may return once you discontinue treatment if your acne is hormonally-driven.  Hormonal acne is usually the culprit after age 21, consists of deep, tender inflamed pimples primarily on the lower half of the face, lasts longer than average pimples, and heals with pigmentation or persistent redness.  I recommend Spironolactone for adult acne and most Dermatologists are comfortable with this medication so please speak with yours.  I also find that low glycemic diet (nothing in a wrapper or processed), taking zinc 25 mg daily, and fish oil (if not contraindicated), and other dietary/lifestyle changes can help long-term.  There is hope.

Yes - Botox works by rebalancing muscles so that muscles that move in an undesirable way (in this case pulling down), can be weakened so that they muscles that naturally elevate will dominate and give you the arch you desire.  As we age, we lose volume in our upper face.  If this is the case, some filler in your temples or lateral brow will also assist with giving a nice three dimensional lifting appearance.