William T. Massengale, MD

Yes.  Dermatologists often sample the mole using the shave biopsy technique.  During this procedure the portion of the mole above the skin surface is removed and tested.  Pigment cells often go deeper than the surface and can repigment the skin after this incomplete removal technique.  The rule of thumb is that if the top of the mole is benign, recurrent pigment after shave removal is considered benign as well.  If you are desiring a more "permanent" fix, excision and suture is a complete removal.  Hope this helps.

Moles that recur result from incomplete removal.  The most popular mole removal technique is referred to as "the shave removal."  It removes the portion of the mole above the skin surface, often accomplishing the goal of flattening the area to reduce accidentally hitting the mole with the razor or getting rubbed by a bra strap.  The flat area that is left is much less noticeable than the original mole in most cases and can be easily covered with make up.  In many cases, the mole cells extend much deeper around hair follicles and given time, can regenerate the mole as in your case.  With each removal, the mole typically becomes smaller.

So to answer your question, I would ask if the mole bothers you.  If yes, then you certainly can.  The fact that the mole returned does not make it worrisome for skin cancer.

  The only definitive removal technique is to have the area excised and sutured.  This is not usually performed on benign appearing moles because of the linear scar, cost, and minimal added benefit. 

My advice for removing a benign mole is :

Always make sure that you want it gone (it is impossible to sew back on LOL)

If you are unsure about what technique, always start with the shave removal.  A dermatological surgeon can always surgically excise the area later if necessary.  The reverse is not true!