Can this mole I've had my whole life be removed? (Photo)

Mole removal begins with a comprehensive examination and consultation to determine the likelihood of a mole being worrisome. Excisional and incisional biopsies are reserved for suspicious moles. But it’s good news that most moles are not problematic and are only cosmetic, thus leading to the option of scarless or non-surgical mole removal with lasers and RF and plasma. Our office specializes in non-surgical mole removal.

Best,
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian
Realself 100 Surgeon

Hello,The answer is yes. However you would be trading the mole removal with a scar.
The other option besides surgical removal is laser “removal”. This procedure would not totally remove the mole but would lighten it significantly changing the very dark color to a light tan but without scatting. Dr. Farole.

Looks like what you have is a giant congenital nevi. They are benign neoplasms that are present at birth and composed of nevomelanocytes (1-3% of all newborns have some congenital pigmented nevi). Giant congenital nevi are often defined as nevi being greater than 20cm in diameter in an adult, or nevi that occupy more than 2% of the body surface area. It is difficult to figure the exact size from your picture, but it may qualify as a giant. The most contentious/controversial issue when dealing with these is the risk of malignant change, with the consensus being that they are pre-malignant, but the purported incidence of malignancy varies wildly from 0-42%. Surgical excision remains the mainstay of treatment. With larger nevi managed by staged surgical excision, tissue expanders and local flaps or resurfacing with skin grafts, which technique employed ultimately depends on the patient’s lesion size, location/patient anatomy and skin quality/laxity. Following excision much can be done to improve the cosmesis of any resulting scar as well. I would speak to a plastic surgeon with experience with this sort of excision/reconstruction and be prepared for the likelihood of more than 1 procedure.
'This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment/evaluation with a trained medical professional for appropriate care.'

Thank you for your question and photograph. It's difficult to evaluate your skin through this type of forum, but from what I can see, it looks like a large flat nevus (mole). Lesions of that size, surgical excision will be difficult as the resulting scar can be large. There are laser treatments available but results vary per individual and often times, multiple treatments are needed. I highly recommend you consult with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to have you mole evaluated and to discuss appropriate treatment options for you. Take care and good luck.