I have a large mole on the lower side of my cheek. The dermatologist said there was the option of removing it over months by removing a small section from the center each time until it was removed entirely. I spoke with a plastic surgeon who said it could be done that way but that they couldn’t do it and I would have to go back to the dermatologist. Could anybody explain if this option is better than having it removed completely at once and why?
September 13, 2018
Answer: Mole Removal Thank you for your question. The amount of treatments the mole removal takes depends on the size of the mole. Because the mole is on your face, a plastic surgeon will want to achieve the best scar possible. If the mole is large, and you remove the whole thing, closing it with sutures can become an issue, leaving a widened scar from too much tension on the incision, or an overall distorted appearance from pulling two edges together that were originally so far apart. I am assuming based on the information you've provided that's what the two doctors you've visited are considering. A complete answer for this would require an in-person consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon which it sounds like you've already done. I would recommend getting a second opinion from another BCPS who will move forward with excision. Good luck and best wishes!
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September 13, 2018
Answer: Mole Removal Thank you for your question. The amount of treatments the mole removal takes depends on the size of the mole. Because the mole is on your face, a plastic surgeon will want to achieve the best scar possible. If the mole is large, and you remove the whole thing, closing it with sutures can become an issue, leaving a widened scar from too much tension on the incision, or an overall distorted appearance from pulling two edges together that were originally so far apart. I am assuming based on the information you've provided that's what the two doctors you've visited are considering. A complete answer for this would require an in-person consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon which it sounds like you've already done. I would recommend getting a second opinion from another BCPS who will move forward with excision. Good luck and best wishes!
Helpful
