Shave removal for a mole? Would the scar be less with shave removal?

Question

Hi when did shave removal for a mole become available?i had a raised mole on my leg removed 13 years ago and I wasn't given the option of shave removal.it was removed by excision and to be honest the scar is very hypopigmented and noticeable.i am now looking for another mole removed.

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

You should not shave a pigmented lesion.  If it is a melanoma, God forbid, you won't know what the actual depth of the lesion is and may be denied the proper treatment because the initial biopsy is often the only time you will get to find the correct depth of the lesion.Also shaving moles can leave behind their non pigmented roots in some lesions, leaving a white spot or cigarette burn appearance.In some cases it is the perfect treatment to shave lesions.You should seek a consultation from somebody who 'sweats the small stuff'.  Mole removal is important surgery.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Yes, moles can be removed with shave or lasers and radiowave. Hypopigmented scars can be improved with lasers and microneedling/prp. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Harriet Comite, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for this question, which is often not easy to answer in general terms.  Every mole should be evaluated individually. 
A mole or nevus can be surgically removed for diagnosis and debuking with a thin shave. The scar will be less visible, but the mole may recur.
After evaluation by a Board Certified Dermatopathologist, if it is atypical, it should be completely excised with margins.  If it isn't atypical, a Board Certified Dermatologist may recommend treatments with Laser, Cryotherapy, etc.

Thomas D. Griffin Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I understand that you are disappointed with the scar left behind from an excision of your mole, many patients are. Shave removal is certainly an option, however one must understand why it is not recommended. Moles that are raised and longstanding often have melanocytes (the cells that make up moles) that are deeper in the skin. These cells are left behind when your physician shaves off the top of the mole. When this happens, your mole has the potential to re-grow. When it does and the mole is growing through a the scar, the pigment pattern is atypical and can be easily confused by your Dermatologist as a potentially dangerous mole. In this case you may be advised to excise the mole at a later date. Secondly, moles that are shave removed have a tendency to make raised scars that are thicker and more difficult to remove than the original mole itself.  It is for these reasons that shave removal is not normally recommended by your Dermatologist.

Shave removal for a mole? Would the scar be less with shave removal?

Answers (4)

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