Red indentation and pigmentation after mole removal methods. Do I have any options? (Photo)

Question

I had a mole excision done by way of punch and in time pigmentation returned and a bumps along the scar line. A laser was used to get rid of what came back and a month later I still have a dark bump at top right corner and the scar is indented and red. This is on my face and devastating. Do I have any options?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Brian M. Harmych, MD, FACS · Answer

From the photo, it looks like it would be treatable with simple excision and closure followed by resurfacing (in 4-6 weeks) with either laser, dermabrasion or superficial chemical peel. Of course, there are also some other ways to treat your scar that may be discussed in a consultation. A physical exam and consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon would be informative.

Lenore Sikorski, MD · Answer

It is difficult to tell in a 2 dimensional photo
the contour and actual size on the scar which would have an impact on how to
best improve your scar. If one portion of the scar is raised higher and is
harder relative to the adjoining skin then the scar may be
"hypertrophic", and one option to soften and flatten it would be with
a series of cortisone injections (again, difficult to tell this by the picture
alone and this treatment would not get rid of the indentation). The pink
to red color will slowly fade over time, possibly 9 months to 1.5 years. One
way to hasten this process is with a series of V beam laser treatments. If
the diameter of the scar is small enough (hard to tell by the photo) likely the
best option is to rexcise around the scar and close the defect with sutures. I
would definitely seek a consultation with a dermatologist or facial plastic
surgeon that is experienced in scar revision.

Steven Hacker, MD · Answer

Occasionally a depressed scar can be re-excised by a plastic surgeon however caution should be advised as that could also result in a larger scar. Discuss with your dermatologist first.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Depressed scar can be improved with scar revision. Excision and layer closure, and laser resurfacing of the skin.

Red indentation and pigmentation after mole removal methods. Do I have any options? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Depressed scars

Answer: Depressed scars

Answer: Depressed Scar

Answer: Depressed Scar

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Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

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Red indentation and pigmentation after mole removal methods. Do I have any options? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Depressed scars

Answer: Depressed scars

Answer: Depressed Scar

Answer: Depressed Scar

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.