Shave the Mole or Remove It All by a Plastic Surgeon? (photo)

Question

Hi, I have a mole that is located in the nasolabial fold on the left side of my face. I plan on having it removed by a plastic surgeon. Should I have an excision or shave it? Also, do I need to worry about asymmetry resulting from excision? (21 yrs old)

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

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

The mole on your nasalabial fold could be removed by shave or excision.  I would consider having it shaved off, as this is a simpler procedure and would not require any sutures.  This procedure would not cause any asymmetry of the face.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

I say to patients, "the Titanic was sunk by the iceberg that was so large under the seas vs what was seen..." Your nevus in the naso labial is deeper then appears, so excision into the deeper sub dermal fat is required in order to avoid re growth. See a Plastic Surgeon. Fee in the $1,000 ranges.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question. Each removal option comes with a different scar as an end result. A shave biopsy will result in a round atrophic scar (indentation) and possible recurrence of the mole. A complete excision requires sutures, which results in a line as a scar. I highly recommend you consult with a board certified dermatological surgeon or plastic surgeon to have your skin evaluated and to discuss appropriate treatment options. Take care and good luck.

Shave the Mole or Remove It All by a Plastic Surgeon? (photo)

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Shave the Mole or Remove It All by a Plastic Surgeon? (photo)

Answers (4)

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