What would be the best technique to remove a mole from the vermilion border of my lip? (photos)

Question

I am hoping to have this mole removed with very minimal scarring. I was told that removing it now would be better because moles continue to grow. I was also told that it would be tricky because of its location on the vermilion border. What would be the best method to have this mole removed with minimal scarring? Would it be any more likely to scar if I wait until I'm older to have the procedure done?

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Simple excision under local with a little dermabrasion to blend the scar would be the best option  and is easy to undergo.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

The mole on the vermilion border of your upper lip appears to be raised.  I would recommend a shave excision to remove a mole of this type.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend getting a formal, in-person evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Depending on their location, moles can be removed with laser, radiowave, or shave. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Sudeep Roy, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for this great question! I agree with the physicians who have posted before me in that you have a few options, specifically a shave excision or full thickness excision. A shave excision, although better from a scarring standpoint, does not definitively remove the mole and recurrence is possible. Over what period of time that happens in variable. A full-thickness excision involves an elliptical excision of tissue centered around the mole. I can understand why you're worried about scarring given the location of the mole but it is fairly small and I have had great success with vertical excision that incorporate both cutaneous (skin) and red lip, as long as great effort is made to align the vermillion border properly. An experienced facial surgeon should be able to offer both procedures and discuss pros and cons with you. Hope that helped! Best, Dr. Roy

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

It might be reasonable to start with a shave removal which is less invasive.  If the mole were to recur after a shave removal, then surgical excision could be done.  Usually it is best to start with the less invasive option.  Please note that the pictures are out of focus and the mole needs to be evaluated in person by a dermatologist.Regards,Dr. Ort

Omar Quaba, MA, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Hi, difficult to tell without examination. The mole looks quite raised. A shave excision may result in recurrence. In my experience the best outcome for this type of mole and location is a vertical excision.

What would be the best technique to remove a mole from the vermilion border of my lip? (photos)

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