Doctor suggested mole removal with liquid nitrogen. Will this leave a scar?

Question

I'm 35yrs and I have a raised mole on my chin. I want to get it removed. Could u plz suggest the best way to remove it and will it leave a scar? My GP suggested treating it with liquid nitrogen but I'm bit skeptical because I have a sensitive skin.

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

Best,
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian
Realself 100 Surgeon

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

An examination or photos of you would be helpful to give you the best advice, but since the mole on your chin is raised, it is possible it could be shaved off.

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thanks for your question.  I would recommend seeing a dermatologist for removal.  A good board certified dermatologist is well trained in proper mole removal, and will do the best technique so that it will come out with the very smallest scar possible.  Liquid nitrogen is not a preferred way to remove moles and we dermatologists use liquid nitrogen to treat warts, precancerous lesions called actinic keratoses, and some other lesions.   It would not be effective in removing a mole and very well may leave a hypopigmented (light or white) scar.  After local anesthesia, a dermatologist will likely do a very tiny shave removal, which will leave a flat, barely visible scar that will fade with time.  Please see an expert, and best of luck!

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question. Removing skin lesions with liquid nitrogen (also known as cryotherapy) can result in discoloration of the skin, either light or dark discoloration. Also, cryotherapy may not be deep enough to remove a mole and the mole may grow back. I highly recommend you consult with a board certified dermatologist to have your lesion evaluated and to discuss removal options that are appropriate. Take care and good luck.

Doctor suggested mole removal with liquid nitrogen. Will this leave a scar?

Answers (4)

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