I have a mole on the side of my nose. It is raised and pretty dark. What is the best procedure to go with? (photo)

Question

I am wondering which is the best procedure to go with and what is the difference, if any, between having a plastic surgeon or dermatologist do the procedure. Also, Is there anyway to determine how bad the scarring will be based on how my body has reacted to scarring in the past?

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I would recommend a shave excision to remove the raised mole on the side of your nose.  I would see a facial plastic surgeon, plastic surgeon, or a dermatologist with experience in cosmetic surgery.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Noticeable dark moles look so much worse than the minimal marks that are left in it's place. Get it excised under local which is easy and very effective. Nobody does it like a dermatologic surgeon.

Damon B. Chandler, MD · Answer

This appears to be a small raised pigmented (colored) benign mole -- most likely a nevus of some type. I would likely recommend a shave type excision and cautery to the base of the lesion. I don't think you have many other options other than to live with it or have it removed surgically. I believe this can be removed beautifully, but you have to be realistic that there may always be some discoloration (redness perhaps) or irregularity in that area after its removed. Many doctors perform mole removals, but this mole is in a key spot in the middle of your face and its in a delicate, challenging location. You don't want to end up with a large divot or hole once its removed. Be sure to pick an expert with specific training in this specific type of facial cosmetic surgery.  I remove moles like yours from people's faces routinely and many patients travel to me from around the country when they have been turned away by others.  Whatever you decide, I would recommend an in-person consultation with a board-certified, fellowship-trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist with extensive experience in cosmetic face mole removals -- hopefully you can find a great choice near you in Scotland. Good luck to you!
Damon B. Chandler, MD
Harvard-Penn Trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon

I have a mole on the side of my nose. It is raised and pretty dark. What is the best procedure to go with? (photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

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I have a mole on the side of my nose. It is raised and pretty dark. What is the best procedure to go with? (photo)

Answers (3)

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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.