Is it possible to remove mole on my waterline? (Photo)

Question

I've (24F) had this mole since I was about 12 . I had it looked at when I first got it and was told that it might grow back if they tried to remove it because I'm so young. It doesn't block my vision too bad. There's just a blurry spot when I look down. Is it possible to remove permanently without doing any damage? How much would it cost? Would my health insurance cover it? Thank you

Damon B. Chandler, MD · Answer

Removing a mole near to the eye or along the edge of the eyelid requires expert care.  Seek out a board certified, fellowship trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon -- an expert that can work precisely and safely near the eyeball.  I have had patients travel from around the country (USA) to have me treat them for this kind of challenging removal - especially after they were turned away by dermatologists, general plastic surgeons, and family doctors.  I have removed thousands of moles from around peoples eyes throughout my career.

Health insurance would not be involved in your case -- there is no medically necessary reason to remove a small mole on the eyelid except for cosmetic reasons. The cost varies widely depending on the expertise of your surgeon.

In my office eyelid moles and growths are removed under local anesthesia, and takes about 30 minutes. It is a painless procedure, and after-care would be some cool compresses for a few hours and a prescription for a special ointment that is safe for use around the eye. Full healing takes 6 months, but most of my patients with this sort of removal look great in about 3-4 weeks. Most have minimal scarring. The key is to remove these without leaving a notch or scar at the edge of the eyelid and to not damage the eyelashes.  Your mole is in a delicate, highly visible area on your face, so make sure you are comfortable that the surgeon you choose has extensive experience with these sorts of mole removals.

You certainly can look at the results of my eyelid mole removals on my website.

Damon B. Chandler, MD

Harvard-Penn Trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question and photograph. Due to the location of the growth on your eyelid margin, I highly recommend you consult with an eye specialist, ophthalmologist, to have the growth examined and to discuss safe and appropriate removal options. Take care and good luck.

Is it possible to remove mole on my waterline? (Photo)

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Is it possible to remove mole on my waterline? (Photo)

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