Mole removal under nose - will I have a gap or hole in my philtrum or will it grow back? (Photo)

Question

Hi there I have a raised mole under my nose on the Philtrum. I went to see an NHS plastic surgeon a few years ago who dissuaded me from getting it removed due to potential scarring. I tried Cryotherapy but that didn’t work, so am now looking at radiotherapy with the ELLMAN SURGITRON. My concern is where the mole is and will it mean I have a gap or hole in my philtrum or will it grow back? I hate my mole and it has left me with social anxiety so want it gone but not if it is replaced with a facial disformaty. Any advice would be welcome

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your concerns so clearly—it’s completely understandable to worry about both cosmetic outcome and recurrence, especially in such a central area of the face like the philtrum.

1. What Usually Happens With Removal

When a raised mole is removed from the philtrum:

Cryotherapy often doesn’t work for deeper or thicker moles, which explains why it failed for you.
Electrosurgery devices like the Ellman Surgitron are very precise and can remove the mole with minimal surrounding tissue damage.
The key is removing the mole completely while preserving the natural contours of the philtrum.
2. Will There Be a Gap or Hole?
If the mole is small and the removal is done carefully, it usually heals without leaving a noticeable “hole”, though a faint scar may remain.
Larger moles or those with deeper roots may leave a slight depression, but this can often be minimized by:
Proper surgical technique
Layered closure of the skin
Post-procedure care to support healing

The philtrum is forgiving in terms of healing if the surrounding tissue is handled gently.

3. Will It Grow Back?
If the entire mole is removed down to its root, recurrence is very unlikely.
Partial removal or superficial treatments like cryotherapy are more prone to regrowth, which is why it didn’t work for you initially.
4. Balancing Cosmesis and Confidence

It’s completely valid that this mole impacts your social confidence. The good news is that with a careful, precise approach, you can:

Remove the mole effectively
Preserve the natural contour of the philtrum
Minimize visible scarring

Post-procedure healing may leave a small mark initially, but over months, the area typically blends with surrounding skin, especially with good aftercare.

Bottom Line

You don’t have to live with the mole or the anxiety it causes. With expert removal using precise techniques like the Surgitron, it’s very possible to get it gone without creating a noticeable gap, and recurrence is unlikely if the mole is fully removed.

Your concerns about facial appearance are completely valid, and taking a careful, measured approach is the best way to ensure both safety and cosmetic outcome.

Mole removal under nose - will I have a gap or hole in my philtrum or will it grow back? (Photo)

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