Mole removal? They have gotten bigger & more have popped up (Photo)

Question

14 yrs ago i had 2 moles removed from my face but the doctor would not remove the others. As i've gotten older they had gotten bigger and more have popped up..they are so ugly my grandkids think i have boo-boos on my face and strangers ask if i have implants

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

I’m sorry to hear how much these have been affecting your confidence. It's understandable that comments from others—especially from family or strangers—can make you feel more self-conscious. The good news is that many facial growths can be safely evaluated and, when appropriate, removed.

Based on your photo and description, these lesions could represent benign moles (nevi), but there are other possibilities as well, such as seborrheic keratoses, intradermal nevi, or other noncancerous skin growths that commonly become more noticeable with age. It's not unusual for these types of lesions to enlarge slowly over time or for new ones to appear as we get older.

Before considering removal, it's important to have each lesion examined to confirm exactly what it is. While most facial moles and growths are harmless, any lesion that has changed rapidly in size, shape, color, or has started to bleed, itch, or crust should be evaluated carefully to rule out skin cancer.

If the lesions are confirmed to be benign, there are several treatment options:

Shave removal, which is commonly used for raised moles and often results in a very good cosmetic outcome.
Surgical excision, which removes the entire lesion and is preferred if there is any concern about the diagnosis or if complete removal is desired.
For certain benign growths like seborrheic keratoses, treatments such as cryotherapy, electrosurgery, or curettage may also be appropriate.

It's important to know that any procedure can leave a scar, but on the face, careful technique and proper wound care usually result in scars that fade significantly over time. Many patients find that a small, well-healed scar is much less noticeable than a prominent raised lesion.

Since you've had moles removed in the past, it's also possible that the lesions your previous physician chose not to remove were considered benign and not medically necessary at that time. However, if they have grown or are now bothering you cosmetically, it's reasonable to reassess them.

Overall, I think it's encouraging that there are several effective options available. The first step is identifying exactly what each lesion is so the most appropriate and cosmetically favorable treatment can be selected.

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

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Just shaving the moles flat will make them almost look like nothing is there and is so easy to undergo under local for roughly $350 each

Mole removal? They have gotten bigger & more have popped up (Photo)

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