Shave or excise a mole on nose? (Photo)

Question

I have a mole on my nose and want it removed. The plastic surgeon suggests excision but also warns that my nose may become asymmetrical as a result. Shaving it off may or may not leave a scar but at least my nose would not be asymmetrical, (even though the mole is more likely to return)! I don't want to wait because it may get bigger and that would be even harder to fix. I need advice to help me decide ... Help! !!!

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

A mole that is slightly hyperpigmented and bumpy on the nose can be shaved flat under local and then liquid nitrogen applied lightly to lighten up the resulting freckle.

Dinesh Maini, MBChB · Answer

Definitely shave it! The skill and experience of the operator is everything but generally they leave no mark in good hands.
Most people are thrilled with the results. It is very unlikely to regrow,

Michael A. Greenberg, MD · Answer

I agree with the answers here so far.A superficial shave would probably give you the best cosmetic results.And if it's a benign lesion, you're done!I've done countless shave biopsies in my 37 years of practice.  I would estimate that 99% of patients are happy as the results are mostly almost invisible.

Sally Booth, MD · Answer

In my experience, I would also perform a shave method rather than an excision.  I have found that these generally heal very well with minimal scarring.  I would consult with a board-certified dermatologist for the removal.

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

In my hands, I would start with a conservative shave rather than an excision.  This is much less invasive and will likely leave much less of a visible scar.  Excision can always be done later if needed.

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The good news is that typically when I remove nevi (moles) like yours on the nose I will almost always use a "shave excision" method. The mole is actually
"shaved off" at a very superficial level just below the surface of
the skin. This method is quite effective to remove moles and generally leaves a
minimal scar. The procedure takes less than a minute, and is painless once the area has been anesthetized. The tissue that has been removed can
then be sent for microscopic examination to make sure the mole is benign.
Dermatologic surgeons are experts at doing this procedure.

Shave or excise a mole on nose? (Photo)

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