Would there be a noticeable scar, if I had my mole removed? How much would it cost? (photos)

Question

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Moles can be removed with laser, radiowave or shave. Scarring can be improved with lasers and microneedling/prp. Cost will vary. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Excising the mole under local and dermabrading the edges at the same visit and then again 6 weeks later would give best results. Cost is roughly $1000 and so worth it.

Damon B. Chandler, MD · Answer

This appears to be a raised pigmented (colored) benign mole -- most likely a nevus of some type. The surgeon who removes it would be able to send this for pathology to make sure it is not cancerous. I would likely recommend a shave type excision and cautery to the base of the lesion. It is also possible to excise it, but the scar would likely be large or wide after it heals -- this is an option however. I believe this can be removed with a nice result, but you have to be realistic that there may always be some discoloration (residual pigment or 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, scar or hole once its removed. Recovery from face mole removal is typically rapid and must be discussed with your surgeon -- expect a few weeks of scabbing / healing and you may have bruising which resolves over a week or two. Your doctor likely will review avoiding sun exposure after mole removal - but you can cover the area with a bandage or use sunscreen -- so it should only be a minor inconvenience while you are healing. One important thing to understand is that it can take a full year for any facial surgery like a mole removal to be completely healed / blended in with the surrounding areas of skin. 
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. Good luck to you!
Damon B. Chandler, MD
Harvard-Penn Trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Moles are quickly and easily removed in my office by one of two methods: a shave excision or an excision with suture closure. Because of the size and location of your mole on the upper lip, it should be removed by excising a simple ellipse of skin. I then use a "layer closure" using both dissolving and non-dissolving sutures to give the best cosmetic result. The area then typically heals with a small, linear scar that is hardly visible.

Would there be a noticeable scar, if I had my mole removed? How much would it cost? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Removing a mole on the upper lip

Answer: Removing a mole on the upper lip

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Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

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Would there be a noticeable scar, if I had my mole removed? How much would it cost? (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Removing a mole on the upper lip

Answer: Removing a mole on the upper lip

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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.