What are my permanent mole removal options?

The only way for a mole to be permanently removed is to have the mole completely surgically excised.  The thing that you have to be aware of is whether you would want to trade in the mole for a scar.  

Moles can be temporarily made to look like they are gone by burning them with either lasers or electrofulguration but will recur in usually 1 yr. Punch excision is the only permanent way to remove them and is easy and quick under local anesthesia. Sincerely,

David Hansen,MD

Depending on their size and location, facial moles can be easily removed by one of two methods. One is a "shave excision" where the mole is actually "shaved off" at a level just below the surface of the skin. The other is an excision with suture closure which uses both dissolving and non-dissolving sutures to give the best cosmetic result.  Dermatologic surgeons typically do both procedures expertly and can decide which would be best for your particular mole. I feel that it is never appropriate to use a laser for removing a mole.

Lasers do not get rid of moles and are not capable of doing so. If you have benign neoplasms like this the only way to do it is to surgically remove them, which is done either by a shave biopsy or an excision. It depends on the size, depth, location, etc. Visit a board-certified dermatologist for an evaluation and assessment. He or she can look at your specific moles and go over the best ways to remove them for you.