Chances of a mole reappearing after having it removed by shave procedure.

Question

Hello, There is a chance that I will be having two moles removed on my face next week and I was just wondering if the reappearance of moles after having them removed via a shave procedure is high? Regards

Frank P. Albino, MD · Answer

After any method of mole removal there is a chance of recurrence. This chance is higher for a "shave" biopsy than for excision.  When a lesion is excised or removed it is numbed with local anesthesia and surgically excised typically in the office.  This will allow for a full removal of the mole which is then verified by a pathologist. The risk of recurrence is higher following shave biopsy. With an excision you are trading a mole for a scar- this is typically well tolerated and a reasonable trade for most people.  
Not everyone is a good candidate for this treatment so please see a Board Certified or Board Eligible Plastic Surgeon to evaluate if you may benefit. Good luck!
This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare professional.  You should always seek the advice of your physician or healthcare professional for any questions you have about your own medical condition.

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

When I remove facial nevi (moles) I will often 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 typically takes less than a minute, and is fairly painless. Moles that are removed in this fashion will rarely recur enough to be bothersome. If they do, they can always be excised and sutured at that time, but this rarely happens.Dermatologic surgeons typically do both procedures expertly and can decide which would be best for your particular mole.

Chances of a mole reappearing after having it removed by shave procedure.

Answers (2)

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