What method of mole removal is best for a mole that is on the left side of my nose?

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

The first step is to ensure that the mole is benign. A biopsy, either by shaving the lesion or with a punch instrument, is a good idea.After you and your doctor know exactly what you're dealing with, you can plan for adequate removal. Shaving the lesion can work, but it will not necessarily remove all of the lesion- it only treats the portion above the surface of the rest of the skin. I prefer to remove the lesion with a rim of normal skin around it. This leaves a hole in your skin that usually needs to be repaired to achieve optimal cosmetic results.In my hands, the scar from a shave biopsy isn't as good as the scar I can achieve with repair techniques using sutures.

The method of removal depends on the clinical diagnosis. This should be assessed by either a dermatologist or may be by your GP. If it is a benign mole that is flat and pigmented, then the option might include laser treatment. If the mole is a benign fleshy raised mole, then shave excision under local anaesthetic would be the treatment of choice with the best cosmetic outcome. Clearly if there is any suspicion about the mole itself, then it should not be zapped away by the laser. The Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic in Kent has a range of lasers for use on the skin as well as offering surgical options of removal. All lesions removed will be analysed to be absolutely sure of the histological diagnosis. The first instance however, is to confirm the clinical diagnosis, before discussing the possible treatments and then the appropriate treatment of choice. The consultation is the means to this end. 

We remove hundreds of moles and growths a day in our dermatology practice.  We prefer a shave removal with a blade or laser.  If the mole looks unusual it will be sent in for a biopsy.  There are definitely some tricks for optimal healing after the mole is removed.  If the mole has color in it, be prepared the mole site may get a little pigment back over the next few months.  Approximately 5% of moles grow back after this method, but usually just a small amount of the mole comes back.  Good luck!

A shave excision is
typically the easiest and most cost effective way of removing the majority of
moles on the nose. It will also give the best chance of minimizing the
scar. With this method the mole is actually "shaved off" at a
level just below the surface of the skin. 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.