This mole appreared on my eyelid when I was about 10 years old. I am now 33 and it's annoyingly large. It's doesn't affect my vision, however, my self confidence has taken quite a hit. I also have about 4 eyelashes growing out of it in different directions. I asked a dermatologist about 10 years ago if it could be removed and he said yes, but I would risk having ingrown eyelashes so I opted not to do it. Is this true, or can it be removed safely? And if so, who should I see about it?
February 24, 2012
Answer: Removal of Mole on Eyelid
Yes, a mole on the eyelid can be safely removed. I'm not sure that I would agree with the doctor who said that you would risk ingrown hairs. It's possible that the lesion can be shave removed (also know as tangential excision). In this procedure the lesion is shaved flat with the surrounding skin and no sutures are required. Of course, any surgical procedure does have risks such as infection, scarring, recurrence, but the doctor who performs the treatment can discuss this with you further. My opinion would be to see a specialist who performs a lot of surgery on the eyelids, either a dermatologist who has completed a fellowship in Mohs surgery (fellow of the ACMS) or an ophthalmologist who has performed a plastic surgery fellowship (oculoplastic surgeon). Good luck.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
February 24, 2012
Answer: Removal of Mole on Eyelid
Yes, a mole on the eyelid can be safely removed. I'm not sure that I would agree with the doctor who said that you would risk ingrown hairs. It's possible that the lesion can be shave removed (also know as tangential excision). In this procedure the lesion is shaved flat with the surrounding skin and no sutures are required. Of course, any surgical procedure does have risks such as infection, scarring, recurrence, but the doctor who performs the treatment can discuss this with you further. My opinion would be to see a specialist who performs a lot of surgery on the eyelids, either a dermatologist who has completed a fellowship in Mohs surgery (fellow of the ACMS) or an ophthalmologist who has performed a plastic surgery fellowship (oculoplastic surgeon). Good luck.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
October 20, 2015
Answer: Removing moles on eyelids
Moles on eyelids can be easily removed in a quick minimal procedure. I don't agree that you risk the possibility of ingrown eyelashes either. I've not seen this happen, and actually as you said you already have eyelashes growing out of the mole, so technically those could be ingrown at any point too. I don't think having it removed would have any effect on the eyelashes being more prone to being ingrown. Consult either a surgical dermatologist or a oculoplastic surgeon, either of these physicians should be well versed in removing moles like this easily.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
October 20, 2015
Answer: Removing moles on eyelids
Moles on eyelids can be easily removed in a quick minimal procedure. I don't agree that you risk the possibility of ingrown eyelashes either. I've not seen this happen, and actually as you said you already have eyelashes growing out of the mole, so technically those could be ingrown at any point too. I don't think having it removed would have any effect on the eyelashes being more prone to being ingrown. Consult either a surgical dermatologist or a oculoplastic surgeon, either of these physicians should be well versed in removing moles like this easily.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful