Does Mole Removal by Electrocautery Cause Bad Scarring?

Question

I've been self conscious of a small black-dotted mole (sharp tip of a pencil) between my eyebrows. I went to an esthetician for consultation. She recommended electrocautery and that its a minor procedure. She said either there will be no scar or that it will be very minimal. Now I understand that it will not be sent to pathology. I just wanted to know if the procedure will cause bad scarring or anything undesirable. Can anyone give me some sort of advice? Thank you very much.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

Most black uniform tiny flat moles can be removed by excision and heal great under local anesthesia.  Electrocautery will usually lighten them up so as not to be so dark and can be done monthly until lightened up sufficiently but you should have a doc do it.  Sincerely,

	David Hansen,MD

Daniel I. Wasserman, MD · Answer

If it is truly a mole, it should not be removed by electrocautery. If it is something called a seborrheic keratosis, then electrocautery does work. However, an evaluation by a dermatologist is important to determine its true identity before treatment.

Khaled El-Hoshy, MD · Answer

Dear Space Odyssey, moles on face are removed because of "looks" or because of uncertainty about nature/behavior. Your dermatologist would be best equipped to discuss both issues with you. A punch excision & closure with 1 , or 2 stitchse would give an excellent result, specially in the area between the brows. another option is a laser that targets black/brown color.

Tracy Kuykendall, MD · Answer

Always let a Dermatologist evaluate the lesion. Hopefully there will laws enforced. In some states, they are cracking down on this. There is no way anyone other than a dermatologist can evaluate this lesion. Have a dermatologist evaluate the lesion. Then have them remove it. I tiny incision with 1 suture should take care of it with minimal scarring. Absolutely DO NOT let someone removed it with cautery!

Emily Altman, MD · Answer

Moles, particularly heavily pigmented ones, need to be removed and sent to pathology to make sure the mole is normal.  That can be done with a small punch biopsy instruments and one or two stitches.

	Electrocautery does not remove moles completely, can potentially result in a scar and should not be used to remove nevi.  Other growths like keratoses or skin tags can be removed with electrocautery.  Aestheticians are not dermatologist and cannot make judgement about whether a skin lesion is benign.

Does Mole Removal by Electrocautery Cause Bad Scarring?

Answers (7)