What are the odds my mole will grow back and compare to the original?

Question

Shaving Mole Regret? I had a mole shaved from my face 5 weeks ago. Biopsy is neg! I am using Scarguard to help take the pink/brownish color where the mole was. I am fearful that the skin color remaining is pigmentation and ScarGuard will not work as a result. What are the odds of the mole growing back? If so, how will it compare to original? Does the fact that is was shaved, pose a problem to be excised in future? Since the mole was on the side of nose (near cheek). Is that a difficult place for an excision? Scar? More info...

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

It can take several months for the pigment to return to your normal skin color.  I would encourage you to be patient and to avoid any sun exposure on the area.

Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, every time you cut something out, the end result is a scar.  I would continue using the Scar guard and using SPF30 with zinc.  I would avoid sun exposure to the area to help with the hyperpigmentation.  There are OTC and prescription products that can lighten the skin.  Hydroquinone, a topical prescription, can help lighten the skin. There are also laser treatments that can help with the hyperpigmentation.  Moles can grow back in the same area.  I would recommend consulting with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for future excision if you're concern about the scar. I hope this helps.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Mole removal with shave biopsy can result in hypo or hyperpigmented scars. I would use a combination of pulsed dye laser and fractional laser to improve the scars. Raffy Karamanoukian, Los Angeles

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

I don't think you should have regrets. You should be happy that it did come back negative for any malignancies and the only way to know that, was to shave and biopsy it. So, no regrets. Over time, the discoloration will resolve. I personally don't think Scarguard does a darned thing, but feel free to use it. More importantly, make sure to use a good sunscreen on it because burning the new pink skin will make it discolored for longer. When I have patients who have a bit of discoloration from a shave biopsy or removal, I often suggest a few light IPL flashes or Cutera Laser Genesis to that area. It helps tremendously. If your office has this, ask if it's a possibility. Any area where something is removed has the potential to discolor and leave a scar. A dermatologic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist will have the intention to leave behind the smallest possible marks, but any time there's a removal of any kind, it can scar. Follow postcare to the best of your abilities, and this will always help.

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Skin color can take months to fade after a shave excision so please be patient. Shaving a mole on the side of the nose typically results in a minimal scar. If for any reason a shave excision does not heal as well as expected or the mole grows back, it can always be excised and sutured at that time, but in my experience this rarely happens.

What are the odds my mole will grow back and compare to the original?

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Answer: Regrets from shaving a mole

Answer: Regrets from shaving a mole

Answer: Regrets from shaving a mole

Answer: Regrets from shaving a mole

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What are the odds my mole will grow back and compare to the original?

Answers (5)

Answer: Regrets from shaving a mole

Answer: Regrets from shaving a mole

Answer: Regrets from shaving a mole

Answer: Regrets from shaving a mole

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.