Is there any hazard of facial nerve damage in excision of a nevus at the side of the eye? (photo)

A mole removal is usually a very shallow procedure. While a nerve could be affected afterwards, this would be very rare. I suggest seeing a cosmetic dermatologist for a formal evaluation. Moles can be removed with either lasers, radiowave or shave. See an expert to minimize scarring. Best, Dr. Emer

Certainly, any facial nerve injury is a very big deal, because, as you know, the facial nerve controls facial expression. The "facial nerve - cranial nerve VII" enters the face slightly in front of the ear hole and about 1 inch below the skin at that point.  It ultimately divides into 5 branches that serve the 21 named muscles of facial expression.  The uppermost branch, the temporal branch, crosses up into the forehead ~1/2" back from the location of your mole. That temporal nerve is covered at that point by skin, dermis, subcutaneous fat, and finally, a layer of "fascia".  Unless the person removing your mole is ridiculously reckless, there is essentially no way that nerve could be injured, and there is no need for facial nerve monitoring. With a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or dermatologist, you should have no worries.