I have a flesh colored, raised, waxy Mole. Should I shave or excise? Dermatologic Surgeon or Facial Plastic Surgeon?

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

Moles are normal & common to most humans. Actually 'nevus' is the medical term and most of them are innocent & not problematic. However when there is change in appearance (A,B, C, Ds or asymmetry,  border, color or diameter changes) this may indicate the need to remove it. Or if a nevus gets bigger or  resides in a very visible place such as the face then it can be removed.  (who wants a mole on the end of their nose, for example?)  If it is elevated/raised, simple shaving it to a flatter level can be very useful.  If a nevus is already flat, then an excision/repair may be needed.      Most of the times the removed nevus is analyzed with the help of a pathologist for safety.     All procedures need to heal and there is usually less healing required with shaving versus total excision. Don't forget that  a raised nevus that is shaved can grow over time and become raised again, thereby needing another possible treatment. 

If a mole is raised, I would say the simplest method of removal would be shaving it off.  If a mole is flat, it generally needs to be excised.  There are facial plastic surgeons and dermatologic surgeons that could be experienced with mole removal.  I think it's most important to find a surgeon that you like and feel comfortable with.