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

Question

I have 5 of these on my face. I’ve consulted with a facial plastic surgeon who advised me to excise 3 of them and leave 2 alone. A dermatologist told me I could shave them all. Both say their recommended method will leave "the least amount of noticeable scarring". I'm super confused. Which method is best for little to no noticeable scarring? And who's more skilled to achieve this: a Derm or Plastic Surgeon? I already know the surgeon is 3x more $, and that shaving means they *could* come back.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Donn R. Chatham, MD · Answer

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.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

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.

Mitchell Schwartz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Depending
on their size and location, facial moles can be easily removed by one of two
methods. One is a "shave excision" where the mole is actually
"shaved off" at a level just below the surface of the skin. The other
is an excision with suture closure which uses both dissolving and
non-dissolving sutures to give the best cosmetic result. You should find a physician who is an expert in both
procedures and can recommend which would be best for your particular
mole. Choosing the right
doctor for your procedure should not be based upon whether they are a
dermatologist or a plastic surgeon. Look for a physician who is very
experienced in both these procedures and with whom you are comfortable. Since every
face is different, the experience and technique of your physician, not their
specialty, is the most critical part to your achieving a beautiful, natural
result.

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

Answers (4)

Answer: Best way to remove facial moles

Answer: Best way to remove facial moles

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

Answers (4)

Answer: Best way to remove facial moles

Answer: Best way to remove facial moles

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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.