How to remove facial freckles/ moles? (Photos)

Question

These are three different places on my face. I would like to remove them. The moles in the second and third photo were shaved off by a dermatologist and grew back .. not sure why they did that. It was almost ten years ago. Is ablative laser a good option? Nitrogen? I obviously don't want a massive scar but a little scar I wouldn't mind.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Fractional laser is an amazing and highly effective treatment in our office. We use the laser treatment to help with acne scars, large pores, fine wrinkles, tissue collagen loss, scars, sebaceous hyperplasia, active acne, and for brightening dark pigmentation. Although there are very strong fractional lasers such as CO2 laser, we use lighter treatments for corrective skincare and maintenance of results. Our Thulium fractional laser, clear and brilliant laser, and Ultra Thulium laser are excellent options in our clinic. We also perform CO2 fractional and erbium depending on skin tone and tolerance for downtime. Patients do have to use a Melarase cream before and after treatment to help further reduce pigmentation after laser.  Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads can seriously improve surface sun damage and UV related pigmentation. Dark spots can improve with these treatments. I recommend fractional laser for incisional scars as well, especially after plastic surgery.  
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Paul Flashner, MD · Answer

IPL(Intense Pulse Light) laser is a great option for the elimination of freckles and moles. It works by targeting excess melanin in the skin, which is responsible for freckles, and breaking it down. The treatment is non-invasive and can effectively reduce the appearance of freckles while leaving surrounding skin unaffected. It is important to have this procedure done by a licensed professional          (dermatologist or aesthetician) to ensure proper skin analysis and that appropriate settings are used to avoid damage and scarring to the skin.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

When considering the removal of facial freckles or moles, it's important to explore various treatment options and consult with a dermatologist to determine the best approach for your specific situation. Here are some common methods used for mole and freckle removal:

Laser Treatment: Ablative laser treatments can be effective for removing freckles and moles. They work by targeting the pigment in the skin, breaking it down, and allowing the body to naturally eliminate it. This method is often chosen for its precision and minimal scarring, though multiple sessions may be necessary.

Cryotherapy: This involves the application of liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove the mole or freckle. While it is a quick procedure, it can sometimes result in hypopigmentation or slight scarring.

Excision: For deeper moles, surgical excision may be required. This involves cutting out the mole and stitching the skin. While it can leave a small scar, it's often the most definitive way to ensure complete removal.

Shave Removal: This method involves shaving the mole off at the skin's surface. As you've experienced, moles can sometimes regrow if not completely removed, which might be why your previous treatments were unsuccessful.

Chemical Peels: These can lighten freckles but are generally more effective for surface-level pigmentation issues rather than moles.

Each method has its pros and cons regarding effectiveness, risk of scarring, and recovery time. Since you are concerned about scarring and the recurrence of moles, I recommend consulting with a board-certified dermatologist. They can assess the specific characteristics of your moles and freckles and recommend the most suitable treatment option. Additionally, they can provide insights into why your moles might have regrown and discuss preventive measures. Always ensure any mole removal is evaluated for potential malignancy, especially if there are changes in size, shape, or color.

How to remove facial freckles/ moles? (Photos)

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