Is it possible to cut a raised mole in half to make it flat?

Question

I have a mole on my cheek, that up until a few years ago had been flat but now is raised. Basically from a beauty mark, its become a mole. Ive had it all my life and i like it. I don't want to get rid of it, however if it continues to grow i will have to. My question is, is it possible to cut it in half to make it flat? Basically the way it used to be and not remove it completely?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Mole reduction is an appropriate treatment for cosmetic moles that are raised. Hyfrecation and laser work well for this approach. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

It is possible to shave them also that it is flush with the skin. Before doing this, I would make sure that a dermatologist has a look at the mole to make sure that it is not something suspicious.  I would recommend that you send what ever is removed for pathological evaluation.  One concern is always the fact that the mole is growing.  Good luck.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If you are concerned about a mole, or it has symptoms like itching, burning, pain or bleeding, please do not hesitate and have it removed.  Please go to a cosmetic dermatologist with experience in mole removal and lasers so you can limit the scarring.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Allison Readinger, MD · Answer

Yes, it is completely possible to shave off the top of the mole. Sometimes this ends up looking great, but sometimes what is left of the mole beneath the surface repigments the skin and can be darker than the original mole.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Any mole that does have any change, increase in size, decrease in size, loss of color, bleed, irregular edges should be removed in total and sent for pathology for biopsy.

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD · Answer

Yes, it is possible to shave the mole flat so that it is flush with the surface of the skin.  It will give you a better contour, but it is not a complete removal of the mole, as the "mole cells," or melanocytes, live deep under the skin.  At times pigment can still be noted at the base.  The only way to completely remove a mole is to cut it out with stitches.I often will shave moles flat for cosmetic purposes.  However, you must understand that there is a risk of recurrence since the melanocytes are still present and can regrow.  Everyone is different - it may never regrow, or it can regrow in a year.  It's reasonable to undertake what you are proposing.  Make sure the mole is sent for pathology.

Is it possible to cut a raised mole in half to make it flat?

Answers (6)

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