What do I tell my doctor so no matter what I get my mole removed? (Photo)

Question

as a child I went in to get it checked out and it was much smaller then but the doctor wouldn't remove it because it didn't bother me and wasn't cancerous. But now I want it to be removed. Some one help me

Randy Wong, MD · Answer

Thanks for your picture.  Your mole can be easily removed with radiofrequency using an Ellman Surgitron.  The site will be pink for a few months but the resulting scar is usually minimal or hard to find after a year.  As removal is not medically  necessary, it is considered cosmetic, and the nominal cost will be an out of pocket expense for you.  But, you don't need to have that mole anymore.

David J. Hecker, MD · Answer

I would seek another opinion about removing your mole.  Some dermatologists may not feel comfortable removing a benign mole on the face, because removal may from a scar that the patient is not happy with.  Find a dermatologist or plastic surgeon who has comfort and experience in these procedures.

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

Fortunately, you live in the United States, where you can have a mole removed if you want to in every case.  (In Iceland, the government does not allow some procedures to be performed for anyone, even those who wish to pay out of pocket, if the procedure is cosmetic, reasoning that if only some can afford it, none should be able to have it; eg. Lasik surgery for vision correction).You should trust your doctor to determine if it is a concern medically, in which case the cost of the procedure will be covered under the terms of your insurance plan. If it is not medically necessary, you can ask to have it removed and then you will pay for the procedure.

What do I tell my doctor so no matter what I get my mole removed? (Photo)

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