Laser for 2 moles next to each other on upper lip area - best way to remove? (photo)

Question

I have 2 moles that have been there for at least 5 years. The bigger one has grown and become blacker in summer. The smaller one is slowly growing. Since they're on my face I don't want to scar. I have 1 scar from another mole excision on my face but I'd like to avoid it this time. Would these type of moles be concerning to laser or is there another way to remove them without a scar and have a biopsy if needed?

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

Andrei Gherghina, DO, MS · Answer

These moles appear to be what is called an intradermal nevus, which are usually congenital-type moles that have probably been there since birth or shortly thereafter. Usually these start off very tiny and grow with age. You have several options in removing these. The cells that comprise these types of moles go down deeper so when we perform a shave removal on these they can come back, the pigment sometimes shows up months or years later. The scar left will be circular. Another way that these can be removed is with a punch biopsy. This is a method that removes a cylinder of skin and you close it with a stitch or two. The benefit is that these will not recur and you're left with a linear scar. Moles should not be layered, they should always be sent to the lab for a pathologist to diagnose and make sure there's nothing concerning.From the photo they do not look concerning but I would always advocate seeing a board-certified dermatologist at their office to check these in person.

Laser for 2 moles next to each other on upper lip area - best way to remove? (photo)

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Laser for 2 moles next to each other on upper lip area - best way to remove? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.