Mole Removal

Episode #117 / Nov 2, 2009
OTHER VERSIONS:
Moles are very common and can appear randomly. Luckily, they're also easy to remove. Dr. Schultz describes a simple mole removal procedure.
Sarah on May 14, 2010 at 5:31pm

Hi Dr. Schultz,

Thanks for the episode on mole removal. I have lots of moles (face and body) and have often thought about having some of them removed.

I get checked for skin cancer 1 or 2 times a year, and some of the moles that have been removed (as a precaution) have left scarring. Is this because moles that are at a risk for cancer need to be removed below the surface as well?

If I decide to remove facial moles for cosmetic reasons, is there a risk of scarring? Can this risk be minimized?

Thanks for your help!

Neal Schultz, M.D. on May 31, 2010 at 11:47pm

@Sarah: Moles that are removed for medical reasons as you surmised need to have their root removed which is below the surface of the skin, and that deep removal is what sometimes results in scars. When raised are removed for cosmetic reasons, the end result should be flat and even with the surrounding skin without a scar. However, sometimes flat, brown color can return. To help ensure no scar for these moles, have the removal performed by a cosmetic dermatologist.