Most people have moles, and many of them are completely harmless. When a mole is benign, it means it’s not cancerous. Benign moles are usually round or oval, grow slowly, and have even coloring. Many people choose to remove them for cosmetic reasons, such as wanting smoother skin or feeling more confident in their appearance.
If you’re thinking about cosmetic mole removal, there are two main treatment options: formal excision and shave removal. Both methods are effective, but they offer different benefits and limitations. Let’s explore each one so you can make an informed decision.
Option 1: Formal Excision
With formal excision, the doctor removes the mole along with a small rim of normal skin. For example, if your mole is 10 millimeters across, about 12 millimeters of tissue will be removed in total. This extra margin helps reduce the chance of the mole coming back.
To allow the scar to heal smoothly, the circular cut is reshaped into an ellipse. This makes the scar longer, but it can often be hidden in natural skin lines or contours—especially on the face. The mole is removed down to the fat layer, which lowers the risk of recurrence even more.
Benefits of formal excision:
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Very low chance of mole recurrence
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Removes the entire mole including its base
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Scar can sometimes be hidden in natural skin folds
Limitations of formal excision:
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Scar is longer than the size of the mole
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Healing may take slightly longer than shaving
Option 2: Shave Removal
Shave removal is a less invasive option. In this method, the doctor carefully shaves off the visible part of the mole. The wound is usually the same shape as the mole’s base and is left to heal naturally. Within about a week, the area turns into a pink patch of new skin that fades with time.
Benefits of shave removal:
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Smaller scar compared to excision
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Faster healing, usually within a week
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Excellent choice for cosmetic mole removal
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If the mole grows back, excision can still be done later
Limitations of shave removal:
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Higher chance of recurrence because small mole cells may remain
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Mole can grow back months or years later
Which Mole Removal Option Is Best?
Both options work well—it depends on your goals. If you want the lowest risk of recurrence, formal excision is the best choice. If you prefer smaller scars and quicker healing, shave removal may be a better first step. And remember, if a benign mole comes back after shaving, excision is always an option later.
Talking with a board-certified doctor is the best way to choose the treatment that’s right for you.
1. Does mole removal hurt?
Most patients feel only a small pinch from the numbing shot. During the procedure, you should not feel pain—just some pressure. Afterwards, you may feel some achy discomfort for a day or two.
2. How long does it take to heal after mole removal?
Shave removal usually heals within a week as a pink spot. Formal excision takes a week to seal, however the scar will continue to mature and fade over a year.
3. Will a mole grow back after removal?
With formal excision, it is unlikely to grow back. With shave removal, there is a higher chance of recurrence, but the mole can be removed again if needed.
4. Will mole removal leave a scar?
Yes, all mole removal methods leave some type of scar. Excision scars are longer, while shave scars are usually smaller and lighter.
5. Is mole removal safe?
Yes, when done by a qualified doctor, cosmetic mole removal is very safe.
