Cosmetic Mole Removal

Dermatologist specializing in safe & effective cosmetic mole removal

Last Updated: December 12, 2020
By Julia Tzu, MD FAAD

Cosmetic Mole Removal NYC

Cosmetic mole removal involves safely removing unwanted moles on the skin while minimizing scarring near the excision. It is an outpatient surgical procedure performed at Wall Street Dermatology. Dr. Julia Tzu is a surgical and cosmetic dermatologist specializing in cosmetic dermatology involving scar revision, skin reconstruction, and laser treatments.

Benign moles are a common occurrence found in the majority of the population, and its removal is typically not considered medically necessary. However, if you are not pleased with the appearance of your mole or choose to remove it for personal preference, moles can be safely and effectively removed for cosmetic reasons.

Here at Wall Street Dermatology we can offer expert benign mole removal via an individualized approach.

Dermatologist Dr. Julia Tzu on Cosmetic Mole Removal

“Cosmetic mole removal is one of my favorite procedures because of how satisfying its outcome can be to patients who have waited too long to remove an unsightly mole. Mole removal can be performed via a variety of modalities, and I always seek to find the least invasive option to provide the best cosmetic outcome. However, even when the only option is surgery, mole removal can still result in imperceptible scarring because of special surgical techniques and equipment I utilize.”- Dr. Julia Tzu, MD, FAAD

What are Moles?

There are many different types of “brown spots” or growths that develop on our skin, all of which derive from the pigment-producing cell of the skin called the melanocyte. While this topic can easily become a much more complicated discussion of the various growth patterns of pigmented skin cells, suffice it to say that not all “brown spots” are necessarily moles, and it often takes the expertise of a dermatologist to provide an accurate diagnosis of what a “brown spot” or “mole” diagnostically is. What are casually referred to as benign “moles” or “beauty marks” are more appropriately and precisely termed “benign nevus” in medical terminology to refer to a group of melanocytes that divide and grow locally in a controlled fashion and therefore pose no medical issues. Depending on the depth of growth, benign nevi or moles can either be flat or raised and vary in shade of brown.

Benign Moles/Nevi can be classified into one of two broad categories:

Congenital – moles which you have had since birth
Acquired – moles which appear at any time during your life

These are pigmented growths that exhibit highly regular and symmetrical physical characteristics. Your dermatologist will be able to provide the diagnosis when in doubt. Although not within the scope of discussion in this particular section, there are some moles or nevi that are more appropriately classified as atypical and have irregular physical characteristics which may warrant further medical evaluation and treatment, and which do not qualify for cosmetic mole removal.

Before & After Gallery

HOW MUCH WILL Cosmetic Mole Removal COST?

Cosmetic mole removal out of pocket costs depends on the size and location of the mole, and the complexity of the technique utilized for removal. Because the procedure is considered cosmetic and elective, removal is not covered by health insurance. In general, we advise our patients to budget between $400 to $2,000 per treatment session of each mole removed. Multiple sessions may occasionally be required to get to the optimal cosmetic outcome on the mole removed.

Procedures for Cosmetic Mole Removal

Cosmetic mole removal can be accomplished by three main methods–shave removal, surgical excision, and laser. The choice of which method to use to accomplish the best cosmetic outcome will be determined by the type of mole, the size of the mole, the color of the mole, the location of the mole, and the individual’s skin type. An experienced board certified dermatologic surgeon will consider all of these elements in formulating the best plan to remove your mole

Surgical Shave Removal

Shave removal is a minimally invasive surgical technique in which the mole is surgically sculpted down to blend in seamlessly with the surrounding skin. It can be used to remove small, superficial moles (junctional nevus) or small, fleshy protuberant moles (intradermal nevus). While this is a simpler and faster procedure compared to traditional surgical mole removal, there is a higher chance that the mole can recur if the mole has a deeper component (“roots”) . The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes approximately 5 minutes. Follow-up care involves only vaseline and a bandage for 7 to 14 days. Sutures are not used with this method, so you may return to your normal daily activities sooner than traditional surgical mole removal.

Surgical Excision

Traditional surgical excision of a mole is reserved for larger and deeper moles called compound and intradermal nevi. Compared with shave removal, it is a lengthier and technically more complex procedure. The skin around the mole is first numbed with an injection of local anesthesia. The mole is then surgically excised all the way down to the subcutaneous layer to ensure its complete removal. The excisonal wound is then carefully closed with sutures, which are removed in 1-2 weeks. The method of closure, also called skin reconstruction, may range from simple to complex depending on the location of the surgery. The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes. Follow-up care involves only vaseline and a bandage for 7 to 14 days. You can go home immediately after the procedure but are advised to avoid exercise for 2 weeks to prevent reopening the wound.

Laser Removal

While laser removal is not usually the recommendation of choice for the majority of moles, it can be appropriately utilized in specific circumstances. Superficially based moles that are deemed completely benign by an experienced board certified dermatologist may be appropriately and successfully removed with laser treatment. Laser treatment is not recommended and contra-indicated for any moles that are irregular or which may be cancerous.

Considerations in Shaving Moles vs. Surgically Removing Moles

Moles are most commonly removed via a superficial removal called a “shave removal” or a deeper surgical removal that involves sutures. While shave removals are a quicker and less costly procedure, it can leave the base of the mole remaining. This means that when the shave wound heals, the brown discoloration can recur at the base and the mole can eventually reform again. True surgical removal requires more sophisticated techniques, are more time consuming to perform, and are more costly, but remove the mole completely so that probability of recurrence is reduced.

Which cosmetic mole removal procedure is best depends on an assessment of the depth of the mole, patient’s personal goals, and the location of the mole. There are certainly instances in which a shave removal provides the best outcome and there are instances when a surgical removal provides the best outcome. During your cosmetic consultation, Dr. Tzu will listen to your specific concerns and formulate with you the best treatment strategy depending on your individual goals and other limiting factors.

Why Choose a Dermatologic Surgeon over a Plastic Surgeon?

Mole removals are generally done by specialized cosmetic dermatologists or plastic surgeons. Dermatologic surgeons are specialists whose sole professional focus is medically diagnosing skin growths, tailoring the type of skin surgery to the type of skin growth, and optimizing scarring outcomes on the skin. There is no other medical specialist more experienced and focused on understanding the biology of skin growths and its removal as well as improving scarring outcomes of the skin than dermatologic surgeons. While plastic surgeons are experts in cosmetic enhancements overall, cosmetic skin surgery is only a partial subset of the types of cosmetic procedures they routinely perform. Scarring from many of the more invasive surgical cosmetic body procedures is only a secondary consideration. If going to a specialist with the most amount of expertise and experience is important to you, you may want to consider seeing a dermatologic surgeon over a plastic surgeon for skin surgery.

Taking the Next Steps on a Cosmetic Mole Removal Procedure

You can schedule a visit with Dr. Julia Tzu and her experience team at Wall Street Dermatology to explore further with us. If you are interested in exploring a cosmetic mole removal procedure, you can book a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Tzu for a 1:1 session to explore possible mole removal procedures. We’d love to explore how we may be able to restore the natural beauty of your skin.

FAQ

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions that we receive about cosmetic mole removal in NYC.

Healing time depends on the method of mole removal. For surgical mole removal, sutures are removed 1-2 weeks postoperatively. Once the sutures are removed, the skin has already healed over, but the scar will continue to improve over the next six months to one year. For shave and laser removal, the skin typically heals over in 2 weeks, with the scar continuing to improve over the next six months to one year.

While all procedures in general leave some level of a mark on the skin, cosmetic procedures are different from medical procedures in that the techniques involved are designed to minimize the amount of scarring and maximize cosmesis. Our double board certified, double fellowship trained dermatologist, Dr. Julia Tzu, is one of the most highly trained and respected surgical and cosmetic dermatologist in the world, and is prepared to help you achieve the best outcome.
Here is an example of a before and after for a mole removed from above the patient’s eyelid:

Immediately after the procedure, the area will be pink and inflamed, because this is the short-term outcome after any procedure in general, and simply represents basic biological healing mechanisms at play. The pinkness and swelling will be reduced week by week. A small scab may also form in the treatment area if there is an open wound. This will heal in the same way as any small wound. The ultimate cosmesis of a postsurgical scar may take months to a year for it to reach its final visibly minimized state.

There are a number of different factors which contribute to mole formation, but this can be nicely summarized as a combination of genetics and environment. Fair-skinned people and those with a family history are more likely to develop moles. Age and (time-dependent) sun exposure also contribute.

Most moles are of no medical concern, but new moles or existing moles that change shape or color may warrant immediate medical evaluation.

Anyone who is displeased with the appearance of their mole and seeks cosmetic enhancement should consider cosmetic mole removal. Cosmetic mole removal is a very safe procedure which only involves the use of a local anesthetic. This means that mole removal surgery can be performed in the majority of the population, as long as there is no severe medical condition that would preclude undergoing a minor elective procedure. However, because cosmetic mole removal is considered a medically unnecessary, it is not covered by insurance.

A cosmetic consultation appointment is required exactly for the purpose of answering this question. The exact procedure or technique depends on a number of individual factors, including patient’s personal preferences, quality of skin, and the size, depth, and location of the mole. During your consultation, Dr. Tzu will carefully evaluate all of these factors, before coming up with the best procedure for your best cosmetic outcome. We will then be able to discuss the procedure in depth so that you have a clear understanding of whether you are an appropriate candidate for the procedure, costs of the procedure, the time involved and follow-up appointments needed, how to prepare for the procedure, the details of how the procedure will be carried out, expectations after the procedure, and how to care for the site after the procedure.

Sutures (“ stitches”) may be needed in some surgical cosmetic mole removals. If this is the case, we will discuss with you follow-up aftercare instructions, activities to avoid after the procedure, and follow-up appointment scheduling.

At Wall Street Dermatology, our aesthetic focus allows us to perform cosmetic mole removal with the most advanced surgical techniques that minimize scarring. There is never a “one size fits all” approach. Rather, the treatment regimen and surgical techniques are individualized for each patient. Contact us today to find out more.

Cosmetic mole removal is usually a very minor procedure that does not significantly alter one’s ability to perform day to day activities. Most people are able to return to routine office work immediately after cosmetic mole removal. You will receive comprehensive aftercare instructions to walk you through what to do over the next several days to weeks.

Keeping the treatment area clean and protected, avoiding sun exposure, and avoiding excessive motion or rubbing in the area, especially for sutured (“stitched”) areas is generally recommended. You may experience a little discomfort in the area but this can be easily alleviated with over the counter pain medications.

It is always possible for any growth or mole to grow back after removal. The probability of regrowth will depend on the type of removal method chosen. As a general rule, the more invasive the procedure, the less likely the probability for regrowth. During your consultation, Dr. Tzu will discuss with you all of your options for mole removal including the likelihood for regrowth associated with each procedure.

All moles are clinically evaluated prior to proceeding with cosmetic mole removal. Cosmetic mole removal procedures are only reserved for benign moles. Moles that appear cancerous or abnormal will require a diagnostic procedure known as a biopsy and treatment will depend on the results of the diagnosis. At Wall Street Dermatology, we are well equipped to remove moles for cosmetic purposes and surgically eliminate cancerous moles with advanced techniques such as Mohs micrographic surgery.