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Cosmetic Mole Removal

This patient information and photographs on Cosmetic Mole Removal is provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida.  This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.

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One of the most commonly requested dermatologic procedures is for cosmetic removal of "moles".  The average person calls a variety of growths "moles". Lesions such as melanocytic nevi, seborrheic keratosis,  lentigo, sebaceous hyperplasia, skin tags and warts are many times referred to by the lay public as "moles".   Regardless of the name, cosmetic "mole" removals are a daily event in a dermatologist's office.  Cosmetic removals are not covered by insurance.  Sometimes I will need to remove a growth because it is suspicious, but if there is nothing clinically suspicious with the growth it will be considered a cosmetic procedure.

There are a variety of techniques I use to remove "moles".  For any procedure selected I will discuss the pros and cons with you prior to the removal.  Different growths need different procedures for the best cosmetic results and I will discuss options with you.

Even if I feel the "mole" is harmless and is being removed for cosmetic reasons, it will be sent to the pathology lab for evaluation.  Some insurances will cover the pathology charges but not the removal. 

With any type of surgical procedure there are no risk free options. Having removed thousands of "moles", I can say that in the vast majority of cases, the cosmetic result is much better than the appearance of the growth being removed.  Although I take great pains to provide the best cosmetic result possible,  on a rare occasion less than optimal results can occur, which generally cannot be predicted in advance.  Some possible risks  include: regrowth of the "mole", discoloration at the removal site, infection, and abnormal scar tissue.  Fortunately even if some of these problems arise there are treatments available that can usually help.

Last modified: 08/27/06