moles - Patients ask, Dr. Ringpfeil answers
Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about moles or to ask Dr. Franziska Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.
Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Moles
Treatment: surgical removal.
The word "mole" is a very broad diagnosis that in layman’s terms refers to any growth on the skin. In the medical field, "moles" are benign growths derived from the body's pigmented cells. However, moles can be brown, reddish-brown, or skin-colored. Moles are benign by definition. They may occur at any age, but most commonly do so in childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood.
Moles usually live in harmony with our bodies. If they are cosmetically unpleasing, they can be surgically removed, using shave excision, radiofrequency ablation, or complete excision. Only shave excision and radiofrequency treatment leave you without a noticeable scar, and there is a chance that over time the mole will grow back to its original size.
Complete excision will ideally leave a linear scar instead of the mole and assures no recurrence. If a pigmented growth does not fulfill the criteria for benignancy, it should be biopsied. Your skin examination will reveal which type of mole you have.
Hello, I have a labial melanotic macule that I would liked to be removed. What options do you provide and about how much for each procedure?
The majority of labial melanocytic macules can be treated with shave removal. Rarely, full excision is needed. Laser is not a customary option in solitary labial lentigos.
If located on the face, shave removal costs between $150 and $250 pending its size and if located in the genital area the removal is between $140 and $240. Excision would range between $210 and $330. Pathology evaluation is mandatory for all melanocytic macules and we will send the specimen to an independent laboratory for confirmation of diagnosis. The fee by the independent laboratory can range between$100 and $300 and is not associated with the anatomic location of the specimen.
with the shave removal option, does this leave a scar on my lip or will it look normal without a noticeable scar?
All surgical procedures leave a scar yet a scar created by shave removal is usually barely perceptible.
How do you treat cherry angiomas on the body and face?
Cherry angiomas that are flat will resolve with one pulsed dye laser treatment in fair skinned individuals. More than one laser treatment is needed for cherry angiomas that are raised. Electrocautery can be used with all skin colors and might be adventagious if the cherry angioma is raised. If a cherry angioma has become substantial it is named hemangioma and for these, shave removal or excision are suitable.
I have a few moles, skin tags and cherry angiomas I would like to get rid of. What would the pricing structure be and how do you go about removing cherry angiomas?
Moles can be shave removed or fully excised, skin tags can be snipped off and cherry angiomas are usually lasered to avoid scarring unless they are raised. Please schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists to learn which options are the right choice for you and to learn about your total cost. The medical consultation is submitted to insurance. elective removal of moles, skin tags or cherry angiomas is an out of pocket service.
Hello,
I am looking to get a mole removed that I have on the back of my neck. I was born with it and am not in fear of it being cancerous. Can you remove a mole that I was born with for cosmetic reasons?
Most moles can be removed. Your consultation will address the techniques that are appropriate as well as the extend of a scars should a surgical technique be needed.
How much does mole removal cost
Cost for mole removal depends on size and location, shave removal vs full excision.
Example
Shave removal up to 5 mm on face is $150, or 6-10 mm on face is $180 (50% chance of regrowth but best cosmetic outcome)
Excision up to 5 mm on face is $205, or 6-10 mm on face is $250 (does not recur but scar is more visible)
The rate goes up when moles are larger. The charge for mole removal on neck, scalp or remainder of the body is slightly lower than on the face for the same size. When more than one mole is removed on the same day, the highest amount is charged first, and each additional mole at 50% of its charge.
It is state of the art to submit moles for examination by pathology. The pathology laboratory we use is independent and charges $150 for each mole examined. The pathology charge is usually submitted to insurance.
Please set up a consultation with one of our physicians to learn about your options for the location you desire mole removal. Consultation is submitted to insurance as well. If you do not have insurance and the mole is your only concern, consultation should not exceed $115.
Do you do laser mole removal
Melanocytic nevi (moles) can be treated by laser. Here in the US, we do not use this technique commonly because lasers cannot reach deeply enough to destroy all pigment and the pigment then returns after 6 months to 2 years. Its use is somewhat limited to large pigmented birthmarks (congenital melanocytic nevi) if they are desired to be cosmetically reduced for a while.
I have moles all over my face, I’m not sure if some are skin tags. What would be the best option to have these removed with leaving such a scar? Is there something to treat the reoccurring growth of facial hair?
Your description is that of dermatosis papulosa nigra. If they are shaped like skin tags, they can be snipped off without leaving a scar. If they are sessile that can be “melted” off the skin. They should be softened by applying a topical medication (retinoid) for 4 weeks. Some people need a pre-treatment regimen to prevent discoloration. Please schedule an appointment to learn about your options for removal and appropriate preparation based on findings.
Dark facial hair can be reduced with laser. Electrolysis can be used for all hair colors and is most efficient when treating sporadic hairs.
Hi,
I have a mole in my face since childhood. 10 years back i removed it with “shave removal” process. Its back now. i m worried about removing it again through excision. Consulted a dermatologist ans she asked me to visit plastic surgeon. Not sure whom to consult now.
Thanks
Your mole could be shave removed again or excised. Chance for recurrence is 50% every time a mole is shave removed, including one that has previously been shaved. The fact that your dermatologist referred you to a plastic surgeon suggests that he/she feels not comfortable performing the procedure. There are many dermatologists or plastic surgeon who perform removal of moles very frequently. If you are nearby, you may consider scheduling an appointment with one of our dermatologists for this elective task and than return to your dermatologist for your other medical needs.
Hello,
I had a laser mole removal on my face about 6 years ago. Sadly, I was left with a significant scar and a mole that partially grew back on the same place. I am interested in removing both the mole and the scar, and was wondering if it is possible? If so, how?
Thanks so much in advance for your response!
I recommend that you schedule a consultation with a facial plastic surgeon to learn about your options for excision. If you are nearby, you may seek consultation with Dr TO in our office.
Hello,
I have a number of moles all over my body and have been told they are skin tags and hereditary. I had one removed on my hip which was determined it was basil cell carcinoma. I have been trying to find an African American dermatologist because I don’t feel my concerns have been taken seriously and I have never had a really good skin check. Do you accept patients with just Medicare and no secondary insurance?
Thank you
All of our dermatologists perform full body skin examinations and we accept Medicare.