Moles

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

All of our dermatologists perform full body skin examinations and we accept Medicare.