12 year old wants moles removed

[Anonymous]

I have a lot of moles and plastic surgeons have advised only removing a couple that either really bother me or are in convenient place where a small scar won't be noticeable (like the side of my nose). They make a football shaped incision to remove them and that leaves a scar longer than the mole.

[Anonymous]

Wait, can this be done?
I have a lot of flat moles, mostly limited in size, on my arms and legs, that I hate. but whenever I asked my derm, they laughed and said I would be trading them for scars. But maybe there is some improved technology now?

Unfortunately DD inherited a few on her arms and legs as well. Otherwise she has very white, clear skin. She would jump at the chance to have them removed.

If there is some new way that doesn’t involve paying 10k to a plastic surgeon, then tell me please!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wait, can this be done?
I have a lot of flat moles, mostly limited in size, on my arms and legs, that I hate. but whenever I asked my derm, they laughed and said I would be trading them for scars. But maybe there is some improved technology now?

Unfortunately DD inherited a few on her arms and legs as well. Otherwise she has very white, clear skin. She would jump at the chance to have them removed.

If there is some new way that doesn’t involve paying 10k to a plastic surgeon, then tell me please!

There is no “new” way of getting rid of them. Like PP said they make a football size incision. You have to deal with wound care for weeks and then you’ll end up with a scar. Got a suspicious mole removed from my face for just under $2000.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wait, can this be done?
I have a lot of flat moles, mostly limited in size, on my arms and legs, that I hate. but whenever I asked my derm, they laughed and said I would be trading them for scars. But maybe there is some improved technology now?

Unfortunately DD inherited a few on her arms and legs as well. Otherwise she has very white, clear skin. She would jump at the chance to have them removed.

If there is some new way that doesn’t involve paying 10k to a plastic surgeon, then tell me please!

Cutting them out is the only way to fully remove any mole, especially a flat one. For the face, see a plastic surgeon. Whether a person prefers a scar or a mole is a personal decision. I had a large one excised out of my eyebrow and have never regretted it.

[Anonymous]

A football shaped scar is way better than a dark mole with hairs sticking out.

[Anonymous]

I had some removed from my face as an adult and I regret not having done it sooner. I always hated them and they were raised and dark. I did go to a plastic surgeon. I don't feel like the scars are horrible at all. It's weird that I felt the moles were so ugly, but I don't feel bad about the scars being there at all.

[Anonymous]

I would take him to a plastic surgeon for a consult. Just keep realistic expectations around scaring, no matter what the dr says. Expect a scar to some degree. If he is ok with that, then do it. Maybe he will be lucky and end up with no or very minimal scars, but I wouldn’t go in thinking that will happen.

[Anonymous]

Of course have them removed.

[Anonymous]

I had two raised, skin colored moles on my face and the surgeon at my derm office removed them last year. He does surgeries exclusively and is an expert at mohs procedures. He shaved them and the result is flawless. I can see a tiny bit of discoloration but no scar. I thought I needed a plastic surgeon but I didn't, and I regret not doing it years ago. The area was a little raw for a week or so (think skinning your knee), then just kept it moist and it healed perfectly. Caveat: I am not a doctor and your situation may be different! But wanted to share mine. I'm thrilled with the results.

[Anonymous]

It’s not a football size or football shaped scar! DS had a big mole removed from his face and there is no scar. It was not a “suspicious” scar and we went out of pocket to a pediatric plastic surgeon. Probably cost about $2k all in. But it was a nasty mole!

[Anonymous]

I had a mole removed from my forearm at a plastic surgeon years ago and there’s definitely a scar. It’s small and round. Faces might be different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had two raised, skin colored moles on my face and the surgeon at my derm office removed them last year. He does surgeries exclusively and is an expert at mohs procedures. He shaved them and the result is flawless. I can see a tiny bit of discoloration but no scar. I thought I needed a plastic surgeon but I didn't, and I regret not doing it years ago. The area was a little raw for a week or so (think skinning your knee), then just kept it moist and it healed perfectly. Caveat: I am not a doctor and your situation may be different! But wanted to share mine. I'm thrilled with the results.

Please provide the name of the surgeon/practice/location!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, my DD went through this exact thing last year at 11 year and here is how I handled it: “I really don’t know anything about it Since I’ve never had a mole removed so I will take you to the doctor.” Made an appointment at the dermatologist and let her hear from the doctor how unnecessary it was to get them removed. Then made an appointment at plastic surgeon and let her hear from him the description of sticking a needle in her face to numb it, cutting it out, shown pics of what the stitches will look like, the recovery process of having to keep them bandaged.
And guess how many more times she has asked me to get them removed?

Those sound like there was no suspicion of them being raised/changing/cancerous. Lots of others have examples where they are. Going to the doc is a good first step.

[Anonymous]

If you kind find someone that offers radiowave removal there will be no scar. I've had three removed, two even above skin, at two different visits. I scar easily, even from blood draws or papercuts. The radiowave sort of fries it off so no cutting. Might have a small burn mark for two weeks then nothing. This is where I went in Richmond, va. https://www.lovethatface.com/cosmetic-facial-surgery-richmond-va/skin-and-wrinkle-related/mole-removal/

[Anonymous]

I have had a mole removed on my face. It was a "scarless" procedure. I have a very tiny scar that you can only see if I get a bad sunburn in the summer (it's bright white). Otherwise, best thing I ever did.