Dr. Sam Lam Plastic Surgery Forum

Hi doc

Im 19 years old and live in the Dallas Area. I have a flesh colored mole right on the tip or my upper lip in between the area where the skin has that divided upside down V. Im looking to get it removed and due to the location have found a lot of apprehension from Doctors who are looking to cut it out and fear they will mess with the lip line. But after looking over your website I see that you burn off facial moles. Would the laser burn be a good option due to the location? And if so on average what would the cost be?

Thanks

hi,
yes burning may be a better option than cutting it off, at least as a start. i have done it right there before without any problems. typically, that area requires several burns to get the job done. i use a dental block so you don't feel ANY pain at all, not even the block itself. at 3 months, i either excise it formally if the area looks depressed and the wound contracts or i dermabrade the edges to improve the area if the divot is not significant. i use a laser and 5-FU at a month if the area is getting thicker/redder and to control any signs of hypertrophy. as far as cost, you can email marcy@lamfacialplastics.com if you are interested in finding out more info.
best,
sml

Thanks Doc that was very insightful. A few more things first I have a small scar from an incident when i was a toddler lining right next to the mole. Would this have any affect on the procedure? or is the laser so precise that you could work around the scar? also would the removal leave any scar behind?

Thanks for the help

i think the scar should be ok but would have to see it. obviously, whenever you remove something, you will always have a "scar". the point is to have one that is very hard to see. hope that makes sense.
best,
sml

I see. Im too worried about the scarring considering I already have one in that area. You've been very insightful thanks for your time. Last question Is when I get this removed chances are im going to be in school so I was wondering how its going to look after the procedure? As well as how many visits am I going to have to make back to the office after the initial surgery?

Sorry.. I meant im not worried about a small scar

as far as your questions, i always say that predict a longer recovery than you would otherwise predict. it may take several months to a year to look good. that is always a concern. it may stay red or darker for months. if you cannot take that risk, don't do it.

as far as # of visits are concerned, it is variable. that is why i only prefer to work on moles for people who live in Dallas. i typically see you a week after to remove sutures or evaluate how the wound is doing if there are no sutures. then 1 month to make sure that it has not turned darker red or thicker that would benefit from any laser or injection, then 3 months for the same reason or dermabrasion if it is well healed. if it is slightly depressed then a drop of silicone micro can help stabilize the area. then every 3 to 4 months until a year goes by. that is the typical timetable but obviously i could adjust it based on how you heal and your time constraints. hope that helps.
best,
sml