Dr. Sam Lam Plastic Surgery Forum

I have a dark brownish-black nevus between my eyes on my nose. I really don't like it but my dermatologist stated that he could remove it. He would cut around it and during the healing process it usually turns into a normal scar but in some cases it might turn into a keloid scar which would look 10x worse then the nevus itself! Im scared it turns into a keloid and was wondering what are the chances that it would be a keloid and if so is there a possible way to prevent a keloid from even forming? In addition, is excision the only possible way to get rid of it? Like is there another way to remove it without scarring? Im 18 and I really want this gone but only if its not going to make me look 10x. I would really like your feedback and opinion. Thank you so much!

hi,
first, i would have to see your mole to make a better comment. however, in general, keloids are almost impossible to have on the face. a hypertrophic scar, which is still ugly but not as bad as a keloid, is something that can happen. to me a quality mole removal is based on removing it the way your dermatologist mentions to make the area of excision smaller, most likely followed by formal excision performed in 3 layers, followed by dermabrasion 3 months post. also, as needed laser and 5FU injectables early on if there are changes that look like you are heading to scarring. that is why i only remove moles for people who live in the dallas metroplex area.
best,
sml

thank you so much! but i was wondering what is the possibility of a hypertrophic scar appearing after a excision on the bridge of the nose? is there a way to avoid it? and afterwards even if the mole is removed and a scar looks like its appearing, whats the possibility that the injections and laser will still leave a non-normal scar? im sorry i have many questions but i was also wondering is excision the only solution? is it possible to at least lighten the color of the mole to a light brown or even shrink the size of it? its about 3 cm from what my dermatologist stated!

thank you so much! but i was wondering what is the possibility of a hypertrophic scar appearing after a excision on the bridge of the nose? IN CAREFUL HANDS, NOT VERY HIGH. is there a way to avoid it? CAREFUL BURNING AND CAREFUL FOLLOW UP AFTER A MONTH TO MAKE SURE IT IS NOT BEGINNING TO THICKEN. and afterwards even if the mole is removed and a scar looks like its appearing, whats the possibility that the injections and laser will still leave a non-normal scar? LOW IF DONE WELL. im sorry i have many questions but i was also wondering is excision the only solution? is it possible to at least lighten the color of the mole to a light brown or even shrink the size of it? NOT THAT I KNOW OF. its about 3 cm from what my dermatologist stated! I WOULD SAY EVERYTHING DEPENDS ON THE QUALITY OF THE TECHNIQUE AND THE FOLLOW UP. I CAN ONLY SPEAK FOR MY HANDS AND MY RESULTS. IT IS NOT FAIR TO COMMENT ON SOMEONE ELSE'S POSSIBLE WORK.
best,
sml