LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

Hi Dr. Lam,
I have had a mole located on my actual lip...right in the middle...since birth. Recently (I'm 25 now) it has gotten more noticeable and slightly raised. It's never bothered me much but it has started to now that people make comments more regularly..confirming that it is getting more noticeable. I was wondering what procedures are available for such a removal and the complications that could arise from it. There doesnt seem to be much literature on oral nevi. What's the best way to go about finding someone qualified in my area to remove it. Thank you so much for your help.

without seeing your mole i cannot comment entirely. however, i would consider a vertical incision that may have to cross the lip border if the size of the lesion is big enough to warrant that. remember to follow relaxed skin tension lines. i would find a doctor who understands facial anatomy and does excellent dental blocks so there is no pain. someone that understands relaxed skin tension lines and who is careful to make sure that the edges of the wound are well lined up especially if the lip border is crossed. that could be a plastic surgeon or a facial plastic surgeon but someone who can articulate those concerns.

thank u so much for your prompt reply. Is there an email address that i could send you a picture of the mole to? I'm very scared of scarring. I didn't even think it would be possible to mess with such a delicate area as the lips since it's so vascular.

yes, you can either send me a private message on here or an email to drlam@lamfacialplastics.com.
best,
sml

given what i see it makes sense to remove it because it does in a way take away from the way you look. the main risk is a visible incision line that would slightly go up into the white portion of the lip. also because it is at the cupid's bow, there can be some distortion there. given the fact that the size is small, i think that risk is on the low end. weighing risk to benefit ratio if you are very conservative with the excision by a skilled doctor i think your risks are on the low end.
best,
sml