LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

Hi,

I have a raised mole which is about 4mm in diameter above my lip, slightly to the right.

I asked my GP about getting it removed and he explained that I would have to get a plastic surgeon to cut out the mole (can't shave it or freeze it because it's too large) which will leave a scar.

I'd like to know if the scarring is bad - could it possibly end up worse than the mole itself? And what is the recovery process like? Will it look really bad for the first few days/weeks? Because I start university soon (February 20 - I'm in Australia) and would like it to look OK before then. Should I have a consultation first or will that waste time and money?

Any other opinions/advice?

Thanks in advance

EDIT: My mole resembles the one in this video, but mine is a little bit darker: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hvf8-Khv ... re=related

EDIT 2: After talking to the plastic surgeon my GP referred me to, he said the earliest he could do the removal is February 1. How would it look by February 20? I am also having my braces removed February 10 so will that be an issue? :S

i appreciate the questions but honestly all of the "what ifs" are possible. could it end up worse? yes. could it be better? yes. could the recovery time be sufficient? yes. could it not be sufficient? yes. you need to speak with your plastic surgeon about his technique, his estimated recovery etc. for my patients i always explain that it could look worse even up to a year and rarely permanently. i typically tell my patients they will need possibly some laser and other treatments during the following months to make it as seamless as possible. if you are a woman you can wear makeup and that oftentimes can cover the gross part of the excision even a few weeks out but not always depending on the skill of your surgeon and how you heal.

s.

Thank you Dr Lam. I appreciate your quick reply.

I understand that the results are highly dependent on individual circumstances.

Would you happen to have photos of what moles look like after being excised after specific time periods?

Also, would you be able to answer my question about getting my braces off: do you think getting my braces off 10 days after the mole removal will be an issue, i.e. will the skin above my lip be sensitive to touching?

Thanks again.

1. i don't have photos you are requesting. i am sorry but in general it can look red and a bit inflamed.
2. personally if the lip was being stretched a lot with braces removal i probably would time it so that it would be a minimum of 1 month between the two procedures.
best,
s.