Shave Excision of a Mole

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The shave excision technique for mole or birthmark removal allows for quick, minimally invasive lesion removal.

Shave Excision of a Mole Overview - 785

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The Skinny


Average Recovery

5 days

Permanence

Temporary

Application

Minor Surgical Procedure

Surgical

No

Cost

$150 - $500

The Specifics


What is shave excision of a mole?

A shave excision of a mole is a minor surgical plastic surgery procedure to remove superficial moles and birthmarks. The shave excision technique usually does not require stitches and creates a very small scar. In contrast, the punch excision (which uses a special punch tool) extends further into the dermal layers and necessitates stitches. There is a higher possibility of recurrence with the shave technique as less tissue is removed.

What cosmetic concerns does a shave excision of a mole procedure treat?

  1. Birthmarks, Moles, & Skin Growths: The shave excision technique precisely removes moles and birthmarks that are smaller and more superficial.

Who is the ideal candidate for a shave excision of a mole procedure?

The ideal candidate for a shave excision of a mole has a superficially set mole or pigmented birthmark. Shave excision of a mole is not recommended for individuals with suspicious moles not yet evaluated by a dermatologist, those with vascular birthmarks, or those with deeper set skin lesions.

What is the average recovery associated with a shave excision of a mole procedure?

Most patients experience few side effects from a shave excision of a mole. Minimal pain may be present after the cosmetic procedure. Excision sites should be kept dry for 24 hours. Avoidance of direct sunlight, use of SPF lotions, and good skincare are advised.

What are the potential side effects of a shave excision of a mole procedure?

Possible side effects following a shave excision of a mole include scarring, infection of the incision site, brown pigmentation of the skin, recurrence of the skin lesion, regrowth of the mole necessitating follow up, and poor wound healing.

What can someone expect from the results of a shave excision of a mole procedure?

The results of a shave excision of a mole are immediate and usually permanent removal of the mole or birthmark. There is usually no scarring from the surgical procedure.

What is the average cost of a shave excision of a mole procedure?


A shave excision of a mole procedure can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,500. The actual cost of a shave excision of a mole is dependent upon location, plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the cosmetic procedure.

thumbs-upPros

  • Best Result
  • Small Scar
  • No Stitches

thumbs-downCons

  • Reoccurrence
  • Incomplete Removal

Invasiveness Score

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.

What to Expect


For superficial moles, a simple in office shave excision can quickly remove an unwanted growth. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a shave excision of a mole.

The Takeaway


A shave excision treatment is used to permanently remove moles and birthmarks from the skin. Shave biopsies and punch biopsies are also used by dermatologists to evaluate skin lesions for skin cancer.

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Source List

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AEDIT uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. Leelawadee Techasatian Neonatal Birthmarks: A Prospective Survey in 1000 Neonates PubMed.gov; 2019-03-29
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