FACIAL NEVI AND SKIN GROWTH REMOVAL

Facial nevi (moles) and other skin growths may be removed for medical reasons or, in selected cases, to improve appearance. Each lesion is evaluated individually, and treatment recommendations are based on clinical findings, diagnostic certainty, and patient-specific factors.

Lesions commonly evaluated and treated include:

Raised or pigmented nevi
Seborrheic keratoses
Cherry angiomas and other vascular lesions
Sebaceous hyperplasia
Actinic keratoses
Skin tags, cysts, and milia

Treatment planning considers:

Lesion size, depth, and anatomic location
Skin type and degree of sun damage
Patient age and healing characteristics
Wrinkle pattern and surrounding skin texture
Diagnostic certainty and malignancy risk
Medical history, medications, and scar history
Occupational or lifestyle factors affecting healing

CHOOSING THE APPROPRIATE REMOVAL METHOD

Several removal techniques are available at IVSI. The method selected depends on whether complete removal, diagnostic accuracy, or surface contouring is the primary goal.

CO₂ Laser–Assisted Shave Removal

Laser-assisted shave removal combines tangential excision of the raised portion of the lesion with controlled laser destruction of remaining superficial tissue.

This technique removes the lesion at the dermal level without placement of deep sutures and allows the area to heal naturally by secondary intention.

It is commonly used for selected facial moles and benign growths, particularly in high-movement areas of the face, where this approach may provide improved cosmetic blending with the surrounding skin.

Because some moles—especially intradermal nevi—extend deeper within the skin, residual nevus cells may remain, and partial regrowth can occur in some lesions.

Treatment selection and expected outcomes are discussed during the clinical evaluation.

CO₂ Laser Destruction / Evaporation

Laser evaporation is commonly used for small superficial benign lesions.

Precise, controlled tissue removal
Minimal bleeding during treatment
Short recovery period

Temporary redness is expected during early healing. Because treated skin initially differs in color from surrounding untreated skin, the area may appear pink or slightly lighter for a short period.

When multiple lesions are removed, the skin may appear temporarily “spotted,” which simply reflects the normal healing process. As the treated areas recover, skin tone gradually blends with the surrounding skin.

SURGICAL EXCISION

Surgical excision is the only method that reliably removes the full depth of a nevus. Many facial nevi extend into deeper skin layers and cannot be completely eliminated with shaving or surface ablation alone.

Provides complete lesion removal
Allows histopathologic evaluation when required
Results in a linear scar, which typically softens and fades over time
Scars may be less noticeable in patients with natural skin lines or sun-textured skin

PIGMENT LIGHTENING (SELECT CASES)

Pigment-targeting laser treatments may be used to lighten dark pigmentation in selected nevi.

Affects color only, not lesion size or depth
Does not prevent future growth
Long-term outcome data is limited
Careful patient selection is essential

Treatment of Vascular Facial Lesions

Some facial lesions contain abnormal blood vessels.

Targeted vascular laser treatment may be used for lesions such as:

Cherry angiomas
Pyogenic granulomas
Selected vascular facial growths

These lasers selectively target abnormal blood vessels while minimizing effects on surrounding skin.

SCARRING AND HEALING EXPECTATIONS

Any skin injury—whether from excision, shaving, laser ablation, or trauma—heals through scar formation. Scar visibility is influenced by skin type, age, location, and surrounding texture and is often an optical effect rather than a complication.

Examples include:

Small healing areas may appear more noticeable in younger patients with smooth skin
In sun-damaged or textured skin, scars often blend more easily
Fresh pink or light areas may be as visible as the original lesion during early healing
Multiple treated areas may appear “spotty” until pigment normalizes

Staged treatment may be recommended to reduce redness, improve texture, or limit excessive scar response.

IMPORTANT PROCEDURAL CONSIDERATIONS

Certain factors may limit or alter treatment options, including:

Personal history of skin cancer
History of hypertrophic or keloid scarring
Younger patient age
Lesion behavior or diagnostic uncertainty

Destructive or cosmetic treatments are not performed when malignancy has not been excluded.

PIGMENTARY RISKS

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) may occur, particularly in darker skin types, and may fade slowly or persist
Hypopigmentation (loss of pigment) is a known risk of CO₂ laser treatment, especially in Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI and may be permanent
Spot testing may be required before broader treatment to assess healing response

Not all treatments are appropriate for every patient.

MEDICAL VS. COSMETIC CARE

Facial nevi and skin growths may be removed for medical reasons when there is diagnostic uncertainty, concerning change, irritation, or risk of malignancy. In these cases, treatment is guided by clinical findings and pathology when indicated.

Removal may also be requested for cosmetic improvement when lesions are stable and benign. In such cases, treatment selection focuses on contour, healing, and long-term appearance, with clear discussion of expected outcomes.

CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

Dr. Jozef Tryzno has more than 25 years of experience using surgical CO₂ laser technology for facial lesion removal. Careful patient selection, thorough counseling, and informed consent are emphasized before offering laser-based or destructive treatments.

Skin Lesion Evaluation

A skin lesion evaluation helps determine whether diagnostic clarification or procedural treatment is appropriate.

📞 Call (847) 518-9999 to schedule a skin lesion evaluation

Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment recommendations are based on individual clinical findings, diagnostic testing when indicated, and patient-specific factors. Outcomes may vary, and no specific medical or cosmetic result can be guaranteed.

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