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.

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

CO₂ LASER–ASSISTED SHAVING AND ABLATION

Laser-assisted shaving removes the raised portion of a lesion and smooths the surface.

Often selected for cosmetically sensitive areas such as the nose or forehead
May provide a favorable surface contour
Does not remove the full depth of deep nevi
Carries a risk of partial regrowth, particularly for larger or broad-based lesions
Not recommended for lesions with a wide base due to healing appearance

CO₂ LASER DESTRUCTION / EVAPORATION

Laser evaporation is typically used for small, superficial benign lesions.

Allows precise, controlled tissue removal
Minimal bleeding during treatment
Lower regrowth risk for appropriately selected lesions
Temporary redness or “spotting” is expected during healing
When multiple lesions are treated, early recovery may appear mottled

Gentle resurfacing may be recommended after healing to improve skin tone uniformity.

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

VASCULAR LASER TREATMENT

Red or vascular facial lesions may be treated with targeted vascular laser techniques when appropriate.

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.

SCHEDULE AN EVALUATION

If you have a facial lesion that is changing, symptomatic, or cosmetically concerning, a professional evaluation is recommended.

📞 (847) 518-9999
📍 International Vein & Skin Institute – Park Ridge, IL

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical evaluation. Treatment recommendations depend on clinical findings, diagnostic requirements, and patient-specific factors.