MOLE (MELANOCYTIC NEVUS) EXCISION

When Complete Surgical Removal Is Recommended

Melanocytic nevi (commonly called moles) are common skin growths that are usually benign. Many moles require only observation, photography, or biopsy for diagnosis. In some cases, however, complete surgical excision is recommended based on pathology findings, lesion behavior, or individual risk factors.

This page explains when excision is advised, how it is performed, and what to expect when a mole requires complete removal.

WHEN MOLE EXCISION IS CONSIDERED

Surgical excision may be recommended when:

• Pathology indicates dysplasia requiring margin control
• A lesion cannot be fully evaluated or managed with biopsy alone
• A mole shows concerning clinical or dermoscopic features
• There is a personal or family history of melanoma
• Complete removal is recommended for diagnostic certainty

Excision is a medical decision, not a routine cosmetic procedure.

DYSPLASTIC NEVI — TREATMENT OVERVIEW

Dysplastic nevi (DN) are considered biologically intermediate between common acquired moles and melanoma. Management depends on the degree of dysplasia identified on pathology.

Mildly Dysplastic Nevi

• Usually do not require additional surgical treatment
• Observation is commonly recommended
• Self-monitoring and photography of the biopsy site may be advised

Severely Dysplastic Nevi

• Complete surgical excision with clear margins is recommended
• Excision helps ensure removal of atypical cells
• Margin selection is based on pathology and anatomic location

Moderately Dysplastic Nevi

• Management is individualized
• There is no universal consensus among physicians
• Decision-making may consider:
  • Patient age
  • Personal or family history of melanoma
  • Lesion location
  • Biopsy margins
  • Patient preference

In some cases, excision is recommended; in others, close observation may be appropriate.

HOW SURGICAL EXCISION IS PERFORMED AT IVSI

When excision is indicated, the procedure is performed in-office using established surgical standards.

How it is done:

• Local anesthesia is administered
• Incision is performed using a surgical CO₂ laser in cutting mode
• The lesion is removed with conservative, appropriate margins
• Depth and margin selection are tailored to pathology and location
• The wound is closed with sutures (often layered, depending on size and site)
• Removed tissue is sent for pathology when indicated

This approach allows precise removal while minimizing bleeding and supporting predictable healing.

SCARRING & HEALING EXPECTATIONS

• A linear scar is an expected outcome of surgical excision
• Scar visibility depends on:
  • Location
  • Skin tension
  • Individual healing response
  • Post-procedure care
• Over time, scars typically soften and fade, though they do not disappear entirely

Healing expectations are discussed before the procedure so outcomes are clearly understood.

POST-PROCEDURE ACTIVITY & WOUND PROTECTION

Important for Proper Healing

Although mole excision is performed in the office, it is still a surgical procedure, and the healing wound is sensitive to tension, moisture, heat, and excessive movement.

Proper healing after surgery is just as important as the procedure itself — and protecting the incision during recovery is essential for the best outcome.

RISK OF WOUND DEHISCENCE

Wound dehiscence (re-opening of the incision) can occur when healing tissue is stressed too early.

To reduce this risk, patients are typically advised to avoid or limit the following during early healing (timing is individualized and reviewed at your visit):

• Swimming (pools, lakes, ocean)
• Hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, or hot baths
• Running, bicycling, weight training, or high-impact exercise
• Activities that stretch or strain the surgical area

High-tension areas — such as the back, shoulders, calves, jawline, or around the mouth — are particularly prone to dehiscence and may require longer activity restrictions.

Returning to normal activity too soon can:

• Delay healing
• Worsen scarring
• Cause wound separation or infection

Clear, location-specific guidance on when you can safely resume exercise, swimming, heat exposure, and daily activities is provided based on the size and location of your excision.

MEDICAL VS. COSMETIC CARE

Mole excision in this setting is performed for medical reasons, including diagnosis, margin control, and risk reduction.

While cosmetic appearance is always considered, cosmetic improvement is not the primary goal of excision. Procedures performed solely for cosmetic mole removal are discussed separately and may involve different techniques.

Treatment planning for melanocytic nevi follows the same diagnostic and surgical principles used across our dermatologic surgery services. Learn more about Skin Surgery & CO₂ Laser Procedures at IVSI.

FOLLOW-UP & SURVEILLANCE

After excision:

• Pathology results are reviewed and discussed
• Additional treatment or surveillance may be recommended based on findings
• Ongoing skin monitoring may be advised, especially in patients with multiple nevi or increased melanoma risk

SCHEDULE A SURGICAL CONSULTATION

If a mole has been biopsied, is changing, or has been recommended for complete excision:

📞 Call (847) 518-9999 to schedule a surgical consultation with Dr. Jozef Tryzno

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

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