Mole Removal/Scars

I have a mole on the side of my face by my ear. It's 1/4" round, brown, raised. I also have 10 moles on my chest and 25 on my back (smaller circular). I'd like them removed. Two dermatoligists refused to remove them saying the scarring would be resemble a shot gun blast and said not to remove a mole from your face due to scarring. I had 2 large moles removed by a doctor 10 years ago and scarring not so bad. I am very self concious about these moles and have never gone shirtless (not even swimming) because of them my whole life.  I look like a polka-dotted freak. Also one on my back is right at my waist line and gets inflamed when I wear tight pants.

How bad is scarring from surgically removed moles? Where can I find a dermatologist who will remove them? It's my body and I want them removed. I don't understand why it's so difficult.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Removing moles is easy.  removing them from the chest and back without scarring is impossible, because that's the way those parts of the body heal.  You can probably get a plastic surgeon to remove the facial mole with less scarring, if you really want to.  But what I suggest you do is find a way to come to terms with the way you look.  Taking off your shirt to show a dozen ugly scars is not a better alternative....

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[meves]

im about to get 3 moles on my face removed in about 2 weeks one my cheek,over my left lip and on my chin is it ok to be nervous about it. Im more nervous about going to school afterwards and will it be a noticable scar