Moles (medically known as naevi) are common skin growths made of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. They affect people of all ages and skin types. Fortunately, most moles are benign; although some may require further assessment or treatment. However, some may be cancerous and require further treatment.

Many people considering mole removal want to know if their mole will grow back after removal. Technically, this is possible. Whether a mole can recur depends on factors such as the type and depth of the mole, how it was removed and whether any melanocytic cells remain in the skin.

A Quick Summary

• A mole can grow back when melanocytic cells remain in your skin after treatment. It can happen after different removal techniques, although the likelihood depends on the individual mole and how it has been treated.
• If a mole or pigmentation reappears after removal, you must have the area assessed rather than assume it is simply the original mole growing back.
• For selected benign moles, Laser treatment may be an option. Usually, surgical excision is recommended when a mole needs to be removed and examined by pathology.
• The first step in determining which treatment is appropriate for you is a proper assessment of the mole by an appropriately trained practitioner.

Why Do Moles Grow Back?

First, let’s look at why a recurrence can happen. Moles form when pigment-producing cells called melanocytes cluster together in the skin. Depending on the mole type, these cells can be located at different depths.

If some of the melanocytic cells remain after treatment, pigment can reappear in the treated area over time. This is sometimes called a recurrent naevus.

Recurrence can be influenced by several factors, including:

• the type and depth of the mole
• the removal technique used
• whether some of the mole cells remain deep in the skin
• location and characteristics of the mole

Sometimes, what looks like a recurring mole may actually be a new mole forming in the same spot. This is why any new or changing pigmentation in an area where a mole has previously been removed should be assessed rather than automatically assumed to be a regrowth.

Mole Removal: Laser vs Surgical Excision

There are several ways to remove or treat a mole, depending on its appearance, depth and whether there are any concerns about the lesion. Two techniques that may be considered for selected moles are Laser treatment and surgical excision. They work in different ways and are not suitable for every mole.

Laser Mole Removal

Laser Mole Removal can be used for selected benign moles. During treatment, the Laser ablates the tissue, removing the visible mole from the skin’s surface. Because the tissue is destroyed during Laser treatment, it cannot be sent to a laboratory for pathology afterwards. For this reason, moles should be assessed appropriately before Laser treatment to determine whether Laser is suitable.

At Bella Plastic Surgery, we require a qualified skin cancer practitioner to assess all moles before Laser Mole Removal. You can read more about our Laser Mole Removal treatment here.

The depth of your mole can also affect the result. Some moles have pigment deep within the skin so some pigmentation may remain after Laser treatment. This can occur with certain types of deeper pigmented moles, such as blue naevi.

Because some melanocytic cells can remain, pigmentation can sometimes reappear over time.

Surgical Excision

Surgical excision involves removing the mole with a scalpel. Depending on the individual mole, this may involve removing the lesion along with a small amount of surrounding tissue.

One important difference is that the removed tissue can be sent for histopathological examination, allowing a pathologist to examine it under a microscope.

Therefore, surgical excision is generally the appropriate approach when a mole is suspicious and needs assessment for possible skin cancer. Our Australian guidelines recommend excisional biopsy for clinically concerning pigmented lesions where appropriate.

When a mole has been completely removed, the likelihood of recurrence may be lower. However, recurrence is still possible in some circumstances, particularly when melanocytic cells remain in the skin.

Can A Mole Grow Back after Laser Removal?

Yes, a mole can reappear after Laser treatment. This can happen when melanocytic cells remain deeper in the skin and continue to produce pigment. Therefore, the likelihood of recurrence depends on the mole’s type and depth and the treatment used.

The treated area may also look different as it heals. Temporary redness and pigmentation changes can occur after treatment and should not be mistaken for a recurring mole. This redness can persist for some time as the skin heals.

NB: If you notice pigmentation or a similar growth developing in the treated area, you must have it assessed rather than assuming that the original mole has returned.

Can a Mole Grow Back After Surgical Excision?

If your mole has been completely removed by surgical excision, it’s less likely to recur than one where some melanocytic tissue remains.

However, pigment can sometimes reappear within a scar after mole removal. This is known as recurrent naevus.

Recurrent naevi can sometimes have an unusual or irregular appearance, which is one reason a qualified medical professional must assess any new pigmentation at a previous mole removal site.

Never assume that a pigmented area appearing in a scar is simply a recurrent mole. If you are unsure, further assessment may be recommended.

What If the Mole Grows Back after Removal?

If you notice pigmentation, a new mole or any changes in the treated area, you must book an assessment with an appropriately qualified medical professional.

In particular, look for signs such as:

• changes in the size, shape or colour
• irregular borders or multiple colours
• crusting or itchiness
• bleeds
• anything that looks noticeably different from your other moles

These changes don’t necessarily mean that your lesion is cancerous. However, they should always be assessed because some skin cancers, including melanoma, initially resemble a benign mole.

References

AFP: skin biopsy in the diagnosis of neoplastic skin disease