To have a mole removed or not to have a mole removed?

I've had several removed (family history of fatal skin cancer means my doctor doesn't take any chances) and you really can't predict how it will scar. Some of mine aren't really noticeable, but I have one on my arm that left a huge scar in the shape of the mole with the stitches (and now is turning brown again). If yours is that big, I'd advise having your doctor refer you to a cosmetic surgeon to perform the removal; they're much more skilled at minimizing scars than a dermatologist will be.

I would hope that I would just embrace my mole as part of my unique body and wear what I want.

BUT, I only have a few small moles, so that's easy to say.

I have had a dermatologist check it for cancer and it has never changed shape or colour ever, so it is purely cosmetic.


I myself tend to believe that it is part of who I am and part of my unique body, but every time someone makes a comment on it (almost every time it is visible), it puts a huge dent in my confidence and then I feel like covering it up all the time or having it removed.

If it really doesn't bother you (and the idea of getting it removed does), don't get it removed. I mean, changing something you consider an integral part of yourself in response to occasional offhand comments? That's crazy! Rather than take a blow to your confidence, tell the next person who says something exactly what you've told us here, that it's something you've always had and thought was a cool and unique part of yourself.

From what you've said this mole seems to be important to you!

I am quite a freckly/moley person and I had a mole removed from my back about 4 years ago; the scar is at least 5 times the size of the original mole, will never tan and so will always stand out. (It's on my back so it doesn't bother me, I don't have to see it! lol)

It was removed because my doctor thought it best to take it off as a preventative measure (history of malignant melanoma in my family). When I was at the hospital for the surgery, I was taken to have photographs taken of my whole body, including close ups on large/irregular moles so that I can keep a record and check if there have been any visible changes to my moles. I suggest taking some photos yourself if you are worried about your moles changing and becoming malignant, or simply ask your doctor to have a look over them.

One last thought - if your mole is 3 inches in diameter, are you sure it is a mole? Could simply be a birthmark, which would eliminate any threat of skin cancer.

Wear your shorts and skirts with pride! You've worked hard to achieve your weight loss, don't let a mole hold you back. I have a mole on my neck that looks like a small hickey so when people ask me dumb questions about it, I have fun with it! "Yes, I met this guy last night with a really tiny mouth!"
Sometimes people just don't have any common sense, that's not your problem.

I had a mole on my chin that I never wanted to remove because I felt like it was part of me, and I liked it. But then it got itchy when I started having skin problems, so I had it removed. I seriously don't miss it.

If you like it and want to keep it, then don't let it stop you from wearing clothing that shows it off. But if it makes you feel that self-conscious, then have it removed. It's a simple procedure, and yes, you may have a scar, but it's likely not going to be a bad one. The scar would be less noticeable than the mole, so if you're going for "less noticeable," remove it.

Remove it! Any scar will be very light and far less noticable than the mole. If it bothers you, remove it!

I had a mole removed, and had the same concerns as you before. I wish I'd done it years sooner! The procedure was not a big deal at all. There isn't really a scar, but the skin there doesn't tan like the skin around it, so in the summer I can tell where it was, but I don't think it's really noticeable to anyone else. I had the whole "it's a part of me" argument with myself but I don't miss it at all.