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Why did my mole grow back after excision?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

About a year ago, I had a nevus excision. Neither shaving nor laser, it was total excision. But two days ago, I realized that the nevus had come back there along the edges of the scar, the same shape as the scar.

The biopsy report of the first one is compound nevus, and there is nothing abnormal. There is no note as dysplastic or something like that.

I visited my dermatologist today, and he said we will follow it for the next 3 months. I have been becoming paranoid. I need some advice.

Please see the pictures of the old and new ones.

Thanks in advance.
Answered by Dr. Shaunak Patel

Education:

MD DVL

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shaunak Patel is a well-experienced Dermatologist with 14 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS in 2009 from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka and MD in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy from Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences in 2014. He is well-specialized in Cosmetology and Venerology.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query.

I understand your complaint and have gone through the photos (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

Any nevus is a collection of melanocytes that can multiply rapidly. Hence, even if a small section is left, it can potentially regrow. You can go for elliptical excision with at least 5 mm margin and then laser sessions to blow out the remainder.

I hope it helps.

Revert in case of any doubts.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thanks for your reply.

Could you say something about its appearance for now from the picture?

Kindly assist.

Answered by Dr. Shaunak Patel

Education:

MD DVL

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shaunak Patel is a well-experienced Dermatologist with 14 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS in 2009 from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka and MD in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy from Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences in 2014. He is well-specialized in Cosmetology and Venerology.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read and understand your concern.

Looks like it has come back, whether just like before or maybe less than that. As for now, we have to wait and see. Once it has reached full size, we can think about elliptical incision and all that.

Looking forward to your response in order to help you.

Revert in case of any doubts.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Is the new one a compound nevus or something like melanoma? Do I have to panic? If it seems like a bad thing, I do not want to be late. I do not want to cut again if it is unnecessary. I did not get the operation because of esthetic issues. It is about 3 to 4 mm for now.

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Answered by Dr. Shaunak Patel

Education:

MD DVL

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shaunak Patel is a well-experienced Dermatologist with 14 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS in 2009 from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka and MD in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy from Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences in 2014. He is well-specialized in Cosmetology and Venerology.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read and understand your concern.

Only a biopsy can establish the degree of dysplasia, but it is always better to be safe than take chances. Hence, excision is my choice of treatment for any patient. Your case was of a compound nevus where the cells are both in dermis and epidermis.

Hence, if some deeper tissue is left in the dermis, then chances are there for recurrence. The safest and best alternative is an elliptical excision or a punch biopsy up to the subcutaneous fat, including 2 to 3 mm of normal tissue. I always get good results with it.

I hope it helps.

Looking forward to your response in order to help you.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At February 16, 2016
Reviewed At May 7, 2026

Education:

MD DVL

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shaunak Patel is a well-experienced Dermatologist with 14 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS in 2009 from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka and MD in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy from Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences in 2014. He is well-specialized in Cosmetology and Venerology.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

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Dr. Shaunak Patel
Dr. Shaunak Patel

Dermatology

Consult this doctor

Education:

MD DVL

Professional Bio:

Dr. Shaunak Patel is a well-experienced Dermatologist with 14 years of clinical experience. He completed his MBBS in 2009 from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka and MD in Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy from Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences in 2014. He is well-specialized in Cosmetology and Venerology.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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