Laser Skin Treatments in LA - Cyst, Mole, Lipoma Removal

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Mole & Birthmark Removal in Santa Monica

Kare Plastic Surgery & Skin Health Center  ·  Santa Monica & Beverly Hills

Minimal Scar Mole Removal
Los Angeles

Expert surgical removal of moles, cysts, skin tags, syringomas, milia & xanthelasma
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tiffany Sierro and Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian combine mole removal expertise in Santa Monica

Call (310) 998-5533 Book a Consultation
Dr. Tiffany SierroBoard-Certified Dermatologist
Dr. KaramanoukianBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon
Minimal ScarMinimization Experts
PPOInsurance Accepted

The Kare Difference

 

Mole Removal in Los Angeles
Dual-Physician Expertise. Minimal Scarring. 

Mole removal is one of the most commonly performed procedures in dermatology and plastic surgery. In order to avoid longterm scarring, our clinical team utilizes the expertise of both a plastic surgeon and dermatologist. 

At Kare Plastic Surgery & Skin Health Center in Santa Monica, mole removal is approached as a procedure requiring expert diagnosis and management.  Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Tiffany Sierro and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian practice together at Kare Center. 

Our skin lesion removal program extends well beyond moles: we offer precision removal of epidermoid and pilar cysts, skin tags, syringomas, milia, and xanthelasma under local anesthesia. We offer scar minimization protocols that define plastic surgical care. 

Skin Lesions We Remove at Kare

  • Dark Moles:  benign, atypical, and suspicious
  • Epidermal and Sebaceous cysts. Lipomas.
  • Pilar (trichilemmal) cysts on the scalp. 
  • Skin tags on the face and body. 
  • Syringomas around the eyes. 
  • Milia on the face. 
  • Xanthelasma eyelid cholesterol deposits
  • Dermatofibromas  on the legs and thighs.  
  • Sebaceous gland hyperplasia.
  • Seborrheic keratoses.
  • Cherry Angiomas and Spider Veins.

mole removal Santa Monica

 

Board-Certified Dermatologist Dr. Tiffany Sierro 

Dr. Tiffany Sierro MD — Board-Certified Dermatologist specializing in Ultherapy non-surgical necklift at Kare Plastic Surgery Santa Monica Los Angeles
Dr. Tiffany Sierro, MD Board-Certified Dermatologist

 

Our Physician Team

 

Dermatologist + Plastic Surgeon: A Collaboration That Covers Every Dimension of Mole Removal

Our office offers a unique collaboration that combines a plastic surgeon's expertise with a dermatologist's diagnostic acumen. 

Dermatology & Skin Cancer Diagnosis

Dr. Tiffany Sierro, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist

Dr. Tiffany Sierro is a board-certified dermatologist at Kare Plastic Surgery & Skin Health Center whose formal training encompasses medical dermatology, surgical dermatology, dermatopathology, and laser medicine. Her expertise is indispensable in the mole removal process because the most critical step — before any incision is made — is accurate clinical diagnosis.

Using dermoscopy, total body skin examination, and clinical criteria including the ABCDE framework (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolution), Dr. Sierro evaluates every lesion before treatment to determine whether it is a benign mole, an atypical nevus, or a lesion warranting biopsy for melanoma evaluation. She identifies syringomas, milia, xanthelasma, and other periocular lesions that require dermatologic expertise to diagnose correctly — lesions that are frequently misidentified by non-dermatologist providers.

Her diagnostic precision protects patients from two equally serious errors: missing a malignant lesion and overtreating a benign one. No cosmetic outcome can be optimized if the diagnosis has not been accurately established first.

Plastic Surgery & Scar Minimization

Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian is a UCLA-trained, double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and RealSelf 100 designee with over 20 years of surgical experience. Within plastic surgery, he has developed subspecialty expertise in wound healing science and scar management — understanding the biological, mechanical, and technical factors that determine whether a surgical incision heals as a barely visible line or a conspicuous, wide scar.

For mole removal, Dr. Karamanoukian applies the full discipline of plastic surgical planning: mapping the relaxed skin tension lines at each excision site, designing the smallest incision that allows complete removal, executing multilayer wound closure to minimize surface tension, and initiating a post-operative scar optimization protocol that may include silicone, Vbeam laser, and intralesional steroid treatment when indicated.

The result is consistently superior cosmetic outcomes for facial and body mole removal, where the final scar appearance is as important as the mole removal itself.  

“Our partnership allows us to combine exceptional diagnostic acumen with precision surgical removal of moles and skin lesions. ”

— Dr. Tiffany Sierro & Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian

The Plastic Surgery Advantage

 

The Minimal Scar Mole Removal Technique: What Sets Plastic Surgery Apart

Every mole removal leaves a scar. What determines how noticeable that scar becomes is the planning, technique, and post-operative management applied to the wound — elements that are core to plastic surgical training and largely absent from general and urgent care settings.

Incision Planning + Skin Tension Lines

Before any incision, Dr. Karamanoukian assesses the relaxed skin tension lines (RSTLs) at the mole’s location — the natural lines of minimal skin tension that run perpendicular to the underlying muscle fibers. Incisions made parallel to these lines heal with significantly finer, flatter, less conspicuous scars than incisions made across them. On the face, the RSTLs correspond closely to natural expression lines, meaning a well-planned facial mole excision scar is often hidden in plain sight within a natural skin contour.

For facial moles in complex folds of the nasolabial crease, the eyelid margin, or the hairline, Dr. Karamanoukian designs the incision within the fold itself, exploiting natural skin camouflage to render the scar effectively invisible even at close inspection.

Multilayer Wound Closure

Standard mole removal at a general practice typically involves a single layer of surface sutures — closing only the skin and leaving tension concentrated at the epidermal level, where it produces a wider, more visible scar. Dr. Karamanoukian closes every mole excision in multiple layers: deep dermal sutures to re-approximate tissue planes and eliminate dead space, followed by precise epidermal closure with fine sutures or surgical skin tape.

This layered approach distributes wound tension across the deep tissue rather than the skin surface, producing a finer, more uniform scar edge with less risk of spreading or hypertrophy over time. Dissolving deep sutures mean no removal visits are required in most cases, and the meticulous edge eversion at the skin surface prevents the depressed, sunken scar appearance that results from poor epidermal approximation.

Post-Op Scar Management Program

After wound healing is confirmed, Dr. Karamanoukian initiates a structured scar optimization protocol. Medical-grade silicone gel sheeting — the most evidence-supported non-surgical scar intervention — is prescribed to flatten and soften the early scar. SPF 50 sun protection is mandatory to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation in the healing scar. Scar massage instruction is provided to soften early collagen.

For early hypertrophic changes, intralesional triamcinolone is initiated promptly. The Vbeam pulsed-dye laser is offered for persistent redness or early thickening. Fractional laser resurfacing is available for textural improvement of mature scars. This comprehensive scar management system — available at Kare because of the practice’s dual dermatology and plastic surgery capability that cannot be replicated at any single-specialty mole removal facility in Los Angeles.

Shave Biopsy vs. Mole Excision Technique

Not every mole requires full surgical excision. Dr. Sierro and Dr. Karamanoukian evaluate each lesion collaboratively to select the optimal removal technique. Elevated, benign-appearing moles with low malignancy concern may be treated by shave removal.  Shave removal is fast, well-tolerated, and ideal for raised moles on the face and body.

Deeper moles, atypical lesions, or suspicious moles require full pathologic evaluation with appropriate margins. The choice between shave and excision is made at consultation based on Dr. Sierro’s clinical assessment and the patient’s cosmetic goals.

Comprehensive Skin Lesion Removal

 

Complete Skin Lesion Removal at Kare Plastic Surgery

We treat each individual mole with accuracy and precision to obtain exceptional results in mole removal in Los Angeles. 

Lesion Type 01

Moles (Melanocytic Nevi)

Moles are clusters of melanocytic cells that can appear anywhere on the body, ranging from flat brown macules to raised, dome-shaped, or pedunculated papules. While the vast majority are benign, any mole that changes in size, shape, color, or border — or that is new in a patient over 30 — requires dermatologic evaluation before removal. Dr. Sierro assesses every mole with dermoscopy before any treatment decision is made. Removal is performed by shave excision for raised benign moles or surgical excision with appropriate margins for deeper, atypical, or suspicious lesions. All tissue is sent to pathology.

Treatment: Shave excision, surgical excision with layered closure, dermoscopy-guided technique, pathology submission
Lesion Type 02

Cyst and Lipoma Removal 

Epidermoid cysts are the most common benign skin cysts that develop in the dermis of the face, neck, back, and scalp. Pilar cysts form specifically on the scalp from the outer root sheath of the hair follicle. Both can become inflamed, infected, or rupture, causing significant pain and swelling. Complete cyst removal requires excision of the entire cyst wall to prevent recurrence. Dr. Karamanoukian’s minimal incision technique for lipomas and cysts minimizes surgical scarring. 

Treatment: Complete cyst or lipoma excision through minimal incision, intact cyst wall removal to prevent recurrence, layered closure, pathology confirmation
Lesion Type 03

Skin Tag Removal 

Skin tags are benign, pedunculated fibroepithelial polyps that develop most commonly on the neck, axillae, groin, eyelids, and inframammary folds — areas of repeated skin friction. They are entirely benign but can become irritated, bleed when snagged on clothing or jewelry, and cause significant cosmetic distress particularly on the neck and eyelid margin. At Kare, skin tags are removed by snip excision under local anesthesia — a quick, precise, and virtually painless procedure that leaves no sutured wound and heals with minimal trace. Multiple skin tags can be removed in a single appointment. Dr. Sierro evaluates all eyelid skin tags to exclude more serious periocular lesions before treatment.

Treatment: Snip excision under local anesthesia, electrocautery for hemostasis, cryotherapy for small tags, multiple lesions treated per session
Lesion Type 04

Syringoma Removal

Syringomas are benign eccrine sweat gland tumors that appear as small, firm, skin-colored or yellowish papules clustered in the periorbital region — most commonly on the lower eyelids and upper cheeks. They are one of the most cosmetically distressing periocular conditions, often appearing in young women in their twenties and thirties and being mistaken for milia or fatty deposits. Accurate dermatologic diagnosis by Dr. Sierro is essential before any treatment, as syringomas require a specific approach. Treatment at Kare includes electrosurgical ablation (electrodesiccation), precise laser resurfacing, and for larger or deep lesions, surgical excision — all performed with meticulous attention to the delicate periorbital anatomy by a team that includes a plastic surgeon skilled in eyelid procedures.

Treatment: Electrodesiccation, precise CO2 or Er:YAG laser ablation, surgical excision for resistant lesions, careful periorbital technique
Lesion Type 05

Milia Removal

Milia are small, white, keratin-filled epithelial cysts that form just beneath the skin surface — appearing as firm, 1–2 mm white or yellowish domed papules most commonly on the face, particularly the cheeks, eyelids, nose, and forehead. Unlike acne comedones, milia do not have an opening to the skin surface and cannot be extracted by squeezing. Primary milia arise spontaneously; secondary milia form after skin trauma, burns, blistering, or following certain laser and dermabrasion procedures. Dr. Sierro treats milia with a fine needle or lancet to create a micro-opening, followed by gentle extraction of the keratin core.

Treatment: Lancet micro-incision and manual extraction, electrodesiccation for multiple lesions, topical retinoid prescription for prevention of new milia formation
Lesion Type 06

Xanthelasma Removal

Xanthelasma palpebrarum are yellowish, cholesterol-laden plaques that develop on the medial (inner) aspect of the upper and lower eyelids, representing deposits of lipid-laden macrophages within the dermis. They are the most common cutaneous xanthoma and may be associated with elevated serum lipids, though they frequently occur in patients with normal cholesterol levels. Xanthelasma are cosmetically distinctive and tend to enlarge progressively over time without treatment. Dr. Sierro evaluates patients for associated hyperlipidemia before treatment and, when appropriate, coordinates with the patient’s internist. Removal options at Kare include precise surgical excision for thicker plaques, and CO2 laser ablation. Dr. Karamanoukian’s expertise in periocular surgery ensures that eyelid anatomy is fully respected during any surgical intervention for xanthelasma.

Treatment: TCA chemical ablation, surgical excision, CO2 laser vaporization, pre-treatment lipid evaluation, eyelid-safe surgical technique

Treatment Locations

 

Mole & Skin Lesion Removal by Anatomical Location

The location of a mole or skin lesion significantly influences the surgical approach, incision planning, and expected scar quality. Dr. Karamanoukian and Dr. Sierro tailor every treatment to the specific anatomical demands of the treatment site.

Forehead & Scalp

Eyelids & Periorbital

Nose & Nasolabial

Cheeks & Face

Lips & Perioral

Neck & Jawline

Shoulders & Arms

Hands & Fingers

Chest & Décolletage

Back & Torso

Abdomen

Legs & Feet

Facial mole removal on the nose, eyelid margin, lips, and forehead demands the highest level of surgical precision and anatomical knowledge. Dr. Karamanoukian’s extensive training in facial cosmetic surgery, combined with Dr. Sierro’s dermatologic expertise, makes Kare Plastic Surgery the premier destination in Santa Monica for facial mole removal where both safety and cosmetic excellence are non-negotiable standards.

Your Treatment Experience

 

What to Expect at Your Mole Removal Appointment at Kare Plastic Surgery

 

Dermatologic Consultation & Skin Cancer Screening

Your appointment begins with Dr. Sierro’s clinical evaluation of the lesion — including full-face or total-body dermoscopy as appropriate, assessment of ABCDE criteria, and a complete skin cancer screening of the surrounding skin. The clinical diagnosis is established before any treatment decision is made. If any feature of the mole is suspicious for melanoma or atypical nevus, Dr. Sierro may recommend a biopsy protocol that differs from standard benign mole excision. You receive a clear explanation of the diagnosis and the recommended treatment approach.

 

Surgical Planning & Incision Design

Dr. Karamanoukian assesses the mole’s size, depth, and anatomical location and marks the planned excision and incision lines with the patient positioned to reveal natural skin tension. The smallest incision that allows complete removal is selected. For facial moles, the incision is oriented precisely within the RSTLs or natural skin creases. The planned technique — shave excision, punch excision, or elliptical surgical excision — is selected based on the mole’s clinical characteristics and the patient’s cosmetic priorities.

 

Local Anesthesia Administration

Lidocaine with epinephrine is injected around and beneath the mole, achieving complete numbness of the operative site within 3–5 minutes. The epinephrine component produces local vasoconstriction that dramatically reduces intraoperative bleeding and post-operative bruising. Patients experience a brief stinging sensation during injection, followed by complete comfort throughout the procedure. For sensitive areas including the eyelid margin and lip vermilion, a nerve block technique may be used to maximize comfort with minimal injection volume.

 

Mole Excision

The mole is removed using the planned technique — either a tangential shave excision flush with the skin surface, or a full-thickness elliptical excision with appropriate margins. For surgical excision, the incision is made precisely along the pre-marked line, the mole and a narrow margin of surrounding tissue are removed en bloc, and hemostasis is achieved. The wound is inspected to confirm complete removal before closure begins. The entire excision for a standard facial mole typically takes 10–20 minutes.

 

Multilayer Wound Closure & Pathology Submission

For surgical excisions, the wound is closed in the multiple layers described above, using deep dissolving sutures and fine epidermal closure. The removed mole is labeled and submitted to an independent pathology laboratory — a non-negotiable standard at Kare regardless of clinical appearance. Post-operative dressings are applied, and detailed aftercare instructions are provided. Suture removal (when applicable) is scheduled at 5–7 days for facial wounds and 10–14 days for body wounds.

 

Pathology Results & Scar Management

Pathology results are communicated to the patient within 1–2 weeks. If the results confirm benign pathology, the scar management protocol is initiated at 3–4 weeks post-operatively. If any unexpected finding is identified, including atypical nevus, melanoma in situ, or invasive melanoma, Dr. Sierro will personally contact the patient, explains the diagnosis, and coordinates appropriate next steps including re-excision with wider margins or referral to a Mohs surgeon or oncologic dermatologist as indicated.

Minimal ScarWe take steps to reduce scars
Minimal PainSmall incision mole removal
AccuracyDiagnostic skill mole removal

Who We Treat

 

Who Should Seek Mole & Skin Lesion Removal at Kare in Los Angeles?

Mole and skin lesion removal is appropriate for a wide range of patients — from those seeking cosmetic improvement to those requiring evaluation of a changing or suspicious lesion. The following presentations are ideal for consultation at Kare Plastic Surgery & Skin Health Center in Santa Monica.

✓   Ideal Indications for Skin Lesion Removal at Kare Plastic Surgery

  • Patients with moles that have changed in size, color, shape, or border — the most important clinical indication for dermatologist evaluation and possible excision with pathologic examination to exclude melanoma
  • Those with cosmetically bothersome moles on the face, neck, or other visible areas who want the removal performed with the minimum possible scar by a team with both diagnostic and plastic surgical expertise
  • Individuals with epidermoid or pilar cysts that have previously become infected or inflamed, or that are enlarging and causing discomfort — complete excision of the cyst wall is necessary to prevent recurrence and is performed under local anesthesia in a single session
  • Patients with multiple skin tags on the neck, axillae, or eyelids causing irritation or cosmetic distress — multiple tags can be removed simultaneously in a single appointment
  • Women with syringomas clustered under the eyes that are causing cosmetic concern — Dr. Sierro’s accurate diagnosis and Dr. Karamanoukian’s periorbital expertise combine to deliver safe, effective syringoma treatment with minimal risk of eyelid complications
  • Patients with milia on the face or eyelids that have not responded to topical retinoids and require professional extraction or ablation by a board-certified dermatologist
  • Individuals with xanthelasma on the eyelids who desire individualized diagnosis and surgical precision in the removal of xanthelesma from the thin skin of the eyelids. 
  • Those who have had a mole removed elsewhere and are unhappy with the scar result. Dr. Karamanoukian offers scar revision surgery, laser resurfacing, and intralesional treatments for poorly healed mole excision scars from prior providers
  • Patients who want all of their moles formally evaluated with dermoscopy at a single comprehensive skin cancer screening appointment, with removal of any lesions of concern performed at the same visit or a scheduled follow-up
  • Individuals on blood-thinning medications, with a history of keloid scarring, or with other factors that require physician-level assessment before any skin excision — our dual-physician team evaluates and manages these complexities individually

When is a mole potentially dangerous? Moles that exhibit the ABCDE warning signs — Asymmetry, irregular Border, multiple Colors, Diameter greater than 6mm, or Evolution (change over time) — require dermatologist evaluation before any removal attempt. A suspicious mole should never be shaved, lasered, or otherwise destroyed without prior dermatoscopic assessment, as this would eliminate the pathologic specimen needed to diagnose melanoma. At Kare, Dr. Sierro evaluates every mole clinically before determining the appropriate removal approach. For moles with features concerning for melanoma, she initiates the appropriate biopsy and pathologic evaluation protocol before any cosmetic consideration is discussed.

On insurance coverage: Mole removal is covered by many PPO insurance plans when the lesion shows changing or suspicious characteristics requiring pathologic evaluation, or when it causes documented functional symptoms (bleeding, irritation, impairment). Our office assists with insurance verification and clinical documentation for pre-authorization. Cosmetically motivated mole removal is typically self-pay. All tissue is submitted to pathology regardless of payment source.

Common Questions

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Mole Removal in Los Angeles

Should I see a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon for mole removal in Los Angeles?

Dr. Sierro’s dermatologic training provides accurate clinical diagnosis, dermoscopy-guided skin cancer evaluation, and expert management of periocular and other specialized lesion types. Dr. Karamanoukian’s plastic surgical training provides the incision planning, multilayer closure, and post-operative scar management that produce cosmetically superior outcomes. The debate between choosing a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon for mole removal is one that only exists at practices where you can only access one physician. At Kare, you have both.

How small will the scar be after mole removal?

Scar size depends on the mole’s diameter, depth, anatomical location, and the patient’s individual healing characteristics. For a shave excision of a raised facial mole, no sutured wound is created and the healed area is typically a flat, lightly pigmented circular mark that blends with surrounding skin within months. For surgical excision, the scar will be linear and initially visible, fading progressively over 12–18 months to a thin, pale line. Dr. Karamanoukian’s incision planning within the RSTLs and multilayer closure consistently produce scars that are significantly less conspicuous than those resulting from standard excisions performed at non-plastic-surgery settings.

Can multiple moles be removed in one appointment?

One of the practical advantages of our in-office local anesthesia approach. Dr. Sierro evaluates all lesions of concern at the consultation, and Dr. Karamanoukian can remove multiple moles or skin lesions in a single session, limited only by the total area of local anesthetic safely administered and the practical logistics of wound care. Most patients find it efficient to address all cosmetically or medically concerning lesions in a single visit rather than multiple appointments. Combining mole removal with cyst or skin tag removal in one session is routinely performed.

Do you send moles to pathology?

Tissue removed at Kare Plastic Surgery is submitted to an independent pathology laboratory for histologic examination. We work closely with Dr. Roupen Yaghsezian, a board-certified dermatopathologist for accurate pathologic examination. Pathology results are communicated to every patient within 1–2 weeks of the procedure.

Can syringomas around the eyes be permanently removed?

Syringomas can be significantly reduced or eliminated with appropriate treatment, but because they arise from eccrine sweat glands that are diffusely present in the periorbital skin, new syringomas can develop over time even after existing lesions have been successfully treated. Dr. Sierro offers electrodesiccation, laser ablation, and surgical excision for syringomas, with treatment selected based on lesion size and distribution. Most patients achieve meaningful cosmetic improvement with 1–3 treatment sessions, and periodic maintenance treatment for newly forming lesions can sustain the improvement long-term.

What is the difference between milia and whiteheads?

Milia are small keratin-filled cysts with no surface opening — they cannot be extracted by squeezing, as there is no pore connection to the skin surface. Whiteheads (closed comedones) are acne lesions filled with sebum and keratinocytes that do have a microscopic follicular opening. Milia are firm, smooth, and pearly white; whiteheads are slightly softer and more common in acne-prone skin. Dr. Sierro makes the clinical distinction at examination and treats each appropriately — milia with lancet micro-incision and extraction or ablation; whiteheads with acne management protocols.

Is xanthelasma removal covered by insurance?

Xanthelasma removal is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and is typically not covered by insurance unless it is causing documented functional eyelid impairment. The associated blood work to evaluate lipid levels may be covered under your medical plan. Our office provides pre-treatment guidance on insurance coverage and transparent self-pay pricing for xanthelasma treatment. Dr. Sierro evaluates lipid status before treatment and, when elevated lipids are identified, recommends appropriate follow-up with your internist — addressing the systemic condition alongside the cosmetic one.

How much does mole removal cost in Los Angeles?

The cost of mole removal at Kare Plastic Surgery & Skin Health Center depends on the number of lesions, the technique required, and whether pathology fees (which are billed separately by the laboratory) are included in the estimate. Many PPO insurance plans cover removal of suspicious or symptomatic moles; cosmetic removal is self-pay. A personalized cost estimate is provided at consultation once Dr. Sierro and Dr. Karamanoukian have assessed the lesion and recommended the appropriate treatment approach. Transparent pricing is provided in advance for all self-pay procedures.

Schedule Your Mole Removal Consultation in Los Angeles

Experience the only Santa Monica practice where a board-certified dermatologist and board-certified plastic surgeon collaborate on every mole and skin lesion removal. Contact Kare Plastic Surgery & Skin Health Center today.

(310) 998-5533 Request a Consultation

Kare Plastic Surgery & Skin Health Center  ·  804 7th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90403  ·  (310) 998-5533

Dr. Tiffany Sierro, MD — Board-Certified Dermatologist  ·  Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS — Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon  ·  RealSelf 100  ·  PPO Insurance Accepted