Chrome Lavatory

I try to remove the toilet handles, but is stuck flange?
I served my handles on the bathroom sink (bathroom is not part of the valve) I am replacing. I removed the old handles and plastic parts inside, but can not get off the decorative chrome rim. They are locked tight on the counter. The house is 20 years old and I doubt that they have never been replaced before. Comments? Thank you.
Try curious flange with a thin spatula or knife pass around the flange to loosen. If you need to use heat to release what is probably plumbers putty under it, try using a dryer instead of torch.Much secure.