Mole Removal Treatment

Moles (or naevi) are a collective term for most skin lumps or blemishes that are often present on the face and body. They can be raised or flat, skin coloured or dark. Most are harmless but any changing moles should be examined by a doctor. Even harmless moles can be unwanted and yet are very simple to remove with the latest techniques.

Mole removal is advised for men and women who have either:

• a cosmetic mole that is often on the face, nose or body ie unsightly or irritating, or catching on clothing or a razor; or moles that are flat or raised or have some degree of color can often be unsightly, catch on clothing and generally be a nuisance.
• a suspicious mole that is changing in size, shape or colour and/or itches and bleeds

Mole removal from the face and body is done using a combination of surgery and laser to achieve the best cosmetic result. Local anaesthetic is used to ensure the procedure is painless.

The most common way to remove moles that protrude from the skin is by shave excision. The procedure involves using a derma blade to remove the mole parallel to the surface of the skin. This leaves a small superficial wound which is then cauterised with a laser to stop any bleeding and tidy the wound. The whole process takes about 20 minutes. No stitches are needed and healing takes about 1 to 2 weeks.

Occasionally we use an elliptical excision for moles that are suspicious or where the cosmetic result is likely to be better than a shave excision. It is a deep excision that removes the mole completely. A cautery laser is then used to stop any bleeding. The resulting wound requires stitches which can be either dissolvable or non-dissolvable depending on the site of removal. Your specialist will advise which method of cosmetic mole removal is most appropriate for you.

Radiosurgery can be also used where we feel the lesion would leave better results and less scarring. For a consultation or further advice please call us on 020 7386 0464.

All mole removal procedures, both surgical and laser mole removal surgery, will leave a small scar which is normally far less noticeable than the original mole.

We use the latest techniques to ensure any scarring is minimal.

Rarely, some people with very dark or light skin have an abnormal response to healing and end up with larger scars than usual (hypertrophic or keloid scars).

Yes our medical guidelines state that we should send ALL mole specimens for testing.

The lesion/specimen goes to a separate laboratory and is examined under a microscope by another specialised histopathology doctor. This is the ONLY 100% way to determine if a mole is atypical or not as often normal looking moles can be ok on the surface but abnormal lower down. See above for mole testing costs.

Mole removal and subsequent testing or histology of the mole or skin lesion is the only way of 100% diagnosis where there is a risk it may become malignant (cancerous).

Clinical observation and dermoscopic examination by doctors is an aide to help decide which may be problematic but do not give a 100% diagnosis which is why all moles are sent for testing.

Cosmedics send all moles to be independently analysed for our patients’ peace of mind.

Mole removal scarring is inevitable will all forms of mole removal however the skill of the surgeon is to limit this to a minimal degree that is almost not noticeable.

The mole removal technique is one important factor to help achieve the best results but also daily massaging with a scar treatment moisturiser over the scarred area can help in the first 3 months.

Silicon scar reduction gels can also come in plaster like dressings rather than gels that can be easier for areas where gels are not suitable.

Our team not only uses the best and latest mole removal procedures but our aftercare protocol ensures quick healing and minimal scarring. As part of our aftercare, we recommend the use of Kelo-cote UV silicone scar gel that is clinically proven to reduce scarring and protects the healing wound from sunlight.

Cosmedics now stock this product with UV protection which protects the healing wound from sunlight (which can delay healing). This means mole removal is ideal all year round with this added sun protection and you can be sure you are getting the best outcome possible.

Fortunately, with mole removal, the risks are very low and it is a safe and simple procedure.

With any cosmetic plastic surgery procedure however, there are potential side effects such as infection, bleeding and scarring. At Cosmedics our doctors and surgeons who are experts in dermatological surgery will ensure the highest standards of care.

Skin moles removal surgery is relatively simple and in most cases you can return to normal activities the same day.

It is not safe to remove a colored mole if you don’t know what type of mole it is and also the scarring can be far worse than with conventional procedures.

We advise patients not to get rid of moles at home. Various over the counter or internet products and creams, or home remedies such as bloodroot, vinegar and other acids are not recommended.

Most moles are sent for histology after the removal. This is the analysis of the mole which is done at a separate specialised laboratory using a high-powered microscope to detect any abnormal cells.

Although most moles can look normal to the naked eye, occasionally early abnormal cells can be lower in the skin, which could cause skin cancer – hence the need to send for analysis.

Cosmetic mole removal by laser or surgery is not performed on the NHS and waiting times for non-urgent care can be very long. See NHS advice here for more information about mole removal.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics are specialist in mole removal and we are able to charge affordable prices compared to private hospitals.

We carry out mole removal at all of Cosmedics Skin Clinics locations in London and Bristol.

We recommend you seek a doctor’s advice for any of your moles if you notice one or more of the following symptoms:

• It has/is changing colour
• It has/is changing shape and size
• It is inflamed, itchy or painful
• It is protruding or causing irritation (for example, it’s catching on clothing)

We recommended you self check yourself every 2-3 months looking for the classic signs of skin cancer which are ABCDE –

•  A – asymmetry
• B – Border
• C – colour
• D – diameter >6mm
• E – evolving.

For shave excisions we normally advise the following aftercare:

• If you have a dressing you will be told when it can be removed;
• Vaseline is normally then applied to keep the wound moist for 1 to 2 weeks until healed;
• The wound will be red for 2 to 3 weeks, which gradually settles over the next few months;
• Massaging with oils (bio-oil) or moisturising (dermatix) creams is advisable after 2 to 3 weeks to help reduce any scarring;
• If there is any increasing pain or redness, consult your doctor

For detailed information

AFTERCARE LEAFLET

For elliptical mole excisions we normally advise the following aftercare:

• Keep the wound dry for 2 days;
• Dressings can be left for up to a week;
• You will be informed as to whether your stitches are dissolvable or need to be removed;
• Over 1 to 2 weeks, in areas where the skin is under tension such as the back and legs, it is advisable to reduce exercises which would possibly stretch the wound;
• Steri-strips can be applied over the wound for up to 3 weeks to help the wound heal;
• After 3 weeks the wound can be massaged with oils bio-oil or silicon scar creams (dermatix);
• If there is any increasing pain or redness consult your doctor as it could be a sign of infection.

For detailed information

AFTERCARE LEAFLET