Mole Removal - What to Expect

Many of us develop increasing number of moles on our face and body as we get older. Some of these may have been present for many years, some may have only made a recent appearance. The first and most important step is of course to make sure these moles are normal. A quick consultation with a trained dermatologist will be able to give you this peace of mind. If you wish to remove your mole for cosmetic reasons or because it is causing itch, pain or catches on your clothes, we can help you achieve this with excellent outcomes.

Which mole removal treatment is right for you ?

1. Laser removal

If your mole is small, brown and flat, our AlexTrivantage pigment laser is able to remove this easily by using laser energy to break down the pigment in the mole. Usually 1 session is adequate. Occasionally further session(s) 1 month later is required if there is still residual pigmentation. After numbing with either numb cream or an injection, the laser can be performed in a few minutes and most patients are surprised to see their mole totally disappear in such a short time. A scab will form and fall off after 1-2 weeks, leaving a pink brown area that fades over time. Occasionally, a small chickenpox scar may result but these will usually resolve after a couple of months. Moles removed by laser can sometimes recur after some time, which can vary from months to years.

2. Combination CO2 laser + pigment laser removal

If your mole is raised (protruding) and brown, a combination technique using a CO2 laser to first flatten the mole, then a pigment laser to treat any residual brown pigmentation is used. Again this is a straightforward and painless procedure once numbing has been delivered. A scab will form and fall off after 1-2 weeks, leaving a pink brown area that fades over time. Sometimes a second treatment is required for complete removal of the pigmentation, but flattening of the mole is usually achieved after just 1 treatment. Moles removed by laser can sometimes recur after some time, which can vary from months to years.

3. Excision (surgical) removal

Raised moles can also be removed by cutting the mole away surgically. Although this sounds intimidating, it is a simple 10-20 minute procedure where the mole is removed using a special device or free-hand cutting after a quick numbing injection. Stitches will be applied to close the wound. A small linear scar will be left, usually around the same length as the original mole. The advantage of this method is that recurrence is extremely rare.

What happens after mole removal?

After mole removal, the treated area will be a little pink and sore for a week. You will be provided with an antiseptic solution to clean the wound and an antibiotic ointment to apply. A scab will form and fall off after 7-10 days. If you have stitches, these are usually removed after 7-10 days. The wound care is straightforward and it is extremely rare that complications occur.

Will mole removal leave a scar?

Mole removal is a very common procedure performed multiple times a week at our clinic. We are therefore highly experienced and Dr Ho will do her utmost to ensure minimal scarring following your mole removal. The final result will depend on the procedure you choose, your skin type, how your skin heals, and the size and location of the mole. The vast majority of patients are highly satisfied following their mole removal treatment.