Mole Removal

What Are Mole Removal Treatments?

Mole removal refers to medical procedures designed to eliminate benign or atypical melanocytic nevi for cosmetic or health-related reasons. The appropriate method depends on the mole’s depth, pigmentation, size, and anatomical location.

Treatment Approaches by Mole Type

• Flat Moles: Usually respond well to pigment lasers; 1–2 sessions are often sufficient.

• Raised Moles: Surgical excision is typically recommended.

• Raised Pigmented Moles (not suitable for surgery): CO₂ laser ablation or combined pigment and ablative laser treatments can be considered.

Available Treatments at Shine Dermatology

1. Pigment Laser Removal
   Targets melanin in flat brown moles, especially junctional naevi.
   Technology: Alexandrite laser (AlexTriVantage)
   Best For: Flat, pigmented moles

2. CO₂ Laser Ablation
   Precisely vaporises raised, flesh-coloured moles with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.
   Best For: Skin-coloured raised moles

3. Combination Laser Therapy
   Integrates pigment and CO₂ laser in a single session to treat both elevation and pigmentation.
   Best For: Brown raised moles requiring aesthetic refinement

4. Surgical Excision
   The most definitive technique for complete mole removal, particularly for suspicious or raised lesions.
   Best For: Large, atypical, or biopsy-indicated moles

All treatments are preceded by dermatoscopic examination to ensure suitability and effectiveness.

How Do These Treatments Work?

• Surgical Excision: Involves removing the mole and surrounding tissue (2–3 mm margins), followed by layered wound closure. Provides tissue for laboratory analysis.

• Laser Ablation: Uses targeted wavelengths (e.g., 1064 nm) to fragment melanin, ideal for superficial lesions with low malignancy risk.

• Shave Excision: Removes the lesion flush with the skin surface using a sterile blade and electrocautery. Suitable for small, non-suspicious moles.

Treatment Summary: Techniques & Indications

When Should You Consider Mole Removal?

Mole removal may be recommended for:

• Medical reasons: Features suggestive of malignancy based on the ABCDE criteria:

• Asymmetry

• Border irregularity

• Colour variation

• Diameter >6 mm

• Evolution or change over time

• Physical symptoms: Itching, bleeding, or irritation (especially in friction areas).

• Cosmetic concerns: Moles that affect self-esteem or facial appearance.

Early evaluation ensures timely intervention for potentially dangerous or evolving lesions.

Recovery Timeline & Aftercare

Each treatment method has its own healing profile:

• Surgical Excision: One session; sutures removed in 7–14 days. Avoid sun exposure for 6 weeks. Full scar maturation may take 6–12 months.

• Laser Ablation: 1–2 sessions; redness and scabbing usually resolve within a week.

• Shave Excision: Minimal downtime. Antibiotic ointment is applied post-procedure until healing is complete.

To optimise healing:

• Apply antibiotic ointment (e.g., mupirocin) for 3–5 days.

• Use silicone gel post-healing to reduce scarring.

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 50+) daily to prevent post-inflammatory pigmentation.

Safety, Risks & Complications

While mole removal is typically safe, all medical procedures carry some risk:

• Infection: Rare; reduced with sterile protocols and proper aftercare.

• Scarring: Linear scars may form post-excision; managed with silicone dressings or corticosteroid injections.

• Recurrence: Most common with superficial techniques (e.g., laser or shave excision). Surgical excision offers the lowest recurrence risk.

Shine Dermatology ensures accuracy with dermatoscopy-guided planning and histological analysis for appropriate cases.

FAQs

Q: Is mole removal painful?
A: Local anaesthesia (e.g., lidocaine) ensures comfort during surgical and shave procedures. Lasers may cause brief discomfort, mitigated by numbing cream.

Q: Will I have a scar?
A: All mole removal methods may leave a mark. Excision may result in a fine line; laser often leaves minimal scarring. Proper aftercare reduces visible scarring.

Q: Do I need to remove all moles?
A: Only those with suspicious features or those causing cosmetic or physical discomfort. Benign stable moles can be left alone.

Q: Can I remove a mole at home?
A: No. Home removal risks infection, incomplete removal, and missing signs of skin cancer. Always seek professional assessment.

Q: How do I know if a mole is dangerous?
A: Moles that change in size, shape, or colour—or bleed, itch, or grow—should be evaluated. We use dermatoscopic imaging to assess features before recommending removal.

Book a Consultation Today

Let our experienced dermatologists assess your skin concerns and recommend the most suitable mole removal treatment.
Restore skin clarity and confidence with Shine Dermatology’s personalised care.