Mole Removals Explained
As a specialist dermatology clinic, we do a lot of mole removals and mole checks. These are the questions we get asked most often.
Q: What are moles?
A: Moles are growths on the skin that are usually brown or black. They can appear anywhere on the body and are typically harmless, but they should be monitored for changes in size, shape, or colour.
Q: Why would someone want to have a mole removed?
A: There are several reasons why someone might want to have a mole removed, including cosmetic concerns, irritation from clothing or shaving, suspicion of skin cancer, or discomfort caused by the mole rubbing against clothing or jewellery.
Q: How do you remove moles?
A: There are several methods for removing moles, including surgical excision and shave excision. The method used will depend on factors such as the size and location of the mole, as well as the patient’s preferences and medical history.
Most commonly we shave the mole with a little local anaesthetic and seal the wound with heat (cauterise it) so you don’t need stitches – this heals like a graze and gives good cosmetic results.
Q: Do you do the procedure on the same day as a consultation?
A: Yes – most people opt to do the mole removal on the day they come in for the appointment. Of course – you can wait and book for a later date if you prefer.
Q: Is mole removal painful?
A: Most mole removal procedures are performed under local anesthesia, so patients should not feel any pain during the procedure. There may be some discomfort or soreness after the procedure, but this is manageable.
Q: What is the recovery process like after mole removal?
A: The recovery process will vary depending on the method used to remove the mole, but in general, patients can expect some redness, swelling, and scabbing at the site of the removal. It is important to keep the area clean and dry and to follow any post-procedure instructions provided by your dermatologist. Check out our guide here: What to expect – minor procedure (1)
Q: Will there be scarring after mole removal?
A: Scarring is a potential side effect of mole removal, but the risk can be minimized by choosing an experienced dermatologist and following proper wound care instructions during the healing process. In many cases, any scarring that does occur will fade over time.
Immediately after treatment it will be pink – a bit like when you get a graze. The scab will form and after about a week the scab will come away. It is really important to keep the area hydrated to get best results (Vaseline helps with this). After 2 weeks it will reduce in size and the area underneath will be pink – re-pigmenting over time. It is quicker to re-pigment on the face due to the UV rays.
Q: How can I tell if a mole is cancerous?
A: It can be difficult to tell whether a mole is cancerous just by looking at it, which is why it is important to have any suspicious moles evaluated by a dermatologist. Signs that a mole may be cancerous include asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven colour, and changes in size or shape. We send all moles to the pathology lab for testing after removal (even if we are 99% sure that it is benign) – this is best medical practice and should be followed by all doctors removing moles, regardless of where you go.
Q: How can I prevent moles from developing?
A: While it is not always possible to prevent moles from developing, you can reduce your risk by practicing sun safety, such as wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and avoiding tanning beds. It is also important to perform regular self-exams and to see a dermatologist for regular skin cancer screenings.
Q: How much is it to have a mole removed?
There are usually 3 parts of a mole removal cost – the consultation with the dermatologist, the procedure, and the tests/follow up. At No. 23 Skin, we have a single transparent price which is £605 for everything (including follow ups as needed).
A mole is a pigmented (darker than your skin) lesion, whereas skin tags are fleshy bits of skin which are the same colour – the price for skin tag removal is £150.
Q: What if I decide not to go ahead after having the appointment?
That’s fine – we just charge a £50 consultation fee. You’re under no pressure to proceed with the appointment if you’re not ready/completely sure. If you’re seeing someone elsewhere, they are required to provide a 2 week cooling-off period, so you should never feel pressurised into having the mole removed unnecessarily or if you need to think about it.
If you’re interested in finding out more, contact us on 02039411815 or email us here. We’re a friendly bunch who are happy to answer all your skin-related questions.
With warmest regards and good skin days, always.
Helen & Dr Cherry
Co-Founders
02039411815
Please note that this blog post is for information only, for specific medical advice and guidance please speak with your dermatologist/GP or book a consultation to see us here.
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