Mole removal: what to expect

Moles are clusters of skin cells which form on the body. Moles are usually harmless, but can sometimes appear in a prominent place that may seem unsightly to the person with the mole. Other times, there could be a risk that the mole is cancerous. In both of these cases, the mole can be removed with a relatively simple procedure.

What happens during the procedure?

If removal of the mole is deemed necessary by the plastic surgeon, or your consultant dermatologist, there are a number of ways in which the mole can be removed.

• Excision surgery

  In this method, the mole is removed by cutting out a small section of surrounding skin, while using a local anaesthetic. A few stitches may then be required to close the skin.

• Shave removal

  Using local anaesthetic on the surrounding area, sometimes moles can be shaved down using a scalpel. Usually, only a small pink area is left following the procedure.

• Freezing

  Non-cancerous moles can often be removed using a freezing technique. Liquid nitrogen is applied to the mole, and the mole frozen off the skin. Usually a small blister is left behind, but the procedure is relatively simple, and doesn’t leave much of a remaining scar.

• Laser removal

  Smaller moles that do not protrude above the skin may be able to be removed via the use of a laser. Using intense bursts of light radiation, the mole cells in the skin are broken down and absorbed by the skin. This method usually takes two to three treatments and is often used in procedures that involve removing multiple moles at the same time.

What happens after mole removal?

Following the mole removal procedure, you will usually experience some soreness around the area, and dressing may be required. If you have stitches, they will be removed in the days following the procedure. The area should be kept out of the sunlight for around six months to avoid scarring.

If you are considering the removal of a mole, and want to find out more, make a booking with a consultant plastic surgeon.