Mole Removal

The best treatment methods will be recommended depending on the type of mole, its location, associated symptoms and, of course, your desired cosmetic outcome.

Depending on these factors, we offer the following surgical treatment approaches:

Shave Excision

• Used for raised, benign-looking moles with no worrisome features
• The mole is carefully shaved flush with the surrounding skin
• Minimises scarring and does not require stitches: the wound heals over like a graze over a matter of days
• This approach reduces the surgical risk and downtime so it is a great option for most raised moles
• There is a slightly higher risk of a small recurrence in the future

Ellipse (Full-Thickness) Excision/ Punch Excision

• Ideal for flat or deeply pigmented moles, or those that have changed in appearance
• The mole is fully cut out along with a small margin of surrounding tissue
• The skin is closed with sutures to help support optimal healing
• A linear or straight-line scar is left behind, which although starts off as red and firm, does fade and soften in appearance as the weeks and months go by

Following your consultation, you will be consented for your procedure.

The lesion(s) to be removed is photographed for your medical records.

The area is then numbed using a numbing injection.

The operative area is then cleansed with an antiseptic solution and the surrounding area is covered with a sterile sheet or drape to ensure that infection risk is minimised.

The lesion is then surgically removed using the appropriate technique and depending on the procedure we may then go on to stitch and/or dress the area.

Most procedures take between 20-40 minutes and you can return to normal activities shortly afterwards.

All excised moles will be sent for histopathological testing, which is included in your treatment cost. This ensures any atypical features are detected early and accurately.

Your aftercare advice is an important step to ensuring optimal healing.

• Keep the wound covered and dry for 2 days.
• It is normal to experience bruising, spotting or mild swelling in the first 2-3 days.
• For most wounds we recommend the application of simple Vaseline for 7-10 days post surgery.
• If we have used removable sutures to close the wound, we will arrange a post-operative review appointment to remove these for you.
• Avoid strenuous activity, swimming, or saunas for at least one week. Contact sports and heavy exercise may need to be delayed for 2 weeks.
• Between 2-4 weeks post surgery you can start massaging your scar twice a day to help it settle and mature as well as possible.
• Protect fresh scars from UV radiation by using high factor SPF to reduce risk inflammation, irritation and redness.

We will schedule a follow-up if required and you are always encouraged to contact us with any post-treatment concerns.