AESTHETICS · DERMATOLOGY
Mole Assessment & Removal
Comprehensive clinical evaluation is vital before any removal
Patient Care Guide
What moles are & assessment: Moles, or benign melanocytic naevi, are common skin growths. A thorough clinical examination using dermoscopy is essential to identify the lesion's nature.
When removal is medical: Any suspicious, changing, or uncertain lesions require biopsy or surgical excision with histopathology to ensure a definitive diagnosis. Cosmetic destruction is not appropriate for these cases.
Reasons for removal: Lesions may be removed for diagnostic clarity, due to repeated irritation from clothing or movement, or for cosmetic preference. Please note that while we aim for the best possible outcome, no procedure can promise a completely scar-free result.
Treatment & Safety
Treatment options: We select either a shave or full surgical excision depending on the lesion type, anatomical site, and suspected diagnosis.
Suitability & precautions: Treatment may be deferred or avoided in cases of active infection, bleeding disorders, use of anticoagulants, impaired healing, or a known keloid tendency. Elective procedures are typically deferred during pregnancy. Any uncertain lesion must be managed with a focus on medical safety first.
Appointment & procedure: Your visit includes a consultation, dermoscopic assessment, and formal consent. We use local anaesthetic for comfort. Following removal, a dressing is applied, and stitches are used when necessary. Pathology is requested for all suspicious lesions.
Recovery & Risks
Aftercare & healing: Proper wound care is essential. We will arrange a review for stitch removal if required. Scar maturation is a natural process that occurs over several months.
Risks & urgent review: Potential risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, pigment changes, recurrence, or rare nerve injury. Seek urgent care for uncontrolled bleeding, worsening pain, pus, fever, or spreading redness.
When a mole needs urgent assessment: Contact a clinician immediately if you notice ABCDE changes (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter increase, Evolution), an 'ugly duckling' lesion that looks different from others, or a non-healing or bleeding spot.