Mole Removal

We only carry out mole removal for cosmetic reasons. If you are concerned about a mole, please visit our GP first as he or she may want to test the mole first for melanoma (skin cancer). Any worrying signs, such as bleeding, itching or a change in size of shape, should be investigated by your GP.

Before a mole is removed, the area will be cleaned and numbed with a local anaesthetic meaning the treatment itself will not be painful. Some people do find that anaesthetic injections can be slightly uncomfortable, especially if the injection is on or near the nose.

If you are having a mole removed because it looks unsightly or it is a nuisance, for example, because it catches on your clothes, less tissue will need to be removed and you may not need to have stitches. Your surgeon may just shave off the mole so that it is level with your skin and the wound may be cauterised to close it.

After the area of skin has been cleaned and numbed with a local anaesthetic, the surgeon will use a scalpel to excise (cut) the mole. It will then be sent to a laboratory to be checked for signs of melanoma. The area will then be cauterised or stitched.

The whole procedure takes only a few minutes and is quick and relatively painless. There is no downtime and you can continue with your daily routine. You may experience some soreness once the anaesthetic wears off but this can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers.