Mole Removal

In simple terms a mole is a cluster of pigmented cells that appears on the surface of the skin. Moles can appear anywhere on the body in a variety of different shapes sizes and colours, they can also be flush to the skin or raised. As we age the appearance of our moles can change and develop so it is important to be aware of these changes and seek medical advise if anything appears unusual.

There are many reasons as to why moles develop. The most common factors are a person’s age, their skin type (fairer-skinned people are more susceptible to moles), family history (moles can be passed along in our genes), and even exposure to the sun (for many people living in sunnier and warmer climates moles and sun-spots occur frequently on the arms, legs and head).

In the majority of cases moles aren’t harmful because they’re benign lesions. However, if you have any uncertainty, or notice any changes in a mole you have, such as colour change, growth or tenderness it is always best to get them checked by your GP.

There are many different techniques for removing a mole. At Snowberry Lane Clinic we use laser treatments for age spots and skin pigmentation and Radiofrequency Surgery to effectively remove moles. We find these to be quick, efficient and safe means of excision for the patient. Traditional methods are viewed as more time consuming and have longer downtime whereas the treatments we use are designed for minimal scarring and fast recovery.

Using a laser with a very precise output, we can aim at the area of pigmented skin and use heat energy to break down and dissolve the pigmented cells. The practitioners at our clinic have vast experience with laser treatments, having used them in everything from hair, tattoo and vein removal to micro peels and helping with the signs of adult acne.

Our treatment to combat moles on the skin uses a very thin loop of wire in a specially designed hand piece, radio-waves are passed along the wire allowing the Doctor to cut and cauterise the skin at the same time, reducing bleeding and therefore making for a quicker cleaner removal. The treatment begins with the Doctor marking the lesion with a surgical marker. After that we anesthetise the area with a small amount of local anaesthetic and then use the wire loop to carefully remove the body of the mole.

Dr. Rupert Gabriel, the Medical Director of our clinic, is highly trusted with this procedure and refers to the process of using this loop as an ‘HD experience’ in terms of how effective and accurate radiosurgery can be for mole removal when compared to older methods that some clinics still use to this day.

The use of a local anaesthetic helps to numb the area and reduce any discomfort, many clients say the most painful thing is the anaesthetic injection, with the removal itself being much less painful than they expected. Obviously everyone has different pain thresholds, but we do our utmost to ensure that you are comfortable.

When anything is removed from the skin, it is impossible for the skin beneath the removal to match the skin around it exactly. More often than not there may be a slight pink blemish or lighter area of skin that will take time to adjust and change but is normally not too noticeable.

If the mole removal is on the face, application of some Vaseline or a simple antibiotic cream will be used after the treatment to help keep the area clean and free from infection. The client will just need to keep the area clean and reapply the cream for a few days and the skin will naturally recover.

If a mole is removed from elsewhere on the body, breathable spray dressing is used before being covered with a dry dressing for just a few days. All a patient needs to do then is clean and moisturise as normal.

The team at the clinic have years of experience helping patients with all types of moles. We only ever use treatments that we believe can deliver the best possible outcome through the safest means possible.

To find out more about the treatments we use for mole removal, or to talk to a specialist at our team about removing a mole, you can get in touch to request a call back or request a consultation from the team today.