Mole Removal

Benign (non-cancerous) moles on the face can be removed using laser. The advantages are very little or no scarring, no need for surgery and often the procedure only takes a few minutes and there is no need for hospitalisation. Healing occurs within 1-2 weeks.

In the Australian climate moles are very common. Some moles are concerning and they then require excision (cutting out) and being sent to the laboratory for microscopic review. Many moles, however, are not of any medical concern but rather are a cosmetic concern. These moles are usually raised, leading to a contour deformity as well as possibly being pigmented.

The Removal

Under local anaesthetic in the surgery room most of these cosmetic concern moles can be removed without stiches or blood loss. Laser Surgery, cutting can be done without creating bleeding. The whole mole is not removed, rather it is shaved off flat with the skin. This removes the contour deformity and usually all of the pigment. Because the skin is not cut through full thickness there is no need for stitches. The skin is given the chance to heal with minimal to no scar. If there is any concern then the shaved mole can be sent for pathology examination.

Recovery

The wound is like a shallow graze. Initially, it is covered with ointment. The skin heals over around one week. It will be slightly pink for a few weeks before settling down. Some moles will heal with virtually no scar at all, others may have a slight area of decreased pigmentation. There is said to be a slight recurrence rate of the mole in some people. These patients usually opt for the same treatment rather than having an excision with a scar.