Mole Removal in London
Moles, or naevi, are small growths on the skin that vary in size and shape. They are usually brown or black in colour and can appear all over the body. Most people have moles on their skin, and they are usually completely normal and harmless. If you are worried about a suspicious mole that you have on your body, you should see a Dermatologist immediately.
Get in touch today to find out how the team at The Dermatology Clinic can help.
Having lots of moles is one of the strongest risk factors for developing a malignant melanoma which is a type of skin cancer. Other risk factors for development of skin cancer include: family history, having fair skin and high levels of sun exposure. Skin cancers are more common as you get older, but unfortunately one of the commonest cancers in young women is melanoma.
Moles naturally vary in size and shape, but any unusual looking moles – or moles that are changing in appearance, or suddenly start itching, bleeding or weeping – should always be checked by a dermatologist. These symptoms can sometimes be a sign of skin cancer.
If you are worried about a suspicious mole that you have on your body, you should see a Dermatologist immediately. Early detection saves lives, so it is important to regularly check your skin for any abnormal changes to your moles and skin. Our team of skin specialists have a wealth of experience in mole removal treatment for both medical and aesthetic reasons.
Mole removal is a safe and simple procedure. If you have a mole that is of concern to you - get in touch today to speak to a Private Dermatologist in our London mole removal Clinic.
What are moles?
Do you have any dark, brown-coloured spots on your skin? These are moles, although they can also appear pink, flesh-coloured, black or even blue. A mole is a cluster of pigment cells and most of us have between 10 and 40 of them all over our bodies. Some people have hundreds of moles. They can vary in size and shape and can be either raised or flat.
Moles naturally vary in size and shape, but any unusual looking moles – or moles that are changing in appearance, or suddenly start itching, bleeding or weeping – should always be checked by a dermatologist.
Have a look at the ABCDE method for identifying signs of cancerous moles.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to contact a dermatologist as soon as possible to schedule a mole check.
What causes moles to form?
Moles are caused by the overgrowth of melanocytes - these are skin cells that contain the pigment known as melanin. The reason for moles to form is not clearly understood but is thought to be mainly influenced by genetic factors and exposure to UV light from the sun. People who have lighter skin are more likely to have moles. They initially form in childhood and adolescence, however moles also appear in adulthood.
The majority of moles are completely harmless, but newly appearing or changing moles can be more worrying, and if you are concerned should be checked by your Dermatologist.
What are the reasons to have a mole removed?
Once one of our dermatologists has carried out an examination or mole screening they may recommend mole removal for any of the following reasons…
- The mole is showing signs of skin cancer.
- The mole is atypical in appearance and could become cancerous in the future and is best removed as a precautionary measure.
- The mole is causing you discomfort or its appearance is affecting your self esteem.
- If the mole is a raised mole and is catching on your clothes
Medical mole removal is required if one of our consultants suspects that the mole is actually a type of cancer, e.g. a melanoma. Signs that a mole may be cancerous include:
- sudden appearance of a new mole
- an itchy, red or bleeding mole
- change in shape or colour
- irregularities around the edges (if the edges appear ragged, blurred or notched)
Mole Removal For Cosmetic Reasons
If you wish to get a mole removed for cosmetic reasons, our team of skin specialists are here to help. If you wish to have a benign mole, cyst or other other type of skin lesion removed for cosmetic reasons, you can do so at our clinic. Moles on the face or neck that are always visible are commonly removed for cosmetic reasons.
All moles removed in our clinic are sent for histological analysis, you will get a report letting you know the cell type and whether there were any abnormal cells in the mole or whether the mole was in fact a skin cancer.
Other moles can catch on clothing or jewellery and make you feel self-conscious about your physical appearance. Mole removal is a very straightforward and routine procedure for our Dermatologists. It is important that you are aware of what the outcome of the cosmetic mole removal will be. Any surgical procedure will leave a small scar. Your dermatologist will give you a clear idea of what to expect as this will vary depending on the size, shape and location of the mole.
Getting a Mole Removed at The Dermatology Clinic London.
Although mole removal is a quick and simple procedure, it must be performed by a qualified doctor. The team at The Dermatology Clinic London are all Consultant Dermatologists and have an abundance of clinical expertise and use sterile equipment and aseptic techniques to achieve excellent results.
The exact procedure for removing your mole will depend on its location and size. There are two main methods for removing moles that are carried out at the Dermatology Clinic London.
Shave removal:
The raised part of the mole is removed under a local anaesthetic. A small scab is left following the procedure which is similar in area to the original mole. When the scab has fallen off a small pink or red area is left, this will fade with time and may be slightly paler in colour than the surrounding skin. The surface is usually flat but can still be slightly raised or even slightly dipped compared to the surrounding skin. No stitches are needed for the shave excision method. With time occasionally the flat area can develop some pigmentation and even become more raised as the deeper part of the mole is not fully removed by undertaking a shave excision.
Surgical excision:
This procedure is also done under local anaesthetic and our Dermatologists use a scalpel to cut the mole from the skin. The gap is then closed with stitches. The procedure will leave a scar, but this will usually fade and become less noticeable over time. More care will need to be taken not to damage the biopsy site and suture whilst it is healing, this may include avoidance of exercise, stretching and heavy lifting at work for several weeks.
If you have a small raised mole, it may actually be a skin tag which can be removed surgically by shave excision but also sometimes removed with cold liquid nitrogen (this process is called cryotherapy).
Mole Removal Recovery - What to expect after getting a mole removed?
For a couple of weeks after the procedure, the site of surgery may feel uncomfortable and itchy as it heals, but any discomfort or inflammation should soon subside. If you experience any irritation after this time, contact the clinic as soon as you can. You will normally be seen in clinic a week or two after surgery, with the results of the biopsy and when these are discussed the surgical site will be assessed.
Monitoring your moles & skin checks.
It’s important to keep an eye on your moles, particularly if you have a lot of them, are fair-skinned or have a family history of melanoma. It is recommended to perform a regular skin check on a monthly basis, particularly if you have family members who have had moles removed in the past. Some moles are in awkward locations that make checking them difficult, for example on your back.
The Dermatology Clinic also offers regular mole check sessions to help keep your mind at ease and make sure all your moles are healthy and harmless.
What to expect when visiting our London clinic for mole removal.
When you go for your initial consultation, one of our dermatologists will begin by looking through your medical history and discussing any moles that are of concern to you. They will carry out a physical examination of the mole or moles in question. They may perform a biopsy to be sent off for testing. This is often done at a second visit as the minor procedure room will need to be booked.
Once they have examined the mole or moles in question they will discuss with you the next steps. If any procedures need to be carried out, your consultant will speak to you about what the procedure will entail so that you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. They will run through an outline of costs so that there are no surprises.
“ Skin cancer rates have been steadily on the rise over the past 30 years, it’s essential for people to check their skin regularly, making it a part of their routine. Early detection saves lives. ”
If you would like to book a mole check appointment or are worried about a new or existing mole, don’t hesitate to arrange a consultation with a dermatologist at our state of the art Harley Street clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Mole removal is generally a simple procedure. And provided it is carried out by a qualified practitioner, there shouldn’t be any problems. Always follow your dermatologist’s care instructions after mole removal to ensure against any infection.
Your initial consultation costs £275, this allows us to take your history and examine all of your moles. Removal of a skin lesion can cost between £500 and £1500 depending how it is removed. You will be informed during the initial consultation of the costs of removal of the lesion that you are concerned about. If you have medical insurance, the cost may be covered if the mole is of clinical concern.
The time for healing depends on the type of mole you had removed, and the method used. It can take a few weeks to heal fully. The surgery site may feel uncomfortable, perhaps itchy or have a tight feeling. Inflammation and discomfort should subside, but if you are concerned then please email or call us.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. A melanoma is a type of cancer that originates from melanocytes (medical term for pigment cells). Malignant melanoma is potentially one of the more serious forms of skin cancer as it can in some cases spread from the skin to other parts of the body. However, in most cases melanoma if caught early is treatable with surgery alone.
The time for healing depends on the type of mole you had removed, and the method used. It can take a few weeks to heal fully. The surgery site may feel uncomfortable, perhaps itchy or have a tight feeling. Inflammation and discomfort should subside, but if you are concerned then please email or call us.
Yes, if you wish to remove a mole because it is affecting your confidence or causing discomfort - our dermatologists can help. Some moles, particularly ones that appear on the face, can make one feel self-conscious and cause distress. Speak to a dermatologist for advice, as all surgery will leave a mark or scar on the skin. Another type of mole is sometimes referred to as a skin tag. These are made of collagen fibres and blood vessels and tend to hang. If a skin tag is catching on clothes or is getting in the way, it can be removed.
In most cases, local anaesthetic is used during surgical excision, so you will not feel any pain during the procedure. The local anaesthetic injection does sting for about 30 seconds before the area becomes numb. In general, it’s normal to feel some discomfort after surgery, but this can be managed with simple pain relief (eg paracetamol) under the guidance of your physician. There can be inflammation from use of liquid nitrogen/cryotherapy to remove skin lesions, this is similar to experiencing a burn on the skin.
Melanocytes (pigment cells) produce melanin, a natural pigment giving skin its colour. A mole is a cluster of pigmented cells, and many of us have between 10 and 40 of them all over our bodies. Most moles are harmless, but a dermatologist should look at a changing mole.
A mole check once a month means you are aware of any new moles or changes in existing moles. Sometimes moles appear in awkward places and are difficult to view, such as moles on your back. Your dermatologist can check your moles. Changes can be detected easily if your moles are photographed and checked regularly.
