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  • Mole Removal with our expert Consultant Plastic Surgeons
  • Our specialists have extensive experience in assessing moles
  • Access to a range of mole removal methods for successful results

Home » Treatments » Dermatology & Conditions » Mole Removal
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Medically reviewed by Lorcan Sheppard BSc MBBS FRCA, Chief Medical Officer for The Private Clinic.
Last Reviewed July 17th 2023

Related Treatments

Mole Removal

The average adult has 10-40 moles at any one time. These can grow anywhere on the body including your face, scalp and toes. Whilst many moles are not bothersome, some moles can be bothersome, especially on the face, or if they are raised and prone to catching on clothing. In these instances, mole removal treatment could be a safe and effective way to remove unwanted moles from the body.

Mole removal is a quick, pain free procedure performed under local anaesthetic. We offer surgical and non-surgical techniques including:

  • Surgical Excision – The surgical removal of the mole, often with a small border of the normal surrounding skin to reduce the risk of regrowth. The procedure involves stitches to close the incision and a small scar which will fade over time.
  • Shave Removal – A surgical blade is used to remove the mole down to slightly beneath the surface of the skin. No stitches are required but a pink mark will need time to heal and gradually fade.
  • Cryotherapy – Liquid nitrogen is applied to the skin which freezes the mole. A scab will form over the area which will take 1-2 weeks to fall off along with the mole. Multiple treatments may be required for the most effective results.

You can trust our Consultant Plastic Surgeons who have had decades of experience in assessing and treating moles to deliver the best mole removal service with no waiting lists.

Our care doesnt stop there, following removal, our experts can advise on additional mole checks or treatment, if needed.

Are my moles safe?

The vast majority of moles should cause absolutely no concern but, with 37 UK diagnoses of malignant melanoma every day, having your skin checked and looking out for any changes regularly is absolutely vital.

Over the past 30 years, rates of malignant melanoma have risen faster than any other form of common cancer in the UK. Survival rates, however, are also amongst the highest due to a huge advance in early detection services. Most moles are harmless but, if you notice anything unusual or simply wish to have one removed, our mole mapping and removal service is designed to give you peace of mind and stop any form of cancer before it becomes an issue.

Advanced technology means that we are now able to detect malignant melanoma in its earliest stage, and the illness has one of the highest survival rates of any cancer. If you have any new moles after the age of 30 or if you notice any changes in existing moles, seeking professional help is quick, painless and really can save lives.  

For more information on what to look out for when checking your moles at home, click here.

For a thorough consultation about your mole health checks and mole removal book a consultation with our Harley street dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon clinics in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.

Before & After

Take a look at our Mole Removal Before and After photos.



What to Expect

The Private Clinic has been treating patients for over 40 years with thousands of people placing their trust in us each year. We pride ourselves on being able to offer a personalised service. We have a team of friendly nurses and expert surgeons who understand the importance of this decision and will support you throughout your journey with us.

Mole Mapping

Understanding if your mole poses any risk of danger is the first step to determining what kind of treatment, if any, you require. A consultant dermatologist will examine your skin and moles thoroughly using the most advanced technology, and will work with you to explain your skin health and any potential risks for the future.

If there is anything that causes concern about your mole(s), your dermatologist will explain the best way forward and outline precisely what your options are. Working alongside you, we can ensure any dangerous cells are removed as quickly as possible with minimum disruption to your daily life.

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Mole Removal

If your mole is cancerous or cause for concern, our consultant dermatologist will lead you through the best options for its safe removal. If you wish to remove a benign mole for aesthetic reasons we will work with you to find the most effective method for your needs. Our treatments include:

Surgical Excision

Surgical excision is the most common method for the removal of moles. It is usually performed under local, rather than general, anaesthetic and the technique your dermatologist uses will depend on the size and nature of your mole. Most cases will be removed through the use of a scalpel and sewn up (if required) afterwards, however smaller areas can sometimes be removed through a shave excision in which a sharp razor slices the mole off.

Curettage and Cautery

Curettage and cautery is a traditional but highly effective alternative to surgery which, again, is performed under local anaesthetic. Using a scoop-like instrument called a curette your dermatologist will carefully scrape the mole from the surface, thus removing the cells, whilst leaving the surrounding skin intact. The skin that has been ‘curetted’ will then be burnt off (cauterised) to aid healing and seal the wound.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is normally reserved for benign lesions, but the treatment is occasionally used for very small moles.

The treatment is favoured for non-cancerous mole removal as it is significantly less invasive than many other methods. In the treatment, your dermatologist will ‘freeze’ off your mole by carefully applying extreme cold to the area. This stops the supply of blood to the mole, causing it to blister and scab before falling off after 7-10 days.

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FAQs

When is a mole dangerous?
We recommend checking your skin every few months for any new moles and changes in existing ones. Any new moles that appear after the age of 30 should be checked thoroughly by a professional as their risk is significantly higher. A helpful way to remember what to look for in determining a dangerous mole is to use the ABCD method:
Will I be left with any scars following mole removal?

Depending on the size of your mole, its location and the method used to remove it, you may be left with a small scar. Your dermatologist will always work with you to ensure that any blemishes are minimal and will advise you on your risk of scarring during consultation and treatment.

How much does Mole Checks & Removal cost?

The cost of an appointment with our Consultant Dermatologist is £200.

A full mole check cost is £200 (included in the consultation price) and, depending on the treatment course offered by the Consultant Dermatologist, mole removal will cost approximately £600.

If you require a biopsy, the following pricing guidelines apply:

Diagnostic skin biopsy – £300

Excisional skin biopsy – £600

You will be informed of an accurate pricing structure for your treatment following your consultation.

Mole checks & removal is Available in these Clinics

Why Choose The Private Clinic

  • Expert medical practitioners with years of experience.
  • State of the art medical facilities, all registered by the CQC (Care Quality Commission).
  • Our innovative treatment choice means you will be offered the most advanced minimally invasive treatment options.
  • When it comes to non-surgical treatments we always strive to give you little to no downtime, so you can get back to enjoying life.
Our Clinics

Meet our Medical Experts

We pride ourselves on a knowledgeable and highly experienced medical team, who are here to give the personal touch to your treatment.

We also have a team of Plastic Surgeons who are able to consult patients on mole removal.