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Mole Removals & Skin Checks
Mole Removal & Skin Cancer Checks
COSMETIC MOLE REMOVAL
Many moles are unattractive. Men often don’t like them because they get cut by shavers, while women find that makeup never covers them adequately. There are options for mole removal, and most moles can be removed simply one way or another.
To book your complementary consultation with Dr Leat to discuss what treatment is best suited for you please call reception on 07 5539 4000
HOW ARE MOLES REMOVED
There are two main methods for removing moles, “excision” and “shave excision”. Excision means the mole is essentially cut out. For smaller moles this is performed with a small round blade just slightly larger than the mole (they come in different sizes) called a “biopsy punch”. Shave excision means that the mole is essentially shaved down flat to, or just below, the skin surface. This is performed with a special tool which uses radiofrequency energy passed through a small applicator or wand. It is very accurate. Afterwards there is a small graze area left which heals over quickly.
Some moles are best excised, some are best shaved, depending on their position, size, whether they are raised or flat, and what type of mole they are. Of course some moles are actually best left alone. All of these factors will be discussed at consultation.
Some lasers can be used to perform a shave excision. Generally we find that radiofrequency shave excision is more accurate and less expensive. Pigment lasers and IPL cannot be used to treat moles.
The only discomfort is from a small injection of local anaesthetic. There should be no pain during or after the procedure.
Yes. Shave excision with radiofrequency works extremely well for skin tags, and often many can be treated in one go.
Dr Leat will examine all moles for the possibility of cancer. All moles excised are sent for pathology, and most shave excisions allow for a sample to be sent for histology. If there is considered to be any possibility of skin cancer, then an excision or biopsy is performed.
Yes. Depending on the site some moles are best removed with excision and some with shave excision. Some areas of the body heal better than others, and this will be discussed at your consultation.
Essentially there is no way of removing a mole that does not have the possibility of leaving some mark afterwards. Excisions will always leave a scar. Generally these heal as a fine line scar and, depending on the size of the mole, are often only a very few millimetres long. Usually such scars are not noticeable. Shave excisions can leave an area of slight textural or colour change afterwards, or even a small pale area of skin the size of the mole. Occasionally after shave excision the mole recurs and needs a repeat treatment. Very rarely a lumpy or keloid scar may occur, this is most likely after excision as opposed to shave excision, and is most common on the chest, shoulders and back.
Generally, you can shower and wash in the normal way, but are best not to soak the treated or excised moles afterwards, so no swimming, saunas or baths for a week or two.
Most moles and skin tags, even in very tricky spots like noses, ears, and eyelids, can be removed by shave excision or small excisions.
Yes, Dr Leat is experienced at performing skin cancer checks.
Generally it is best to wait until adulthood, but in rare circumstances, where a mole is causing annoyance or distress, they can be removed earlier.
Costs vary depending on the number, size and location of the moles. Some treatments will also attract a Medicare rebate. The best thing to do is to come in for a free (or bulk billed) consultation with Dr Leat for an assessment. As a rule of thumb average single moles cost around $300, but small moles or more than one mole treated at one time are proportionally less expensive.
