30
Nov
2012
30
Nov
2012
Moles are very common in the UK. The average adult will have around 30, but some people can have many more.
Mole removal surgery is a relatively straightforward procedure to do and with modern techniques and equipment the treatments are pain-free and scarring is now much reduced for most procedures.
Moles can be “unwanted” for a variety of reasons. Cosmetic reasons include having a mole in an obvious or embarrassing place, such as on the face where it may look odd on the nose, cheeks or around the eyes. Raised or hairy moles may also cause problems where they “catch” on clothing or look particularly unattractive. In these cases, cosmetic mole removal is an option privately as it is not available on the NHS.
For moles where there is change or concern about the nature of the mole and whether it is abnormal or not, it is best to consult your GP for an onward referral to a plastic surgeon or dermatologist that is recognised in dealing with skin cancer. This can be arranged by your doctor on the NHS or privately if you have medical insurance.
It is important to recognise malignant melanoma as it is the main skin cancer that results in patient mortality. Patients should be vigilant for new or changing predominantly dark brown or black moles that commonly look different from the other moles – this is known as the “ugly duckling sign”.
Where there is any concern about the mole, then patients should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If the Doctor agrees that the mole is suspicious, it should be removed as quickly as possible as malignant melanoma can be an aggressive form of skin cancer and NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) has established guidelines for treatment which means patients are fast-tracked for treatment.
Most patients are seen within 2 weeks on the NHS.
Mole Removal Options/Techniques
Depending on the nature of the mole being removed, there are a number of options as follows:
Cryotherapy / Freezing
The use of liquid nitrogen to freeze the skin lesion is predominantly for warts and skin tags; but can be used on some types of moles such as seborrheaic keratosis to remove them quickly and cheaply. Not commonly used for other types of moles such as intradermal naevi or compound naevi.
Laser Mole Removal
Laser mole removal is generally recommended for smaller, flatter and lighter-coloured moles that are being removed for cosmetic reasons. A major advantage of laser mole removal is that it leaves a neat result with minimal scarring compared to the surgical options. There is a small risk of recurrence but patients are often happy with the result.
After examination, the doctor or surgeon will choose the most appropriate laser technology depending on the mole. The lasers that can be used are generally IPL (Intense Pulse Light), KTP (potassium titanyl phosphate) or ND-Yag laser. These all emit specific wavelengths of light to target the darker pigment in the skin and evaporate it. Laser is also cauterises the wound which means that it wound is left with almost no bleeding and heals quickly.
Shave Excision Surgery
Raised moles or those that protrude from the skin are suited to removal via shave excision surgery.
Normally a tiny injection of local anaesthetic is used to numb the area, and then a special scalpel / surgical blade is used for a tangential excision removing the mole to leave flat, mole-free skin without any stitches.
The procedure only takes a few minutes and the wound takes 7-10 days to heal with mild pink redness for 3-4 weeks that gradually fade over the coming months to leave a small or negligible scar.
Ellipse Excision Surgery
Ellipse excision surgery is the most invasive option of the three. It is normally chosen for suspicious moles or those that are not suitable for laser or shave excision.
After a small local injection, the mole is removed using a scalpel. A skilled surgeon will seek to remove the entire mole in one go and then bring together the skin with tiny dissolvable stitches before covering with a dressing. The procedure takes about 20 minutes. After initial healing, the scarring will continue to fade to leave a thin white line instead of a mole.
Mole Testing
Mole testing is essential for all suspicious moles, but I recommend that all moles should be tested as a precaution.
Even apparently harmless moles should be sent away for histology testing, including those that are of no medical concern and are being removed for cosmetic reasons.
If you want to read more, the experts at Consulting Room really know what they're talking about and have put together mole removal, scarring, cryotherapy, IPL (Intense Pulse Light) and pigmentation FAQs just for you.
If you have more questions, you can use the mole removal, scarring, cryotherapy, IPL (Intense Pulse Light) and pigmentation questions feature to talk to our panel of trained medical experts.
If you're keen to get started with any of these treatments right away then you're in luck - those clever folks also have a list of trusted, accredited mole removal, scarring, cryotherapy, IPL (Intense Pulse Light) and pigmentation clinics in your area.
Many thanks to the author of this blog Dr Ross Perry who Established Cosmedics Skin Clinics in 2003 in the City of London.
As most of his patients already know, he is very much a perfectionist in all aspects of his work.
Ross’s private work consists of minor surgical procedures such as mole, wart, and skin tag removal using modern methods and techniques for minimal scarring.
Read it? Loved it? Want to share it?
18
Apr
2024
There are many ways that menopause can affect the skin. Let's talk to an expert...
15
Apr
2024
From facials, to peels, to tweakments - we ask the experts how to get the bro glow…
19
Mar
2024
New survey releases shocking SPF facts about how the UK uses sunscreen...
Hey, wait!
Before you go.....
Let's stay in touch, pop your details here and we'll send our editor's hand-picked updates on your fave subjects.