Mole Removal London | Dermatologists & Skin Specialists

Mole Removal in London

Mole removal in London is performed by GMC-registered dermatologists using excisional surgery with stitches for suspicious moles requiring histology examination achieving complete removal with 2-4cm linear scars, shave removal for raised benign moles without stitches leaving flat scars, and laser removal for cosmetic flat moles avoiding surgery with treatment costs £300-£700 per mole depending on size, location, and technique covered by insurance if medical indication exists.

London dermatologists remove moles for medical reasons including suspicious features requiring cancer exclusion, changing moles needing biopsy, symptomatic moles causing irritation or bleeding, and cosmetic reasons including facial moles affecting appearance and raised moles catching on clothing with same-day procedures under local anaesthetic enabling immediate return to work.

Quick Navigation:

• When to Remove

• Removal Methods

• Procedure Process

• Costs

• FAQ

When Moles Should Be Removed

Medical Indications

ABCDE Warning Signs:

• Asymmetry: One half unlike the other

• Border: Irregular, scalloped edges

• Colour: Multiple colours or uneven pigmentation

• Diameter: Larger than 6mm (pencil eraser)

• Evolving: Changing size, shape, colour

Other concerning features:

• New mole after age 40

• Bleeding or oozing

• Itching or pain

• Rapid growth

• Different from other moles (ugly duckling sign)

All suspicious moles require excision with histology examination ruling out melanoma.

Cosmetic Indications

Common reasons:

• Facial moles affecting appearance

• Raised moles catching on clothing, jewellery, shaving

• Multiple moles causing self-consciousness

• Moles in visible locations (face, neck, décolletage)

Cosmetic mole removal is elective and not covered by insurance.

Mole Removal Methods

Excisional Surgery

Best for: Suspicious moles, deep moles, melanoma risk

Procedure:

• Local anaesthetic injection

• Elliptical excision including mole plus margin

• Full-thickness removal to fat layer

• Stitches for closure (dissolvable or removable)

• Mole sent for histology

• Results in 7-10 days

• Linear scar 2-4cm depending on mole size

Advantages: Complete removal, histology examination, lowest recurrence

Disadvantages: Requires stitches, larger scar than shave removal

Cost: £400-£700

Shave Removal

Best for: Raised benign moles, skin tags

Procedure:

• Local anaesthetic injection

• Mole shaved flush with skin using blade

• No stitches required

• Cautery stops bleeding

• Flat scar or slight depression

• Can send for histology

Advantages: No stitches, minimal scarring, quick healing

Disadvantages: Cannot assess depth, slight recurrence risk (5-10%)

Cost: £300-£500

Laser Removal

Best for: Flat cosmetic moles, multiple small moles

Procedure:

• Topical anaesthetic cream

• Q-switched laser targets melanin

• Multiple sessions (3-5 typically)

• Gradual lightening

• No histology possible

Advantages: No surgery, no scars, good for multiple moles

Disadvantages: Cannot confirm benign, recurrence common, multiple sessions

Cost: £200-£400 per session

Mole Removal Specialists

Professor Firas Al-Niaimi - Harley Street

Dermatological surgeon performing excision and laser mole removal
Cost: £350 consultation, £500-£800 removal
Profile: View Professor Al-Niaimi

Dr. Sweta Rai - Harley Street

Mohs surgeon specialising in facial mole removal with minimal scarring
Cost: £320 consultation, £400-£700 removal
Profile: View Dr. Sweta Rai

Browse surgical dermatologists for mole removal specialists.

Treatment Costs

Insurance: Covers suspicious moles, not cosmetic removal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mole removal painful?

Mole removal is painless due to local anaesthetic injection numbing the area completely. The anaesthetic injection causes brief stinging for 5-10 seconds then complete numbness. During removal you feel pressure and tugging but no pain. Anaesthetic wears off 2-4 hours post-procedure causing mild soreness controlled with paracetamol. Most patients find procedure very tolerable. Facial moles are slightly more sensitive to injection but equally painless during removal.

Will I have a scar after mole removal?

All surgical mole removal creates scars but appearance varies by method and location. Excisional surgery leaves 2-4cm linear scar fading to fine line over 12 months. Shave removal leaves flat scar or slight depression less noticeable than excision scar. Laser removal avoids scars but cannot remove deep moles. Facial scars fade better than body scars due to increased blood supply. Most patients find scars acceptable given mole removal. Discuss scar expectations with dermatologist before proceeding.

Can moles grow back after removal?

Moles can recur if incomplete removal allowing residual cells to regrow. Excisional surgery has lowest recurrence rate (<2%) through complete removal to fat layer. Shave removal has 5-10% recurrence rate from cells remaining in dermis. Laser removal has highest recurrence (20-30%) as it cannot remove deep cells. Recurrent moles are typically benign but may require re-excision. New moles can develop elsewhere unrelated to removal. Recurrence higher in young patients with active mole growth.

Should I remove all my moles?

Most moles are benign requiring no removal unless medical concerns (ABCDE features, changing, symptomatic) or cosmetic preference exists. Removing all moles is unnecessary, expensive, and creates multiple scars. Dermatologists recommend removing only suspicious moles requiring cancer exclusion and bothersome moles affecting quality of life. Annual full-body skin checks monitor stable moles detecting changes early. Photography helps track mole evolution. Remove moles selectively based on individual risk and concerns rather than blanket removal.

Is mole removal covered by insurance?

Private insurance covers mole removal for medical indications including suspicious features requiring histology, symptomatic moles causing bleeding/irritation, or moles interfering with function. Obtain pre-authorisation listing medical reason for removal. Insurance excludes purely cosmetic mole removal requiring self-pay. NHS provides free mole removal for suspicious moles after GP referral with 2-week wait for possible cancer. Document medical justification clearly for insurance approval. Dermatologists assess medical versus cosmetic indication at consultation.

Next Steps

Contact mole removal specialists:

• Professor Firas Al-Niaimi

• Dr. Sweta Rai

• Surgical dermatologists

• Harley Street specialists