Mole removal, skin tag and wart removal
Moles, cysts and skin tags are extremely common on the face and other parts of the body. They can be cosmetically embarrassing as well as cause problems when applying make-up, shaving or catching on clothing.
Mole removal is a painless and simple procedure that takes about 20 minutes and is carried out at our doctor's clinic. We use the latest surgical or laser techniques to remove moles. In most cases no stitches are needed and any scarring is minimal. You can resume normal activities immediately afterwards.
At the consultation we will perform a mole skin check to see if the mole or skin lesion should be sent for testing (histology) to rule out anything suspicious.
'See and Treat' mole removal - you can now have your mole examined and removed at the same consultation by a specialist doctor. Our patients greatly appreciate having everything done in less than an hour.
Prices for mole removal
Prices include local anaesthetic, dressings and any follow up necessary.
| Consultation fee | £50* |
| Shave excision (no stitches) First mole Second mole Third and subsquent moles |
£180 £100 £80 to £100 |
| Elliptical excision (requires stitches) | £260 |
| Histology (testing of the mole) | from £80** |
* Consultation fee is £50, but this is waived if mole removal is done at the same appointment as the consultation.
** Histology is normally required for any changing or pigmented moles as abnormal cells may be present at lower levels of the skin.
Skin tag removal
from £80
Skin tags are very common and typically can occur around the neck, chest and abdomen. They are easily and quickly removed without any pain and no stitches are required.
Wart removal
from £90
Warts are commonly found on the fingers and hands as well as the feet. They are unsightly and will continue to spread and grow unless treated. The warts are easily removed with a freezing spray and sometimes need to be surgically removed if they are very large or thick. Most are treated in one session or occasionally require a repeat treatment.
Mole skin check
Skin cancers are on the increase in the UK and it is always good to have any moles or skin blemishes that you are concerned about seen by a doctor. New screening methods mean easier and earlier diagnosis of potentially serious conditions such as melanoma or basal cell carcinoma.
If you think any skin lesions are changing in size, shape or colour as well as itching or bleeding, then it is even more important to have a consultation with a doctor
At Cosmedics we use a special 10x microscope (dermatoscope) when examining all skin lesions during the consultation to help us detect any early changes.
Questions and answers
What are moles?
Moles (or naevi) are a collective term for most skin lumps or blemishes that are often present from birth or develop as we age. They can be raised or flat, skin coloured or dark. Most are harmless but any changing moles should be examined by a doctor.
Who should have moles removed?
Men and women who have either:
a cosmetic mole ie unsightly or irritating or catches on clothing or when shaving; or
a suspicious mole that is changing in size, shape or colour and/or itches and bleeds.
Sometimes a mole has to be removed because there is a risk it has become malignant (cancerous) or because it has become a nuisance (for example catching on clothes or a razor).
How is the mole removed?
Most moles are removed using a combination of surgery and laser to achieve the best cosmetic result. Local anaesthetic is used to ensure the procedure is painless. The commonest way to remove moles that protrude from the skin is by a shave excision. The procedure involves using a dermablade to remove the mole parallel to the surface of the skin. This leaves a small superficial wound which is then cauterised with a laser to stop any bleeding and tidy the wound. The whole process takes about 20 minutes. No stitches are needed and healing takes about 1 to 2 weeks.
Occasionally we use an elliptical excision for moles that are suspicious or where the cosmetic result is likely to be better than a shave excision. It is a deep excision that removes the mole completely. A cautery laser is then used to stop any bleeding. The resulting wound requires stitches which can be either dissolvable or non dissolvable depending on the site of removal.
Your specialist will advise which method of mole removal is most appropriate for you.
What happens to the mole after it has been removed?
Most moles are sent for histology after the removal. This is the analysis of the mole which is done at a separate specialised laboratory using a high-powered microscope to detect any abnormal cells. Although most moles can look normal to the naked eye, occasionally early abnormal cells can be lower in the skin, which could cause skin cancer - hence the need to send for analysis.
Will I have a scar?
All mole removal procedures, both surgical and laser, will leave a small scar which is normally far less noticeable than the original mole. We use the latest techniques to ensure any scarring is minimal. Rarely, some people with very dark or light skin have an abnormal response to healing and end up with larger scars than usual (hypertrophic or keloid scars).
What are the risks?
Fortunately with mole removal the risks are very low and it is a safe and simple procedure. With any surgical procedure however there are potential side-effects such as infection, bleeding and scarring. At Cosmedics we offer doctors who are experts in dermatological surgery who ensure the highest standards of care.
What happens after surgery?
Mole or cyst removal is relatively simple and in most cases you can return to normal activities the same day.
For shave excisions we normally advise the following aftercare:
- If you have a dressing you will be told when it can be removed;
- Vaseline is normally then applied to keep the wound moist for 1 to 2 weeks until healed;
- The wound will be red for 2 to 3 weeks, which gradually settles over the next few months;
- Massaging with oils or moisturising/silicon (dermatix) creams is advisable after 2 to 3 weeks to help reduce any scarring;
- If there is any increasing pain or redness, consult your doctor.
For elliptical excisions we normally advise the following aftercare:
- Keep the wound dry for 2 days;
- Dressings can be left for up to a week;
- You will be informed as to whether your stitches are dissolvable or need to be removed;
- Over 1 to 2 weeks, in areas where the skin is under tension such as the back and legs, it is advisable to reduce exercises which would possibly stretch the wound;
- Steri-strips can be applied over the wound for up to 3 weeks to help the wound heal;
- After 3 weeks the wound can be massaged with oils or moisturising creams;
- If there is any increasing pain or redness consult your doctor as it could be a sign of infection.
What aftercare is provided?
We don't normally need to see the patient again after surgery as the wounds heal very quickly. If we decided to send any moles for testing we will write to you in 1-2 weeks to inform you of the result. If you have any problems we will ensure you are dealt with quickly.
Patient testimonials
Gareth H. "Dr Perry was extremely thorough and professional. His skill in removing all 5 moles was exceptional. I was able to return to work that afternoon and the wounds have healed amazingly quickly."
Shelly W. "I hated the mole on my chin as it started to have hairs growing from it. It has now been removed and hardly a mark from the surgery."
Mark L. "The moles on my face where an utter nuisance when shaving. 30 minutes with Dr Perry and no more catching when shaving and virtually no scarring."
