Laser Mole Removal Sydney

Laser Mole Removal as a Non-Surgical Option

Laser mole removal is a non-surgical treatment that uses controlled laser energy to remove raised, benign moles with high precision. The laser targets mole tissue while minimising impact on the surrounding skin, which is particularly important when treating facial moles or cosmetically sensitive areas.

During treatment, the raised component of the mole is ablated, allowing the treated area to be visually assessed during the procedure. Laser energy also cauterises small blood vessels within the mole; therefore, it can be managed as a dry wound and typically requires no dressings. Healing then occurs through the body’s natural repair processes.

Where a non-surgical approach is appropriate, laser treatment is our preferred method due to its precision, immediate removal of the raised component and favourable healing characteristics compared with some other non-surgical techniques.

Treatment Options for Mole Removal

There are several surgical and non-surgical options available for mole removal in Australia. The most appropriate approach depends on factors such as the type of mole, its depth, size and location.

Non-Surgical Mole Removal Options

Non-surgical treatments may be suitable for selected benign moles and can include:

• Radiofrequency treatments
• Diathermy
• Electrocautery
• Plasma-based treatments
• Laser mole removal

Energy- and heat-based methods work by applying controlled energy to the mole tissue, causing it to break down. With some techniques, the treated tissue may gradually shrink or separate from the skin during healing, and the outcome may not be immediately apparent.

Laser mole removal differs in that the raised component of the mole is removed during the procedure itself, allowing the treated area to be assessed before the patient leaves the clinic.

Many individuals prefer laser mole removal as it may reduce downtime and the likelihood of scarring compared with some surgical approaches, depending on individual circumstances.

Surgical Mole Removal Options

In some cases, surgical removal may be more appropriate. Surgical options can include:

• Shave removal
• Complete surgical excision

These approaches may be recommended depending on the characteristics of the mole, including depth, pigmentation and clinical assessment findings.

Benign Moles and Skin Lesions Commonly Treated

Only benign lesions are suitable for cosmetic laser treatment. During consultation, the mole’s appearance, location, depth and pigmentation are assessed to determine whether laser removal is appropriate.

Common benign lesions include:

Common Moles (Melanocytic Nevi)

These are extremely common and may appear anywhere on the body. They are often oval or round, may be flat or raised, and range in colour from light brown to dark brown, pink or skin-toned. They typically develop during childhood or early adulthood.

Dysplastic Nevi

Dysplastic nevi are often larger, may have irregular borders and can contain multiple colours. Although benign, they share features with some cancerous lesions and must always be assessed by a skin cancer practitioner before any cosmetic treatment is considered.

Blue Nevus

A blue nevus appears blue-grey, bluish black or dark brown due to pigment lying deeper within the dermis. Because the pigment sits deeper, laser treatment may remove the raised component while some underlying pigmentation remains. In these cases, individuals may choose whether they are comfortable with a flat pigmented mark or prefer surgical removal.

Congenital Nevi

Congenital nevi are present at birth or develop shortly thereafter. They vary widely in size and may carry a slightly increased long-term risk of skin cancer. Regular skin checks are essential before any cosmetic treatment is considered.

Other Benign Skin Lesions

Laser technology may also be used to treat other benign lesions such as sebaceous hyperplasia, skin tags, cherry angiomas, milia and selected vascular lesions.

Pre-Treatment Screening & Skin Cancer Assessment

Although most moles are benign, a small percentage may contain cancerous or abnormal cells. It is essential to understand that laser treatment ablates tissue, meaning the treated lesion cannot be sent for pathology assessment.

For this reason, all moles must be examined by a qualified skin cancer practitioner before proceeding with laser mole removal. Even when a mole has been assessed and deemed benign, it is not possible to completely exclude the presence of abnormal cells within the lesion.

If there is any concern that a mole may be cancerous, surgical excision or biopsy may be required. Bella Plastic Surgery does not provide skin cancer excision services; a referral to a dermatologist is required in these circumstances.

Our senior nurses have undertaken additional training in skin cancer medicine at the University of Queensland. This training supports careful observation of lesions during consultation, treatment and follow-up, and reinforces the importance of appropriate referral where indicated.

What to Expect on the Day of Treatment

Your initial consultation typically takes at least 30 minutes and includes discussion of treatment options, potential risks, alternative approaches and post-treatment care. If treatment proceeds on the same day, additional time is required for preparation, including topical or local anaesthetic where appropriate.

Although the laser treatment itself is usually brief, time is required for assessment, consent, preparation, treatment and post-care instructions. Same-day treatment is subject to practitioner availability, clinical suitability and appointment scheduling.

Healing and Recovery After Laser Mole Removal

Immediate Healing

Mild redness, swelling and yellow oozing may occur for up to one week following treatment. A temporary scab usually forms and falls off within seven to fourteen days. It is important not to pick or disturb the scab, as this can increase the risk of scarring.

Keeping the Area Dry

The treated area must be kept dry during healing. Moisture can soften scabs, increasing the risk of premature removal and suboptimal scarring outcomes.

Skin Changes During Healing

When the scab falls off, the area may appear red due to newly formed capillaries. This typically settles over the following months. In some cases, we may request a follow-up image or in-clinic review to assess early healing.

Sun Exposure

Sun exposure should be avoided for at least six weeks after treatment, preferably longer. Sun exposure during healing can increase the risk of pigmentation changes and delay recovery.

Topical Care

A medical-grade topical cream will be provided to support healing and should be applied as directed.

LED Therapy

LED therapy may be recommended in some cases to support healing and reduce inflammation. Timing and frequency depend on individual factors such as lesion size, location and healing response.

Cost of Laser Mole Removal

The cost of laser mole removal varies depending on factors such as mole size, location, number of lesions treated and whether additional sessions or test patches are required.

As all treatment plans are individualised, accurate pricing can only be provided following an in-clinic consultation. During this time, your mole will be assessed, and treatment options will be discussed.

Potential Risks and Limitations

All ablative laser treatments carry inherent risks and limitations.

Undetected Skin Cancer

Because laser treatment destroys tissue, lesions cannot be sent for pathology. Even after assessment by a skin cancer practitioner, there remains a small risk of undetected abnormal cells, which could delay appropriate medical care.

Marking or Scarring

Some degree of skin marking should be expected after laser mole removal. This may present as lightening or darkening of the skin, or changes in texture. In rare cases, raised scarring such as keloid or hypertrophic scars may occur.

Other Potential Risks

Although uncommon, risks may include blistering, crusting, infection or delayed healing. Healing responses vary between individuals and are influenced by skin type, lesion location and post-treatment care.

Can all moles be treated with a laser?

Laser treatment is only suitable for benign skin lesions and moles. They cannot be cancerous. Therefore, all moles are assessed by a qualified skin cancer practitioner before treatment. The suitability of laser treatment depends on various factors, such as the type of mole, its location on the body, its depth and its pigmentation.

Will moles be removed entirely with laser?

Laser treatment removes the part of the mole that sits on the skin’s surface. Some moles extend deeper beneath the skin or contain pigment below the surface, which means laser treatment alone may not remove them entirely. If this is the case, further laser sessions or alternative treatment options may be discussed during your consultation.

Because laser treatment mainly targets the visible portion of the mole, deeper tissue can sometimes remain. This means there is a slight chance the mole could grow back over time. The laser also seals tiny blood vessels that supply the mole, helping reduce the risk of recurrence, but it cannot eliminate the mole.

Does laser mole removal leave scars?

There is a risk of skin scarring or marking with any form of mole or lesion removal. Patients may find that the treated area heals with a darker or lighter mark than the surrounding skin. Scarring outcomes vary between individuals, depending on factors such as the mole’s location, skin type and individual healing responses.

How many laser treatments will I need?

Some moles may be treated in a single session, while others may require additional treatments, depending on factors such as the mole type, pigment depth, location and healing response. Sometimes, a test patch may be recommended before proceeding with treatment.

Does laser mole removal hurt?

Most people tolerate laser mole removal well. If appropriate, we can apply a local or topical anaesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable.

How long does a laser mole removal session take?

Allow a good 30 minutes for your initial consultation. Although the laser treatment is typically brief, we need extra time for preparation, including the application of a topical anaesthetic. In some cases, same-day treatments may be possible, subject to appointment availability and clinical suitability.

What is the recovery time for laser mole removal?

After your treatment, a scab normally forms and usually falls off within seven to 14 days. After the scab falls off, there may be redness for several months before it settles. Healing time varies and depends on the location and size of the treated area, as well as the individual’s healing response.

Do I need to take time off work?

Most people can return to normal daily activities soon after treatment. It’s vital that you carefully follow post-treatment instructions, especially keeping the area dry and avoiding sun exposure. Your treatment location and your occupation will determine whether you’ll need to take time off work, and for how long.

How much does laser mole removal cost?

Several factors determine the cost of laser mole removal, including the location of the mole, its size, the number of moles being treated and whether a patch test or further treatments are required. We can provide you with an accurate quote after your in-clinic consultation, during which your moles and individual circumstances will be assessed, and a treatment plan will be discussed.

Is laser mole removal covered by Private Health Insurance or Medicare?

If your mole removal is performed for cosmetic reasons, it will not be covered by your Private Health Insurance or Medicare. However, if there are suspicions that your mole may be skin cancer, it should be assessed and removed by a skin cancer doctor.

What happens if my mole does not heal as anticipated?

If your treated area does not heal as anticipated, we will ask you to return to the clinic for a review. Here, we can discuss further management options, depending on the clinical findings. This includes performing additional treatments where appropriate or referring you back to a skin cancer doctor.