Laser Mole Removal Sydney

What is a mole?

A mole is an abnormality of the skin, resulting in a raised bump that can range in colour, from skin colour through to black. Moles can appear at various stages throughout life and can develop anywhere on the face and body.

Advantages of Laser Mole Removal

Patients will seek Laser Mole Removal Treatment to avoid the downtime and scarring that is commonly associated with the surgical removal of a mole(s). Laser Mole Removal Treatment does not involve cutting the skin, and therefore, there is no need for sutures, dressing or any other coverings. In fact, makeup can be applied shortly after the treatment to conceal the treated area(s).

Facial skin typically heals well and, in most cases, once the treated area has healed, it would be very difficult for someone else to detect the location where the mole used to be. While some minor scarring can occur after Laser Mole Removal Treatment, this usually appears as a pale white colour, one shade lighter than one’s skin colour and no larger than the mole itself.

Ultimately, a residual flesh or pale marking will be smaller and far more aesthetically pleasing than the original mole itself.

Is Laser Mole Removal Safe?

Whilst most moles and other skin lesions are benign (non-cancerous), some moles can develop into skin cancer. Having any moles checked by a practitioner trained in skin cancer detection is essential. When a mole is removed by laser treatment, the mole is disintegrated, meaning that the mole cannot be sent to pathology for testing. Having your mole assessed for skin cancer, prior to Laser Mole Removal Treatment, is just one of the risk mitigation steps employed by Bella Plastic Surgery.

During your consultation, one of our practitioners trained in detecting skin cancers, will assess your mole and approve the mole to be removed by laser. If the mole is suspected to be a form of skin cancer, a small biopsy of the mole may be carried out and sent off to pathology to confirm whether the mole is benign or cancerous.

If the mole is found to be a form of skin cancer, our specialist team will be able to create a treatment and management plan that is best suited for you.

Types of Moles

Common Moles (Nevi)

Common moles (also known as nevi) are skin growths that are found on any area of the body, that can typically range in colour from pinkish or brown and have a distinct, round raised border. Most individuals will experience at least a dozen common moles growing on their skin, from birth, through to childhood.

Dysplastic Nevi

Dysplastic Nevi can look quite different from common moles and are often much larger than common moles and might have a mixture of colours, from pink to light brown to very dark brown.

Congenital Nevi

Congenital Nevi are moles that you are often born with or that develop shortly after birth. Congenital nevi do carry a slightly greater risk of developing skin cancer later in life, so it is important that you do have your skin checked regularly.

Mole Removal Treatments

Laser Removal

Our state-of-the-art Laser Technology can remove moles and other skin lesions and, in some cases, treat some precancerous skin cancers. It is important to note that a skin cancer lesion is NOT treated with a laser.

Surgical Removal

In the case where a mole has been deemed suspicious for skin cancer, a bunch biopsy or surgical removal of the mole may be required. Once the appropriate surgical treatment has been performed, the sample of the mole will be sent to pathology.

Once the results of the surgically removed mole have been received, your practitioner will review your results to determine the next steps.

In some cases, further surgery is required to fully remove the skin cancer, and this can include a range of surgical options such as a skin graft or skin flap.

If necessary, our Plastic Surgeon, Dr Dona, can perform surgery in a hospital setting for any complex mole(s) or those in aesthetically sensitive areas.

How many treatments will it take to remove my mole?

Our laser technology will remove your mole immediately, at the time of treatment. In some cases, the pigmentation of the mole can lie deep under the skin, and further laser treatments may be required to remove residual pigmentation.

Is the Laser Mole Removal process painful?

Laser Mole Removal is tolerated well among most age groups due to the speed and precision with which the mole is removed. However, both topical and local anaesthetic options are available to numb the treated area.

How long does Laser Mole Removal take?

The laser mole removal procedure typically only takes a few minutes. However, we schedule 30 minutes for your appointment so that you can complete a Patient Registration Form, receive a consultation, discuss the procedure and your post-care instructions as well as answer any questions you might have.

Recovery after Laser Mole Removal

Following your Laser Mole Removal Treatment, there will be some redness and slight swelling around the treated areas for up to 72 hours. In addition, a temporary scab will form; this is a natural part of the healing process.

The scab will usually fall off within seven to ten days, and it is essential to avoid touching or scratching the scab off the treated area. Scratching or picking at the scab can cause inflammation, making any scarring more prominent.

After the scab has fallen off, the treated area will appear red due to new capillary formation. Any redness around the treatment area will usually dissipate in a matter of days.