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Moles are common skin growths that vary in size, shape, texture and pigmentation. Theycan appear anywhere on the face or body at any life stage. While many Moles cause no concern, some individuals choose to have benign Moles or skin lesions removed for cosmetic reasons or due to irritation, catching or rubbing. Where appropriate, non-surgical options such as laser treatment may be considered for the removal of benign lesions.
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.
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, yourMole will be assessed, and treatment options will be discussed.
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.
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.
Non-Surgical Mole Removal Options
Non-surgical treatments may be suitable for selected benignMoles 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 immediatelyapparent.
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 can reduce downtime and the likelihood of scarring compared with some surgical approaches.
Recovery after Laser Mole Removal
Following your Laser Mole Removal Treatment, there will be some redness, slight swelling and yellow oozing around the treated area(s) for up to a week following your treatment. 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 months following treatment.
Potential Risks & 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.
- Lightening or darkening of the skin in the treated areas
- Skin crusting or blistering
- Infection
- Scarring — which includes Hypertrophic or Keloid Scarring
As part of your post-treatment care plan, you will be provided with verbal and written post-treatment instructions.
Post-Procedure Care
Following your laser treatment, you may notice redness, bleeding, bruising, swelling and weeping at the site of treatment, which can last for several days to weeks.
It is normal for the treated area to feel a little sore and tender, for a few days post treatment. You will keep the treated area dry and intact following your treatment. We will provide you with a topical cream to be used 3-4 times a day to the treated area, until the area has healed.
- Please refrain from getting the treated area wet until scab has fully fallen-off the treated area.
- Avoid exposing the treated area to the sun for a minimum of 4 weeks following treatment.
- Do not pick as scabbing can lead to scarring.
- Makeup can be used over the treatment area so long as there is no extended redness, blistering or scabbing (mineral make-up is the best option).
- Avoid skin irritants such as hydroquinone, bleaching creams, retinol creams, benzoyl peroxide, chemical peels,glycolic acid and salicylic acid for at least 2 weeks after the procedure.
- Avoid any rubbing or friction movements on the treated area for three days post treatment.
You will be requested to send an image of the treated area(s) 3-4 days post treatment via email.
Our clinic can be contacted contact on 1300 373 662 if you experience any inflammatory reaction and/or side effect. If necessary, additional treatments, medications and/or surgery may be necessary. If out of hours, please attend your local medical centre or emergency department.
We will arrange a follow-up appointment for six weeks post-treatment at our clinic. If at any time you have questions or concerns, you should contact our clinic to arrange a face-to-face appointment.
If required, you will be provided with topical cream, designed to be used post skin injury, that will provide nutrients to accelerate the skin healing process. In addition, we also offer Ligh Emitting Diode Treatment (LED) to accelerate the healing process.
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 ofMole, its depth, size and location.
Benign Moles & 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 isappropriate.
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 & 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.
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.
For more detailed information, please refer to the PottentialRisks& Complications page.
