Laser Mole Removal

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 following treatment – the wound is treated as a ‘dry’ wound.

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. With that said, there is always a risk of the treated are scarring poorly – refer to the risks under ‘Potential Risks’. located below.

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 your 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, is a mandatory requirement, prior to having treatment at Bella Plastic Surgery.

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 Laser Technology can remove moles and other skin lesions such as skin tags, sebaceous hyperplasia, milia, vascular lesions, among others. 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, 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

Even though you have had your mole(s) or other skin lesions assessed as being benign (cancer free) by your skin cancer practitioner, there is still a risk of skin cancer being present within your skin mole or lesion(s), at the time of your laser treatment.  

The laser ablates (burns) away moles and other skin lesions, meaning that nothing is available to be sent away for pathology for further testing, so you need to be aware that pathology testing is not possible with this treatment.  

Although the potential risks are extremely uncommon, one or more of the following 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, tretinoin, 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.