Mole Removal in Brighton, Hove and Worthing

Different Types of Moles

Moles can be skin coloured, a mixture of skin and brown pigment, or brown containing hairs.

Skin-Coloured Moles (Intra-Dermal Naevi): These are often safely removed with shave excision, resulting in minimal pigmentation risk and excellent cosmetic outcomes.

Pigmented or Hairy Moles (Compound Naevi): Pigmented moles may be flat or raised and can contain hairs. They are far more difficult to treat because the skin cells are deeper in the skin. Furthermore, unless the cells are removed completely, they can reoccur. The only effective way to treat this type of mole is surgical excision with stitches or methods that cause scarring of the skin. Therefore, the cosmetic outcome is far more variable. It is important not to commit to treatment unless the clinical results can produce a scar that is preferable to the appearance of the original mole. This can be difficult to achieve even with state-of-the-art surgical equipment or lasers. However, our doctors will be able to discuss the potential outcomes with you during your consultation to decide if the mole is clinically appropriate to remove or not.

Expert Mole Treatment in Brighton, Hove, and Worthing with Laser & Skin Clinics

Choosing the right mole removal clinic is crucial. The most important factor to consider is whether the mole is clinically benign (harmless). At our skin clinics in Brighton, Hove, and Worthing, all procedures are performed by specialist dermatology doctors. Moreover, many of our doctors also work in the NHS within Sussex and Surrey, regularly treating suspicious lesions and skin cancer.

Mole removal is a very safe procedure, especially when performed by experienced dermatology doctors.

What is Shave Excision?

A quick, safe, and effective mole removal technique offered by our leading mole removal clinic in Brighton, Worthing and Hove.

Skin coloured moles can be safely removed from the skin by a technique called shave excision. This involves injection of a local anaesthetic followed by gentle shaving using a specialised blade called a Dermablade®. Next, the consultant will seal the skin surface using a radiofrequency cautery device called a Hyfrecator, or a drying chemical called Driclor. The resulting wound is similar to a graze and will heal in the vast majority of cases to give an excellent cosmetic result.

Our doctors are highly experienced at performing this procedure and most patients are extremely pleased with the results. Laboratory analysis is generally not required for skin coloured moles. Nonetheless, if your mole is pigmented, or if the doctor feels it is appropriate, then we may need to send it for analysis. Please note, this would incur an additional fee.

Initially the wound will be red in colour, but after 7-14 days the wound has usually healed. The skin will gradually return to your normal skin colour over several months. Out consultant team all have training in this technique and can provide good cosmetic results with rapid healing. There is no risk of skin cancer in moles that are removed by shave excision for cosmetic purposes.

What is Surgical Excision?

Pigmented or hairy moles are generally more difficult to remove and require surgical excision with stitches. This is performed under local anaesthetic by our specialist doctors who will surgically excise the mole. Once excised, the moles generally require laboratory analysis by a Consultant Histopathologist to confirm the diagnosis. This is typically included within the fee. Our doctors are highly experienced at diagnosing skin lesions and regularly manage patients with skin cancer within the NHS as part of the Medical Clinics Group.

We can provide advice on both surgical and shave excision techniques and what would give you the best cosmetic results.

Does Mole Excision Hurt?

Mole excision is painless and quick, usually taking less than twenty minutes to complete. However, patients may feel some slight discomfort from the initial local anaesthetic injection. After the procedure, the wound may be sore for 7-10 days whilst it heals. At Laser and Skin Clinics we recommend that you apply Vaseline to the wound to keep it moist 3-4 times daily and avoid picking any scabs.

How Deep is Mole Excision & How Long do Wounds Take to Heal?

After the mole is shaved, the Hyfrecator seals surface blood vessels and this leaves a wound that is similar to a graze. The wound will typically take 7-10 days to heal and may be red for a few months before leaving normal skin, or, occasionally, a small white flat mark. Immediately following the procedure the skin may ooze or be sore, but most patients can return to work on the same day.

Mole Removal Side Effects

Mole removal by Shave Excision is a very safe procedure and any side-effects are usually temporary. Nonetheless, while over 90% of cases heal without complications, potential side effects include:

Mild scarring: a white scar at the site of surgery which usually fades over time.

Brown pigmentation or mole regrowth: This occurs in less than 5% of cases and may require further surgery long term. If re-growth does occur then it will usually take several years, however occasionally this re-growth can occur earlier. Results are generally better with smaller moles that are skin coloured with no pigment.

Raised hypertrophic or keloid scars: very rarely a raised scar may develop called a hypertrophic or a keloid scar. The risk on the face is extremely low. Though, the risk may increase to 1 in 500 cases treated on the trunk or shoulder.

We are always happy to review patients if they have any concerns post-treatment.

How Many Moles Can Be Removed at the Time of the procedure?

Many patients have multiple facial moles, and it is possible to treat several at a time. However, it can sometimes be preferable to remove one or just a small number of moles to assess your individual wound healing.

Can This Procedure Be Performed on the NHS?

Mole removal is generally considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by the NHS. Only moles and skin-tags which have suspicious features or are likely to be cancerous are removed under the national health system in the UK. If you have any concerns regarding your moles then it is important to get it checked out by a doctor immediately, particularly if you notice any changes in shape, size, border or colour.

How Much Does Mole Removal Cost?

Affordable, expert care at our leading mole removal clinic in Brighton, Hove, and Worthing.

Laser and Skin Clinics specialise in the treatment of patients with multiple lesions and offer extremely competitive rates for mole removal in Sussex compared to other private hospitals. As a general rule, it is more cost effective to have a procedure done at the time of consultation. This is particularly applicable for small procedures. Please refer to our price guide or contact us for more information.

What to Expect on the Day…

Having a mole removed can be a bit daunting for many patients, but there really isn’t anything to worry about as the procedure is very quick and most patients are delighted with the result.

Consultation: The doctor examines your moles and explains the procedure, potential side effects and results.

Procedure: If you are happy to go ahead, firstly, a quick local anaesthetic injection is given to numb the area. Secondly, the mole is removed using shave or surgical excision.

Aftercare: You will typically be walking out the clinic within 20-30 minutes. Aftercare instructions will be provided on how to look after your wound until it heals. Patients can usually return to normal activities the same day. If you have any questions following treatment, you can always phone the clinic for advice.

Trusted Mole Removal Experts in Brighton, Hove & Worthing

If you’re searching for the leading mole removal clinic in Brighton, Hove, or Worthing, our expert dermatology team provides exceptional care at all our skin and laser clinics.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation.