Mole Checks & Mole Removal | Copeland Medical Aesthetics & Minor Surgery

MOLES

Moles are benign growths of melanocytes (pigment cells) that cluster within the skin. They’re classified by depth and appearance—junctional (flat/brown, at the epidermal–dermal junction), compound (slightly raised/brown), and intradermal (soft, skin-coloured or light brown, often dome-shaped). Moles may be congenital (present at birth) or acquired (develop over time). Some people also form atypical/dysplastic nevi, which look different from their other moles and require closer observation.

Most moles are harmless and stable. A small minority change in ways that merit biopsy to exclude melanoma.

SYMPTOMS & CHARACTERISTICS

Typical: symmetrical, smooth borders, uniform colour; flat or slightly raised
By type: junctional = flat/brown; compound = raised/brown; intradermal = soft/skin-coloured, may have hair
Atypical features (seek assessment): Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variegation, Diameter >6 mm, Evolution (ABCDE)
Other red flags: a new “ugly duckling” unlike your other moles; itching, bleeding, crusting, or rapid change; firm, blue-black, or nodular lesions (think EFG: Elevated, Firm, Growing)

CAUSES & PREVENTION

Why moles form: Genetics, UV exposure (especially childhood/adolescent sun), skin type, and total nevus count. New moles can still appear in adulthood, though new or changing lesions after ~age 30 deserve attention.

Prevention & monitoring: Daily broad-spectrum SPF 30–50, protective clothing/hat, no tanning beds, and gentle skin care. Perform monthly self-checks (use the ABCDE and “ugly duckling” rules) and schedule periodic professional exams based on your risk.

TREATMENT & PROCEDURE

Do all moles need removal?

No. Benign-appearing, stable moles don’t require removal unless they’re irritated (shaving/clothing), repeatedly traumatized, symptomatic, or removed for cosmetic reasons. Suspicious lesions should be removed for diagnosis.

What does the procedure involve, and is it painful?

After local anaesthetic, we remove the lesion by either:

Excisional biopsy/excision (elliptical removal with a small margin; preferred when diagnosis is uncertain).
Shave removal (for raised intradermal moles when diagnosis is clear and cosmetic smoothing is desired).
You’ll feel pressure but no sharp pain once numbed. Closure may require stitches (face: ~5–7 days; trunk/limbs: ~10–14 days). We avoid lasers for pigmented lesions that might need pathology.

RISKS, RECOVERY & AFTERCARE

What are the risks of mole removal?

Scar (size depends on technique/site), infection or bleeding (uncommon), pigment change (lighter or darker), and recurrence/re-pigmentation—more likely after shave removals (sometimes called “pseudomelanoma” histologically). Rarely, wider excision is recommended if pathology shows atypia extending to margins.
Most typical moles remain stable and can be safely observed. However, a mole that is evolving or atypical should be biopsied—delaying removal of a suspicious lesion could miss an early melanoma. When in doubt, get it checked.

What aftercare do you recommend?

Goal: prevent infection, support neat healing, and minimize scarring.
Do:

Keep the site clean and dry for 24 h, then cleanse gently and apply petrolatum; cover with a small dressing until sealed.
Follow instructions for suture care/removal (face 5–7 d; trunk/limbs 10–14 d).
Limit stretching/strain on the area; light activity is fine unless told otherwise.
Once closed, protect from sun (clothing or SPF 50) and consider silicone gel/sheets for scar optimization.

Don’t:

Don’t pick at scabs or disturb stitches.
Don’t soak the area (hot tubs/pools) until cleared.
Don’t apply harsh acids/retinoids to the site while healing.
Don’t ignore new symptoms (increasing pain, redness, pus, fever)—contact us.

COSTS

What does it cost to have moles removed?

The cost to remove a mole starts at $500 . However, the cost varies based on factors such as the mole’s size and location. During your consultation, we’ll provide a detailed cost estimate.