MOLE REMOVAL AND SHAVE EXCISION
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What treatments are possible?
Facial moles can be skin coloured, a mixture of skin and brown pigment, or brown containing hairs. 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®. After 7-10 days of healing the skin gradually returns to normal skin colour. The Consultant team all have training in this technique and can provide good cosmetic results with rapid healing. Hairy moles and dark pigmented moles are better excised and stitched. We can provide advice on both of these techniques at the clinic.

How long does it take for the skin to heal after shave excision?
Typically, healing takes 5-10 days. During this time the skin will behave like a superficial graze that may ooze and scab. It is better to keep the skin moist with Vaseline or moisturiser during this time. The areas should also be cleaned 2-3 times daily. Make-up can be safely worn 24-hours after surgery. The treated area may remain red for a few weeks following treatment and this typically subsides within 6-weeks. We can always treat any redness at the base of a mole with Intense Pulsed Light Laser if the redness lasts longer than 6-weeks. Occasionally, we advise application of a mild topical steroid cream.

What are the side-effects and long-term results following shave excision?
Over 90% of shaved moles heal with few complications. Potential side-effects may include a white scar at the site of surgery, brown pigmentation at the base of the mole, and regrowth of the mole. Up to 5% will regrow and may require further surgery longer-term. Results are generally better with smaller moles that are skin coloured with no pigment. Very rarely a raised scar may develop called a hypertrophic or a keloid scar. The risk on the face is extremely low. On the trunk or the shoulder, the risk may increased to 1 in 500 cases treated. We are always happy to review patients if they have any concerns post-treatment.

What does shave excision cost?
The costs vary according to the number of moles removed and degree of complexity of the surgery. Typical prices range from £200 to £400. Additional costs may be required if the mole is sent for histology. For treating multiple seborrhoeic warts as shown in the diagram, two or more treatment sessions may be necessary. We specialise in the treatment of patients with mutliple lesions and offer extremely competitive rates compared to private hospitals.

How safe is it to remove moles?
There is no risk of skin cancer in moles that are removed by shave excision for cosmetic purposes. The specialist team at the clinic are highly trained in skin surgery and all perform surgical procedures on the face on a regular basis.