Most moles (also called melanocytic or pigmented naevi) are harmless and many people have them and live with them comfortably. Moles can appear at any time during your life and they come in different sizes, colour and shape. Occasionally, their position or size can be an irritating feature. Sometimes a mole needs to be removed because of a risk of cancer. You should always see a doctor if a mole changes in size or shape or becomes painful.
Most moles can be simply and quickly removed under local anaesthetic and there are different methods of doing this. Some moles can be shaved down to the level of the surrounding skin, either using a surgical blade or electro-surgery, which uses an alternating current to destroy skin tissue. Flat moles or moles that are suspected to be malignant (cancerous) are cut out entirely and then the wound is closed up with stitches.
Before any procedure your consultant will advise which method of mole removal is most appropriate for you and explain any risks and benefits `associated with the procedure.
Next steps
For more information on mole removal, to arrange your initial consultation with a cosmetic surgeon, or to book a free cosmetic nurse appointment, call our cosmetic surgery team on 0800 434 6644 or enquire online
