Private Mole Removal

Many people wish to have unsightly moles, warts, skin tags or other skin lesions removed. This can be done under our Consultant Dermatologist for cosmetic reasons, for example if they are prominent on a person's face or hands, or following recommendation during an assessment.

Removal is a key step in reducing risks from moles or skin lesions that are suspicious or have been found to be malignant or cancerous. With all our removal procedures, whether a shave excision, a diagnostic biopsy or full excision, a sample from each removal will be sent to a private laboratory for histopathology testing. It is a process that will test the sample for signs of disease. You will also be sent a copy of your histopathology results within 6 weeks.

*Some removals may require a plastic surgeon and a free consultation for their review will be provided.

If you're having a consultation with one of our dermatologists, because you're concerned about the change in the appearance of a mole a biopsy may be carried out. After numbing the area with a local anaesthetic the specialist will remove a small portion for analysis. If melanoma is discovered in the early stages the entire mole is removed. If the cancer has progressed an individual treatment plan will be produced comprising chemotherapy, immunotherapy or radiotherapy. If you've decided to have a mole removed for cosmetic reasons it can be treated by gently excising it.

Histopathology is the laboratory examination of tissue removed during a biopsy or mole excision. It’s essential for detecting whether a mole is benign or malignant, and to confirm if all suspicious tissue has been removed. At Pall Mall all removal procedures include histopathology

A sample of your tissue (whether suspicious or not) is sent to a private laboratory where a doctor called a pathologist studies it under a microscope.  It is a process that will test the sample for signs of disease, in order to observe the appearance of diseased cells in microscopic detail.

This is now best practice in healthcare - sampling all skin lesions for Histopathology, and therefore helping the clinician to identify any disease concerns.

Yes. For certain eligible moles (size under specified limits, location, and for patients who are good candidates), our “see & treat” package allows assessment and removal in the same appointment. This means fewer visits and faster resolution.

Moles are usually asymmetrical, range from tan to dark brown in colour and are usually smaller than 6mm. Most moles are harmless but any changes to their colour, size or shape could indicate an increased risk of a melanoma or basal cell carcinoma (types of skin cancer).

Moles are extremely common skin growths which can appear anywhere on the body. Checking moles frequently means that your skin specialist will be more likely to spot any changes in a mole.

Therefore we can spot any suspicious changes, and have these tested with histopathology and removed to prevent any further risk.

A shave excision is a simple procedure that our Consultant Dermatologist may use to remove skin lesions and growths, such as moles, warts and skin tags from your skin. The primary tool used in this procedure is a sharp razor and possibly an electrode to feather the edges of the excision area to make the wound/scar less noticeable.

A shave excision may take a number of weeks to heal completely, depending on the size of the wound and its location. Aftercare is straightforward, with cleansing the wound until healed and allowing allow any scab formation to form and break off on its own.

A biopsy is a small sample that will be taken and examined in a laboratory. A biopsy is when only a portion of a lesion, tissue, or skin is removed in order to obtain a diagnosis looking for signs or changes that may indicate disease. Taking a biopsy of a lesion is not removing it.

What is a diagnostic biopsy used for?

A biopsy is used for testing in the laboratory for signs of cancer or other diseases. The biopsy sample is stained and examined under a microscope in the lab. It may also be used to identify possible cancer or causes of inflammation and infection.

The area to be biopsied is thoroughly cleaned and numbed with a local anaesthetic. A sterile scalpel is used to cut away a small piece of tissue, and then the wound is stitched (sutured) closed.

Who performs the Biopsy?

Our Consultant Dermatologists are fully-trained in adult and paediatric dermatology, which enables them to identify, offer advice on, and treat a wide range of skin ailments.

A full excision simply means to completely remove. The full excision process uses a scalpel, laser or another instrument to completely remove the tissue in question, rather than just a part.

This process can be used to treat many forms of skin lesions in addition to melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer.

Alike a shave excision, aftercare is straightforward, with most wounds taking 1-3 weeks to heal. If a large area of skin was removed healing may take longer. Some soreness around the site of the wound is normal.

No. Many of our mole removal & assessment services can be booked privately without needing a GP or NHS referral. This helps reduce waiting times and gives you more control over appointment scheduling.