Mole Removal ~ Nelson

Moles are areas of pigmented (or sometimes non-pigmented and raised) skin. Raised or flat, moles can be present from birth or can appear later in life.

The majority of moles are harmless, but patients often elect for mole removal surgery, because they have a mole which is causing them discomfort (for example catching on clothes or a razor), or for cosmetic reasons because it has become visibly distinguishable.

Sometimes a mole needs to be removed because it is changing in size, shape, colour, or if it is itchy or has been bleeding. These symptms can sometimes indicate a sinister change in a simple mole and there is a risk that it might become malignant (cancerous).

Cosmetic Mole Removal & Surgery

At the Olive Institute, raised moles can be removed by shave biopsy. This does not necessarily remove it completely, but because the skin is not cut very deeply [it is like having a small graze] there is minimal risk of scarring. We find that this method provides the best cosmetic results for simple moles.

Moles that are suspicious can be cut out entirely and the wound is sutured. However, any time an incision is made through the full thickness of the skin, a scar is inevitable. Of course, we endeavour to make any scar as discrete as possible by careful tissue handling and hiding the incision within the natural skin creases.

See our Skin Cancer Removal & Reconstruction page for more information.