How does Laser Mole Removal work?

Moles are commonly lesions that are found on the face and body and can cause both aesthetic concerns and concerns pertaining to malignancy. While moles are often benign, changes in the moles structure or colour can signal deeper concerns. For those seeking the removal of benign moles for aesthetic reasons, our advances in laser technology have opened a new chapter in mole management.

With over 15 years of clinical experience, our approach with Laser technology provides patients with an effective option for in removing their unwanted mole(s). This precision tool circumvents the collateral damage typically associated with surgical procedures, by only targeting mole itself.

In this article, we discuss laser mole removal and explore its use, the conditions necessitating such a procedure, and the tailored approaches to suit each mole’s uniqueness. From the initial consultation, treatment and the to post-procedure care, we offer insight into both the journey and the outcome of removing the unwanted mole(s) through laser technology.

What is laser mole removal?

Laser mole removal is a non-invasive, relatively painless procedure designed to eliminate unwanted benign moles and skin lesions, including skin tags and sebaceous hyperplasia. This method employs the precision of laser technology, specifically the use of a cutting-edge Dual Laser System, which precisely targets the mole tissue using a pen-tip laser head, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding skin.

Laser Mole Removal Features:

• Technology: State-of-the-art Dual Laser system.

• Targeted: Small pen-tip designed for precise removal.

• Application: Benign moles, skin tags, and various non-cancerous skin lesions.

• Non-Cancerous: Not suitable for skin cancer lesions.

Patients can often undergo this treatment with minimal discomfort and a relatively quick recovery time when compared to surgical procedures. Additionally, the cosmetic outcomes are generally favourable, providing peace of mind for those looking to improve the appearance of their skin. Regular skin checks remain imperative since laser removal is reserved for non-cancerous entities, and any suspicious mole or skin change should be assessed by your accredited Skin Cancer Specialist.

Reasons for mole removal

Moles, while commonly benign, may become a concern for various reasons, prompting individuals to seek removal. Reasons for mole removal with laser, will often relate to aesthetics.

Cosmetic purposes

A prevalent motivation for undergoing mole removal is cosmetic improvement. Unsightly moles or those situated in highly visible areas such as the face can be a source of self-consciousness. Laser mole removal treatments offer a solution that minimises scarring and healing time. Such procedures are particularly beneficial for facial mole removal, where the cosmetic outcome is of the utmost importance. The treated area post-laser therapy often heals to the point where it becomes challenging to detect the original presence of the mole, with any residual scarring tending to be subtle and one shade lighter than the surrounding skin. With that said, there is always a risk of the treated area pigmenting (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) or raised scar tissue forming.

Concerns about skin cancer

Regular skin checks are essential in the monitoring of moles due to the risk they pose for developing into Melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Atypical moles, dysplastic nevi, and congenital nevi may exhibit changes over time, indicating the potential progression towards cancerous states. A mole exhibiting signs of malignancy, described by asymmetry, border irregularity, colour diversity, a diameter larger than a pencil eraser, or evolving characteristics, warrants immediate attention. The surgical removal of a suspicious mole is required as it allows for a portion or the whole mole, to be biopsied to determine the presence of cancerous cells, serving as a preventative measure against skin cancer progression.

Irritation or discomfort

Additionally, moles may be removed due to physical irritation. Moles that are raised or located in areas prone to friction, such as under clothing straps or in areas of shaving, can become irritated or inflamed. The persistent discomfort leads many to consider relief through mole removal. Laser mole removal, does not require incisions or sutures and is an advantageous option for such cases, as the recovery time is minimal and post-procedural care is simplified compared to traditional surgical mole removal.

In summary, the reasons for mole removal often intermix concerns of well-being, aesthetics, and comfort. With advancements in mole removal methodologies, options like laser treatments now offer a balanced solution that caters to a variety of needs with reduced healing durations and improved cosmetic results.

Consultation and evaluation

Prior to undergoing any procedures for mole removal, it is critical to undergo a thorough consultation and evaluation. This step is imperative not only for the cosmetic benefits but also for one’s overall health and safety. The vast majority of moles and other skin lesions are benign, posing no immediate health threat. However, since some moles have the potential to develop into malignant skin cancers, professional evaluation by your Skin Cancer Specialist or Dermatologist is a vital precautionary measure.

At our clinic, we follow strict protocols to ensure patient safety. Please be advised that it is a mandatory requirement for patients to have their mole(s) checked by a qualified Skin Cancer Specialist before proceeding with laser mole removal treatments. By adhering to this policy, we ensure that any atypical mole or lesion with suspicious characteristics is adequately assessed, reducing the risk of treating a potentially cancerous mole without a proper histopathological diagnosis.

Laser mole removal entails the disintegration of the mole tissue using advanced Dual Laser technology. It is crucial to understand that once a mole is removed by this method, it can no longer be sent for pathological testing. Hence, pre-emptive evaluation of the mole tissue is essential. During the initial consultation, the practitioner will discuss the various methods of mole removal, bearing in mind the type of mole presented, its location, as well as the individual’s personal and family medical history.

We aim for a holistic approach, weighing in cosmetic results with the utmost responsibility towards our patients’ health. A careful assessment by a specialist ensures that any signs of skin cancer can be addressed promptly. We encourage our patients to schedule regular skin checks and to remain vigilant for any changes in their moles, even after removal, to maintain a vigilant stance against potential skin malignancies.

Evaluating the Mole for Potential Skin Cancer

The evaluation of a mole for potential skin cancer is a multifaceted process. Skin Cancer Specialists use several criteria to assess whether a mole might be suspicious and warrant further investigation or removal. The “ABCDE rule” is a commonly employed guideline for evaluating the characteristics of moles in respect to signs of melanoma, one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer:

• Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.

• Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.

• Colour: The mole is not the same colour throughout and may include shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.

• Diameter: The mole is larger than 6mm across, although melanomas can sometimes be smaller.

• Evolving: The mole looks different from others and/or is changing in size, colour, or shape.

In addition to visual examination, Dermatoscopy may be used to get a closer look at the mole’s skin structures. If the mole exhibits any of these worrisome signs or if the patient has a history of melanoma or atypical moles, the practitioner may recommend a biopsy. During this procedure, a piece of the mole is removed and sent to a pathology laboratory for microscopic examination to check for cancerous cells.

Regular skin checks by your Skin Cancer Doctor and careful monitoring of one’s moles are essential practices in the early detection of skin cancer. It’s worth noting that early-stage skin cancer has a high cure rate, so identifying and addressing any atypical or suspicious moles can be lifesaving. For individuals planning to undergo cosmetic mole removal, especially facial mole removal, it is crucial to have undergone these evaluations to ensure not just aesthetic improvement but also to confirm that the mole removal surgeries do not overlook any potentially malignant lesions.

Procedures for mole removal

The removal of moles, benign growths on the skin composed of melanocytes, is sought out for a variety of reasons ranging from health concerns related to cancer risk to cosmetic preferences. Cosmetic Clinics offer several mole removal procedures, each with its own set of indications, recovery time, risks, and benefits. Below are discussed the prevalent mole removal treatments:

Laser Mole Removal

Laser mole removal is a cornerstone of aesthetic treatment, offering a minimally invasive option for the eradication of benign moles. Utilising the advanced technology of the Dual Laser, this technique boasts a pen-tip head designed to precisely target the mole tissue. The laser emits a concentrated beam of light which is absorbed by the pigmented skin cells of the mole, causing them to break down without harming the surrounding skin. The targeted approach ensures minimal scarring and a faster recovery time compared to surgical procedures. However, it’s imperative to note that lesions suspected of being cancerous must not be treated with this method; such cases require surgical excision and professional medical assessment.

Radiofrequency Mole Removal

Radiofrequency mole removal uses high-frequency waves to generate heat and remove mole tissue. This technique is not as precise as laser and often simply ‘melts’ the mole and in doing so, can result in the mole not being fully removed and pore scarring.

BBL Intense Pulsed Light Mole Removal

Broadband Light (BBL) intense pulsed light therapy utilises a broad range of wavelengths to target pigment with a mole and other pigmented skin lesions. This treatment is not particularly effective in removing moles and will often just cause more damage to the skin in the process.

Low-Level Light Therapy Mole Removal

Low-level light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, involves the application of a low-intensity light source to the skin. This non-invasive procedure can reduce the pigment in the mole however, it is not an effective device in removing moles off the skin.

Shave Excision Mole Removal

Shave excision is a common surgical procedure utilised for raising moles that protrude above the skin’s surface. The procedure entails numbing the area with a local aesthetic followed by using a surgical blade to shave the mole down flush with the skin level. While this method may not remove the entire mole, particularly if it extends deeper into the skin, in some cases, it can serve as an effective treatment method for moles that are found sitting on a flat surface. For moles that are located on uneven surfaces such as the edges of the nose, around the eyes, this method may not be an option.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy involves the use of liquid nitrogen, that is applied to the mole, to freeze and destroy the mole tissue. This treatment is often not effective in removing the mole and can often lead to further scarring.

Other Mole Removal Methods

Other methods for removing moles include surgical excision, whereby an entire mole and a surrounding margin of tissue are cut out, requiring stitches and offering a complete removal, often indicated for suspicious mole that may be cancerous.

Each mole removal technique carries its own specific benefits and potential risks, such as change in skin colour at the site of treatment and scarring. A thorough consultation is crucial to identify the type of mole and select a safe and effective removal procedure.

Is laser mole removal painful?

Laser mole removal is a modern treatment hailed for its efficiency and precision. In the realm of mole removal procedures, it stands as a preferable option for patients seeking facial mole removal or to address unsightly moles elsewhere on the body, owing to the minimal discomfort it causes.

Concerns about the pain associated with mole removal treatments are common, yet patients report that laser mole removal is well-tolerated across various age demographics. This can be attributed to the rapidity with which the Dual Laser operates, targeting the mole tissue without the need for invasive surgical excision and inherently reducing the potential for pain.

Furthermore, to ensure maximum comfort during the procedure, medical professionals can apply topical or local anaesthetic to the area slated for treatment. This practice effectively numbs the skin, affording patients a more comfortable experience.

Treatment Options	Discomfort Level	Anaesthetic Availability
Laser Mole Removal	Low	Topical/Local

The option of anaesthesia, coupled with the laser’s precise action, offers patients peace of mind, knowing their cosmetic mole removal procedure should incur minimal discomfort. Recovery time is also short, with the majority of patients able to resume their normal activities promptly, within hours after their procedure. With that said, there will be a notice mark on the skins surface, where the mole was removed – this area will scab within a day or two post treatment. Nevertheless, it is vital to have your mole(s) assess to determine the type of mole and to ensure a safe and effective treatment plan, particularly if the mole is deemed suspicious or atypical.

Risks and considerations

When considering laser mole removal treatments, it is crucial to acknowledge the associated risks and necessary post-procedure considerations to ensure optimal healing and results. Patients typically experience some degree of redness, slight swelling, and yellow oozing around the treatment area(s), which can persist for up to a week. A temporary scab is part of the natural healing process and forms over the treated site.

Post-Treatment Symptom	Expected Duration
Redness	Up to a week
Swelling	Up to a week
Yellow Oozing	Up to a week
Scab Formation	7-10 days

It is imperative not to touch or scratch the area, as doing so may lead to increased inflammation and potentially prominent scarring. After the scab detaches, typically within seven to ten days, the skin beneath may appear red due to new capillary growth. The residual redness generally fades over the ensuing months.

Potential scarring

Scarring is a pertinent risk associated with any procedure that disrupts skin integrity, including laser mole removal. While laser treatments are designed to minimise tissue damage, the body’s response to healing can result in scar formation. Patients should be aware that scarring can manifest as either a textural change in the skin or coloration differences from the surrounding area. The likelihood and extent of scaring can be influenced by individual healing processes, the mole’s location, and adherence to post-treatment care instructions.

Infection or bleeding

Though rare, there is a risk of infection or bleeding with laser mole removal. These complications can surface when the protective scab is prematurely removed or if the wound is not properly cared for, allowing pathogens to enter. Signs of infection may include increased pain, redness, swelling, or pus discharge from the treated site. Any indication of infection should prompt immediate consultation at our practice.

Changing mole appearance

Laser mole removal typically results in the lightening or removal of the targeted mole. However, in some cases, the procedure may alter the mole’s appearance without fully removing it. This change might include variations in colour, size, or texture, which could raise concerns regarding aesthetics or the need for further evaluation to rule out malignancy.

Incomplete mole removal

Complete removal of a mole using laser technology is usually the goal; nonetheless, there may be instances of incomplete mole removal. Factors such as the mole’s depth, size, and type can affect the treatment’s efficacy. If mole tissue remains after the initial procedure, additional treatments may be required to achieve the desired outcome. Regular skin checks are recommended to monitor the area for any recurrent or residual mole tissue.

Self-removal risks

Engaging in self-removal of moles is strongly discouraged due to the significant risks involved, which include improper removal leading to potential regrowth, severe skin damage, infection, and the masking of signs of skin cancer. It is essential to have moles evaluated and treated by a medical professional who can safely and effectively perform the procedure, reducing the chance of complications and offering peace of mind regarding the histological nature of the mole.

In conclusion, while laser mole removal is a well-established and generally safe procedure, it is not devoid of risks. The potential for scarring, infection, and incomplete mole removal underscores the importance of choosing the right clinician and adhering to post-procedure care guidelines. Regular skin checks are recommended after mole removal to ensure the continued health and monitoring of the skin.