Mole Removal: 10 Common Questions

In this article, dermatologists from the LeoDerm clinic answer the most common questions about nevi, explain whether they can be removed and which ones, and discuss the methods used in modern dermatology.

Does Mole Removal Cause Cancer?

For most people, the fear of complications—especially cancer—is a major barrier to removing benign skin growths. However, doctors emphasize that benign formations do not cause cancer. Still, it is crucial to monitor their condition and avoid self-treatment. If you notice changes in the structure or color of a mole, you should consult a dermatologist.
Before treatment, a dermatoscopy is always performed—this non-invasive examination helps assess the nature of the growth. Only after this evaluation does the doctor determine whether the nevus needs to be removed. The procedure should be done exclusively in a medical facility, with proper post-operative care to minimize the risk of complications.

Can All Moles Be Removed?

Technically, any skin growth can be removed, but there are specific indications for doing so:

• Aesthetic reasons – If a mole causes cosmetic discomfort. Patients often choose to remove moles from the face and other visible areas of the body.
• Frequent irritation or injury – If a nevus is constantly irritated by clothing or hygiene procedures, causing discomfort. This is especially relevant for moles on the scalp, neck, back, lower back, and joint areas.
• Medical necessity – If there is a risk of malignancy (transformation into a malignant skin disease like melanoma). Warning signs include changes in size, color, texture, pain, or bleeding, but only a doctor can confirm this after a proper diagnosis.

If there are no significant reasons to remove a mole, dermatologists generally advise leaving it alone but recommend regular preventive check-ups.

Is Laser the Best Method for Mole Removal?

Modern medicine offers various methods for mole removal. The doctor’s decision on which method to use is based on the results of the examination and diagnosis. Factors such as the type of formation, its location, and size are taken into account.

1. Surgical Mole Removal is a classic method that involves excising large moles with a scalpel. This procedure is chosen when there is a risk of malignancy, so the doctor removes a small surrounding area of healthy skin to minimize the chances of melanoma development. The healing time after mole removal depends on the individual characteristics of the patient’s body. Since a scar may remain after the procedure, this method is typically used for cases with clear medical indications.
2. Mole Removal is a non-contact technique that uses high-frequency radio waves (radio knife) to remove the mole. Simultaneously, blood vessels are coagulated, making the procedure bloodless and ensuring a relatively quick recovery.
3. Electrocoagulation - high-frequency electric current to excise the mole along with a small area of surrounding skin. The current also coagulates blood vessels, reducing bleeding.

A shallow scar may form at the removal site.

The radiofrequency method is suitable only for moles that protrude above the skin surface and are removed for aesthetic or comfort reasons (such as chronic irritation from clothing or accessories).

Moles should only be removed using a method that allows for the preservation of tissue for further histological examination. Therefore, the need for histological analysis is one of the key factors influencing the choice of treatment method. A tissue sample can only be studied if the mole is removed through surgical excision, radiofrequency excision, or electrocoagulation.

Is It Forbidden to Remove Moles in Summer?

Moles can be removed at any time of the year, and summer is not a direct contraindication for the procedure. However, during this period, UV radiation is more intense, leading to increased melanin production. Therefore, in summer, it is especially important to provide extra protection for the treated area—applying sunscreen for at least two months after removal to reduce the risk of pigmentation.

Can a Mole Be Removed by a Regular Cosmetologist?

Moles should only be removed in a medical clinic, after consultation and diagnosis by a dermatologist or a dermatology oncologist. Self-treatment or removal at a regular beauty salon may lead to unforeseen complications, ranging from cosmetic defects to cancer.

Can a Mole on the Face Be Removed Without a Scar?

A scar after mole removal is not a certainty. Of course, the outcome of the treatment is influenced by several factors, including the size and type of the growth, as well as its location. Proper adherence to the doctor’s aftercare recommendations also plays a significant role.
The advantage of mole treatment at a clinic is the safety, the doctor’s consideration of the patient’s preferences, and the focus on achieving a good cosmetic result. Among the available methods, the one that removes the mole without damaging healthy skin and ensures no recurrence is chosen.

What Does a Mole Look Like After Removal?

After the medical procedure, a wound forms at the site of the mole, which eventually dries out and forms a scab. After electrocoagulation and radiofrequency excision, the scab is firmer and gradually falls off over a period of 2 weeks to a month. After surgical removal, a thin postoperative scar remains.
Once the scab falls off, a barely noticeable scar may remain at the site of the removed growth, and due to the coagulation of blood vessels, the area may appear lighter. However, this usually occurs only with larger skin growths.

How to Treat the Wound After Mole Removal?

Proper care after mole removal is essential for quick skin recovery and a good aesthetic result. After the procedure, the dermatologist will provide recommendations on how to treat the wound for fast healing and to prevent complications.

Typically, the wound is treated with chlorhexidine or Betadine (an antiseptic) for the first few days, which is usually sufficient. If the wound heals slowly or signs of inflammation (swelling, redness, discharge of any kind) appear, you should consult a dermatologist for further advice.

During the rehabilitation period, it’s important to protect the damaged skin area from ultraviolet radiation, mechanical, and chemical irritants. It is also not recommended to apply cosmetics or skincare products or undergo cosmetic procedures.

Is a Biopsy Always Necessary After Mole Removal?

A biopsy after mole removal is an essential procedure and an important step in diagnosis, helping to exclude or confirm the presence of a malignant process. Some moles may have signs of melanoma that are not always noticeable during an examination or dermatoscopy. Laboratory analysis of the tissue allows for the timely detection of abnormal cells and the initiation of treatment if necessary. Ignoring a biopsy can lead to serious health consequences.

If a Mole Is Removed, Can It Grow Back and Why?

When intradermal nevi are removed using the radiofrequency method, there is a possibility of recurrence of the mole at the site of the scar. A recurrent nevus is a benign growth of melanocytes that appears at the site of an incomplete removal of a previously existing mole. The recurrence rate ranges from 0.3% to 28% and most often occurs within 6 weeks to 6 months after removal. The risk of recurrence is higher in women aged 20-30, and when the removed mole is located on the back, with a lower risk on the limbs and face.

Looking for a Safe Place to Remove Moles in Lviv? LeoDerm Clinic specializes in treating both benign and malignant growths. Don’t wait—schedule a consultation with a dermatologist if:

• the mole changes shape, color, or size;
• there is asymmetry or uneven edges;
• the color becomes irregular, with spots or the mole turns black, brown, red, or blue;
• the mole itches, bleeds, or discharges fluid;
• you feel pain when pressing on it;
• the mole is injured or constantly rubbed.

During the consultation, the doctor will perform a dermatoscopy, determine the nature of the growth, and recommend the optimal treatment method. Find out from our dermatologists how much mole removal would cost in your case and whether it is worth addressing at all.