Laser and radiofrequency mole removal

Me Clinic uses two non-incisional approaches to remove benign moles and skin lesions: laser for flat pigmented lesions, and radiofrequency (RF) surgery for raised ones. Neither involves cutting or stitches.

Both are quick, generally involve little discomfort, and leave less of a mark than surgical excision. Both also destroy the tissue - which is the reason for the section immediately below.

Why this is not for a suspicious mole

Laser treatment is not recommended for cancerous or suspicious moles, and for two separate reasons:

It may not remove all the cells. A laser works on what it can reach; a lesion extending deeper than expected can be left partly behind, under skin that now looks clear.
It leaves nothing to test. The tissue is vaporised, so no pathologist can examine it and no diagnosis can be made.

Surgical excision is the method for anything suspicious. The whole lesion is removed intact and sent for laboratory examination. Your practitioner can also take a biopsy sample to evaluate a lesion before deciding.

So every mole is inspected before treatment. If there is doubt, the answer is excision - not a laser.

Check your own moles: ABCDE

Inspect your moles periodically for any change in shape, size or colour:

A - Asymmetry. One half does not match the other.
B - Border. Blurred, notched or irregular.
C - Colour. More than one colour, or uneven colour.
D - Diameter. Larger than about 6 mm. Melanomas can be smaller, so size alone is not reassuring.
E - Elevation or Evolution. Becoming raised, or changing in any way.

Also have any spot assessed that bleeds, itches persistently or does not heal.

Radiofrequency surgery - for raised lesions

Radiofrequency surgery uses high-frequency energy delivered through a fine probe rather than a scalpel. It removes raised moles, lumps, bumps and scaly skin lesions, as well as skin tags, seborrhoeic keratoses, warts and other benign growths.

There is no cutting and no need for stitches. Bruising and swelling are generally minimal. The treated area may feel hot or burnt, similar to sunburn, for a day or two afterwards.

Scarring, healing time and skin tone change vary between individuals. Skin discolouration at the site can occur and can persist.

Laser - for flat pigmented lesions

Laser mole removal is generally used for flat moles being removed for cosmetic reasons. After examination, your practitioner selects the appropriate device for the lesion. Lasers used include:

IPL (intense pulsed light)
KTP (potassium titanyl phosphate)
Nd:YAG

Each emits specific wavelengths absorbed preferentially by darker pigment. The heat also seals small vessels, so there is generally no bleeding.

Bursts of light are directed at the lesion, targeting the pigmented cells while sparing surrounding tissue. Removal of each lesion takes only a few minutes, with little or no downtime - most people return to work or normal activities straight afterwards.

Preparing for treatment

Have the lesion inspected first - this is not optional
Avoid sun exposure and tanning, including fake tan, beforehand; tanned skin absorbs more energy and raises the risk of burns and pigment change
Tell your practitioner about all medications, particularly anything increasing photosensitivity
Mention any cold sore history if the area is near the mouth
Mention any tendency to keloid scarring

Aftercare

Do not touch or rub the treated skin
A scab may form and will separate naturally - do not pick it
Avoid sun exposure and exfoliation for around two weeks
Use any recommended healing products until healing is complete
Apply sunscreen whenever outdoors

Risks

A hot or burnt sensation for a day or two
Redness and swelling
Blistering and burns
Changes in pigmentation at the site - lighter or darker - which may persist
Scarring
Crusting
Infection
Incomplete removal, requiring further treatment
Recurrence of the lesion
Eye injury without proper protective eyewear
Missed diagnosis where a lesion is destroyed rather than excised and examined

Risk of burns and pigment change is higher in darker skin types and in recently tanned skin.

Please read our information on the risks and complications of cosmetic surgery before proceeding.

Cost and booking

Cost depends on the number of lesions, the method and the site, and is quoted at consultation. As at September 2024 and including GST, a mole removal consultation with a Cosmetic Doctor is $150. Cosmetic removal is not covered by Medicare.

Me Clinic has clinics in Melbourne, Sydney and regional areas. Our Melbourne clinic is at 4 Burke Road, Malvern East VIC 3145. Phone 1300 852 050 or (03) 9569 3511.

See mole removal, mole removal surgery, skin cancer and mole removal, electrosurgery RF treatments, or all skin services.

Individual results may vary. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.