Cosmetic mole removal at our Leamington Spa clinic involves an initial thorough assessment by our resident Doctor. Treatment uses the SmartXide Touch CO2 laser. It removes the mole layer by layer under local anaesthetic, rather than cutting it out with a scalpel. Treatment may suit people who would like a mole removed for cosmetic or practical reasons.
Many people ask about removing a mole or skin lesion, often on the face or other visible areas. CO2 laser treatment under local anaesthetic is one option for patients looking for cosmetic mole removal. Our medical-led clinic in Leamington Spa offers a range of cosmetic skin lesion removal treatments.
Moles can appear at birth or over time as you age. Normally most moles are harmless. Every mole is assessed by our doctor before any laser treatment. Patients may want to remove a mole because they find it is in the way when shaving or getting dressed. Most commonly for cosmetic reasons.
We use the SmartXide Touch CO2 laser made by DEKA.
The SmartXide Touch laser device destroys the mole from the inside, through a process called thermolysis (vaporization). After treatment, the skin heals naturally over 1 to 2 weeks as a scab forms and then falls away. The CO2 laser mole removal procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so most patients feel little during treatment.
Side effects and scarring are usually small, but they can happen. If our doctor finds your mole suitable, treatment may be possible on the same day, or you can take time to decide.
Our team also treats other skin concerns, for example small cysts, fibromas, keratosis, xanthelasma, DPN, warts, verrucas, skin tags and sun damage. Each is assessed first, and we will tell you who carries out your treatment.
Before treatment, we numb the area with a small local anaesthetic injection, which can sting briefly. The laser is precise, which helps limit the effect on nearby healthy skin. Bleeding is usually minimal. We apply antibiotic ointment and a plaster following treatment. Patients can help the healing process by letting air get to the area from the second day.
After the procedure, depending on the area and how big the mole is, it can take 1-2 days for a scab to form. The scab will peel off after around 7 days.
Your skin may look a little pink after treatment, which usually fades over a few weeks. Please ensure you apply sun protection on the area for 3 months if the treatment has been carried out on an exposed area, like the face, arms or lower legs.
If needed, patients are offered a free scar management appointment within the first 3 months after treatment. This can help improve the appearance of any scarring, though some marking may remain. Many moles are removed in a single session, though some need a further treatment.
Before treatment, our doctor examines the mole to assess whether it is suitable for laser removal. The laser vaporises the tissue, so no sample can be sent for laboratory testing (histology). This is why we only treat moles that our doctor assesses as looking benign (non-cancerous). If you suspect a mole is cancerous, please visit your GP for a check-up as soon as possible. If your GP advises that your mole will need a biopsy and removal, you will require surgical removal. This image shows some warning signs to look out for. It is not a substitute for a check by your GP or our doctor.
If our doctor identifies your lesion as suspicious and unsuitable for the CO2 laser procedure, we will refer you back to your GP and advise surgical removal for your lesion and a biopsy.
Mole removal in Leamington Spa: what to expect
Before any mole is removed, one of our doctors examines it closely. They will ask how long you have had it and whether it has changed. This check always comes first because the laser does not leave a sample for laboratory testing. We only remove moles that our doctor assesses as looking benign (non-cancerous).
Which moles may be suitable for laser removal?
- Moles that our doctor assesses as looking benign at your consultation
- Raised moles less than 5mm across
- Moles on the face, body, hands, feet or intimate areas, depending on their size, type and location
- Moles you would like removed for cosmetic or practical reasons, for example because they catch when shaving or getting dressed
Laser removal is not suitable for a mole that our doctor thinks looks unusual. In that case we will refer you back to your GP, as surgical removal allows the mole to be tested in a laboratory. Hairy moles can be treated, but the hair is likely to grow back.
What happens on the day
- Your doctor examines the mole and explains the possible risks. These include scarring, changes in skin colour and the chance of the mole coming back.
- If the mole is suitable, treatment may go ahead the same day, or you can take time to decide.
- The area is numbed with a small local anaesthetic injection, which can sting briefly.
- The CO2 laser removes the mole layer by layer. This usually takes about 5 to 15 minutes.
- We apply antibiotic ointment and a plaster, and give you aftercare advice before you go home.
Healing after mole removal
A scab usually forms within 1 to 2 days and falls away after about 7 days. Leave the scab to come away on its own. The new skin may look pink for a few weeks. Avoid hot baths, swimming pools, saunas and hot tubs for 7 to 10 days. Use SPF 50 on exposed areas for 3 months.
Results vary, and some marking may remain. If needed, we offer a free scar management appointment within 3 months of treatment. You can see current prices on our price list. When you are ready, you can book a consultation with our doctor.
3 prominent facial moles removed. Amazing results. Florina is a lovely person, puts you at ease straight away. Very accommodating. Pain free procedure.
Joy,
