Does mole removal leave a scar?

Mole removal usually leaves a scar. The extent of the scarring depends on the size and location of the mole and the method used to remove it.

All mole removal procedures leave a scar. Scarring is normal and part of the healing process after any injury to the skin. Most scars fade over time and become less noticeable.

Some mole removal techniques are more likely to result in scarring than others. For example, surgical excision, which involves cutting out the mole and closing the wound with sutures, often results in a noticeable scar. On the other hand, techniques such as laser or radiofrequency ablation, which destroy the mole without cutting the skin, typically result in less scarring.

Several factors can influence the likelihood of scarring after mole removal, including the size and location of the mole, the method used to remove it, and the individual’s skin type and healing process. Factors that increase the risk of scarring include:

• The amount of skin stretching during the wound healing process.
• The colour of the skin (darker skin tends to scar more).
• The age of the patient (younger skin tends to scar more than older skin).
• The mole removal technique.

In general, surgical excision is more likely to result in scarring than other techniques, especially for larger moles. This is because the procedure involves cutting out the mole, pulling the wound’s edges together, and securing it with stitches. If the wound is large or on a part of the body that stretches frequently (especially the back or chest), there is a higher risk of scarring.

How we reduce scarring risk

There is usually less risk of scarring with radiofrequency surgery for raised moles and laser ablation for flat moles than older techniques such as excision, shave biopsy or electrosurgery.

We use several techniques and strategies to minimise the amount of scarring from mole removal:

• Using Dermasensor spectroscopic analysis rather than surgical biopsy to assess the risk of skin cancer.
• Laser, radiofrequency and BBL treatments, which minimise damage to surrounding tissues.
• LED light therapy is offered routinely after surgical mole removal from the face and as an extra option following mole removal in other areas.
• We provide Epicyn silicone/hypochlorous acid gel, which has been shown to reduce scarring following surgical procedures.
• After surgical mole removal procedures i.e. radiofrequency surgery or ablative laser procedures) we routinely offer fractional laser treatment to the healing wound to enhance healing and further reduce the risk of scarring.