How are moles removed from the face?

Moles can be removed from the face using surgical excision, laser surgery, radiofrequency surgery, shave excision, or cryotherapy. A qualified and experienced skin cancer doctor should perform the procedure, as they can rule out skin cancer before proceeding with treatment.

There are several methods that can be used for facial mole removal, but it is important to note that any procedure should be performed by a qualified and experienced skin cancer doctor or dermatologist. This is because moles can sometimes be a sign of skin cancer, and some mole removal treatments are not suitable for skin cancers due to the risk of incompletely removing the cancer.

Any mole, lump or skin lesion should be examined dermoscopically for signs of cancer before removal.

• Radiofrequency surgery is especially useful for removing a raised mole. The doctor treats the mole using radio waves, which can finely cut or burn off a mole without excessive damage to the surrounding skin. This procedure is less invasive than surgical excision and may result in less scarring.
• Excision is a common method for removing moles. During this procedure, the mole is cut out using a scalpel or similar instrument. Stitches may be required to close the wound. This method is useful for making sure the entire mole is removed and is suitable for treating skin cancers as well as moles.
• Laser surgery is another option for mole removal. This involves using a laser to destroy the cells of the mole, usually by damaging pigment. It works best for flat moles and can be useful for darker-skinned people who might be more prone to developing scarring or abnormal pigmentation following mole removal by other methods.
• Shave excision is another option for removing moles. During this procedure, the mole is shaved off using a scalpel or similar instrument. This method is less invasive than surgical excision and may result in less scarring than excision (but usually more than radiofrequency surgery).
• Cryotherapy involves freezing the mole using liquid nitrogen. This causes the cells of the mole to die, and the mole will eventually fall off. This method is less likely to be effective for moles, but is useful for other skin lesions such as seborrhoeic keratoses, skin tags or molluscum contagiosum.