Can you remove a mole without surgery?

Some benign moles can be treated with radiofrequency or laser. A doctor must first assess the mole and explain which options are suitable.

What counts as non-surgical removal?

At Spot Check Clinic, non-surgical removal refers to any procedure that doesn’t involve a full-thickness incision through the skin with a blade. These techniques remove or destroy the lesion from the surface or just below it, with less disruption to surrounding tissue. See our mole removal hub for an overview of all options.

Non-surgical options

Radiofrequency surgery

Radiofrequency can remove suitable raised benign moles with controlled tissue removal. Scarring is still possible. See radiofrequency mole removal.

Laser

Laser is suitable for some benign moles. It can offer a lower risk of scarring, but treatment is slower and may require several sessions. A doctor must assess the mole first. See laser mole removal.

Other types of lesion

Freckles, seborrhoeic keratoses, skin tags and vascular lesions are different from moles. Their treatment options are not interchangeable.

Cryotherapy

Liquid nitrogen is used to freeze and destroy the lesion. Suitable for solar keratoses, seborrhoeic keratoses, skin tags, and some superficial skin cancers. Some lesions require more than one treatment, and there is a small risk of blistering or scarring. Learn more about cryotherapy.

Electrosurgery

An electric current is used to burn off raised lesions including overgrown solar keratoses, seborrhoeic keratoses, angiomas, and skin tags. A local anaesthetic injection is usually required. As with any burn, there is a risk of scarring.

Assessment before removal

Any mole being considered for non-surgical removal must first be assessed by a doctor. Moles with features suggestive of melanoma — asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colours, recent change — must be surgically excised so the tissue can be sent for pathological examination. Non-surgical removal of an undetected melanoma is a serious risk. Book a cosmetic mole removal assessment to discuss your options.

A note on DIY mole removal creams

There is no evidence that topical creams marketed for mole removal are effective or safe. Any cream potent enough to remove a mole risks causing burns, ulceration, pain, and scarring. These products should be avoided.

Medicare and costs

Medicare rebates for mole removal are uncommon. In limited circumstances, Medicare may contribute to laser removal of large facial lesions or cryotherapy of skin cancers and solar keratoses. Most non-surgical treatments are paid for entirely by the patient.

Further information

• Mole removal — overview
• Radiofrequency mole removal
• Laser mole removal
• Cryotherapy
• Surgical excision
• Cosmetic mole removal assessment