How much does it cost to remove a mole?
Healthy moles are harmless but can often cause discomfort or embarrassment. If you’re considering having a mole removed, this is everything you need to know about how we operate mole removal procedures at our Kent clinic.
Some people think they add character, many don’t even notice them, whilst others can’t stand them. However you feel about moles, the chances are you have at least one. Most of the population have between 10 and 40 moles on their body. If you have more than this, it’s usually down to your genetic makeup. And high amounts of sun exposure also make us more susceptible to developing new moles.
Moles occur when pigment-producing cells grow in a cluster instead of spreading throughout the skin. These are called melanocytes, and they make the pigment that gives skin its natural colour. While healthy moles are harmless and do not need to be removed, they can still have a big impact on your confidence and self-esteem and seeking mole removal for cosmetic reasons is increasingly common. Perhaps it is on an exposed area of your face, neck, arms or hands or another area of your body that catches on clothing or causes discomfort or embarrassment.
If you’re bothered by a mole and are considering getting it removed, this is everything you need to know.
How do I remove a mole?
Mole removal is a relatively simple procedure, and there are various techniques that can be used. Here at Illuminate, we typically use Cryotherapy to remove moles safely and effectively. Cryotherapy, which means ‘cold therapy’, is a non-surgical technique that employs liquid nitrogen to remove skin lesions by freezing the skin cells until they die and fall off.
The procedure is very quick, depending on the thickness and size of the lesion. The frozen skin becomes white and takes a couple of minutes to thaw to normal skin temperature. Over the next few days, a scab will form, taking a couple of weeks to fall off. Depending on the response of the lesion treated, follow up sessions may be required.
Moles can also be removed using laser, or they can be surgically excised – where the mole is cut out of the skin, and the skin is repaired with stitches, leaving a scar in its place. We have chosen to offer Cryotherapy at our clinic because it offers far fewer risks and downtime, and when removing a mole on an area like the face, this is crucial.
Is it safe to remove a mole for aesthetic reasons?
If you don’t like the appearance of a mole or if it becomes inflamed after rubbing on clothing or getting caught in jewellery, it is perfectly safe to remove these lesions for aesthetic reasons. We assess all moles before removing them, and if we are unsure about the health of a mole for any reason, we will refer you to a dermatologist prior to treatment.
How much will the procedure cost?
Mole removal in the UK can cost anywhere from £100 to £3000, with the average being around £1000, although this depends on several factors such as the volume and location of moles to be removed, the experience of the practitioner, the technique used and the size of the mole. At Illuminate, our Cryotherapy prices start from £100 for mole removal treatment, which can be carried following an initial consultation.
Can I get a mole removed on the NHS?
The NHS no longer delivers “non-essential” mole removal treatments, meaning that most mole removal procedures, or the removal of skin lesions like warts, verrucae and skin tags, can no longer be administered for free on the NHS. Therefore, a mole that is not believed to be a medical condition or dangerous will not generally be removed on the NHS.
To find out more about our treatment options or book a consultation with one of our expert practitioners, click here.
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Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.
