Mole removal
Mole removal by shave, laser or excision with stitches by specialist dermatologists and surgeons.
Our specialist dermatologists offer assessment and removal of selected raised moles for patients from Birmingham, Solihull and across the West Midlands. Selected moles may be suitable for same-day assessment and removal.
Quick Facts about mole removal
Best for
Suitable raised moles
Treatment
Shave, laser or excision
Anaesthetic
Local anaesthetic
Recovery
10-14 days
Consultant
Dermatologist
Price
See below
Mole removal in Birmingham and Solihull
If you are considering mole removal, our specialist dermatologists can provide sound advice and excellent operating skills. Based in Birmingham, we offer mole removal for patients from Solihull and throughout the West Midlands.
Moles can be removed for cosmetic reasons, because they repeatedly catch or become irritated, or because a dermatologist recommends removal for medical assessment.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the type of mole, its location, your skin characteristics and the result you hope to achieve.
Before and after pictures of mole removal
When should I consider having a mole removed?
There are many reasons why you might want to have a mole removed. Cosmetic mole removal may be worth considering if:
- The mole keeps becoming red or inflamed.
- You do not like how the mole looks.
- The mole has grown and become very obvious or prominent.
- The mole catches or rubs when you brush your hair or wear certain jewellery or clothing.
- The mole prevents you from shaving comfortably.
- The mole is in an awkward or sensitive area.
Cosmetic removal is offered for suitable raised moles. Midland Skin does not offer removal of flat moles unless required for medical purposes.
carolann cogger
What are medical reasons for mole removal?
Your dermatologist may advise that a mole is removed for medical reasons. This allows the mole to be sent for specialist examination under the microscope.
Removal may be recommended if:
- There is concern that the mole could have become cancerous.
- It is a new mole.
- The mole has changed—for example, it has grown, become darker or changed in outline.
- The mole stands out from your other moles.
- The mole does not look quite right for another reason.
If you have several moles, are concerned about a flat mole or need your moles assessed more generally, we offer a full mole check consultation, which is much like a mole MOT.
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What is cosmetic mole removal?
Cosmetic mole removal means removing a mole because of its appearance or because it repeatedly catches or becomes irritated.
The mole must appear medically harmless when assessed by a dermatologist before cosmetic removal can be considered.
Approximately 85% of cosmetic mole removals are performed by shave excision and 15% by excision with stitches. We generally recommend cosmetic mole removal for raised moles that are stable and not deeply pigmented.
What is medical mole removal?
Medical mole removal is performed when your dermatologist recommends that a mole is removed so that it can be examined under the microscope.
Approximately 75% of medical mole removals are performed by excision with stitches. Around 25% are removed by a deeper form of shave excision known as saucerisation. Saucerisation is performed to a deeper degree than cosmetic shave excision.
How is a mole removed in Birmingham?
Midland Skin offers three forms of mole removal: shave excision, laser mole removal and surgical excision with stitches.
We are among the few clinics in Birmingham offering all three approaches to mole removal. The technique is selected after the mole has been assessed.
Which is better for mole removal: shave, laser or elliptical excision with stitches?
There is no single ‘best’ technique for every mole. The ideal approach depends on the type of mole—including its colour, depth and whether it contains hair—its location, your skin characteristics and, importantly, your personal preference. These factors are discussed in detail during your consultation.
- Shave excision – Quick, with no stitches, and usually produces excellent cosmetic results for suitable small, raised, skin-coloured moles. A 2021 randomised study found higher patient satisfaction and smaller scars than elliptical excision, although regrowth can occur and positive margins were more common.
- Laser mole removal – Does not use a scalpel, causes minimal bleeding and may be useful for selected superficial, raised pigmented moles or when treating several suitable raised moles. Because the tissue is vaporised, histology is not possible and the chance of recurrence is similar to shave excision.
- Elliptical excision with stitches – Removes the entire mole, including its roots, with a narrow margin. This allows full histological examination and gives the lowest chance of regrowth. It leaves a linear scar and usually requires stitches for approximately five to seven days.
If a mole returns after shave or laser treatment, it can almost always be removed later with an elliptical excision, although this is only rarely necessary.
Your consultation is important. Your doctor will discuss these considerations with you and agree the technique that best matches your skin, the mole in question and the cosmetic result you hope to achieve.
Treatment Pathway for mole removal
Initial assessment
Selected raised cosmetic moles may be considered for a Same-Day Initial Assessment & Procedure Package. This must be requested and offered in advance, and photographs will normally be required. If a same-day package has not been offered, you will attend a Specialist Skin Surgery Assessment before arranging treatment.
Suitability and treatment plan
The dermatologist examines the mole, including with a dermatoscope where appropriate, and decides whether cosmetic removal is medically suitable. Shave excision, laser removal and excision with stitches are discussed together with the likely scar, recovery, risks and chance of regrowth.
Mole removal
Where same-day removal has been offered and the mole remains suitable, assessment and treatment may take place during the same visit. Otherwise, the procedure is arranged for a separate appointment. Mole removal is performed using local anaesthetic.
Aftercare and follow-up
Your clinician will explain your aftercare, whether any stitches need removing and whether planned follow-up is required.
jennie little
What happens during a shave excision?
The doctor examines the mole with a dermatoscope to ensure it is suitable for shave excision.
The area is numbed with a fine local anaesthetic injection. This stings for approximately 20 seconds, after which the area becomes entirely numb to anything painful.
The raised part of the mole is removed using a specialist blade called a dermablade. The edges are then blended to follow the surrounding contour as closely as possible.
The resulting wound has approximately the same outline as the base of the mole and looks similar to a small graze. A scab forms as it heals. The deeper roots of the mole are not removed during shave excision.
What is laser mole removal?
Laser treatment vaporises the mole layer by layer.
We offer CO₂ and Erbium:YAG laser mole removal. These lasers are precise and allow thin layers of the mole to be removed. This limits the amount of heat spreading into the surrounding tissue and can result in less scarring and faster healing in many instances.
Because the tissue is vaporised, laser removal does not provide a sample for examination under the microscope.
What is mole excision with stitches?
Excision with stitches may be recommended when it is important to remove the roots of the mole.
This may be more appropriate if the mole is very fleshy or deeply pigmented, if there are numerous coarse hairs growing through it, or if the mole is in an area where a stitched wound may be preferable to a shave wound.
An eye-shaped section of skin containing the mole is removed and the wound is closed with stitches. This leaves a straight line scar. Where possible, the scar is positioned within natural skin creases and lines to help camouflage it.
The scar is normally approximately three to four times as long as the width of the mole. The procedure is performed using local anaesthetic.
What are the benefits of shave excision mole removal?
The vast majority of patients have a straightforward healing period and are very happy with the aesthetic results. The level of satisfaction with this treatment is very high.
Does shave excision cause a scar?
It is important to remember that shave excision is a surgical procedure and it is impossible to cut the skin without creating a scar.
A small scar forms where the shave excision was carried out. This is usually flat and slightly paler than the surrounding skin. Sometimes, as the scar matures, a gentle depression can develop. Some people are more prone to pale or depressed scars than others.
A scar can take up to one year to mature, after which it will usually blend more naturally with the surrounding skin.
Can a mole grow back after shave or laser removal?
A mole can re-emerge after shave excision or laser removal because deeper cells remain. Regrowth may happen within a few months or several years later, and a repeat procedure may then be required.
If a mole returns after shave or laser treatment, it can almost always be removed later by elliptical excision with stitches, although this is only rarely necessary.
What are the risks of shave excision and laser mole removal?
Shave excision and laser mole removal are minor procedures, but—like all procedures—they carry certain risks. Understanding these possibilities will help you make an informed decision.
Risks of shave excision
- Residual pigmentation – If the original mole contained pigment, some colour may remain within the scar.
- Delayed pigmentation – New pigment may appear in the scar weeks, months or even years later as deeper cells repigment.
- Regrowth of the mole – Approximately one in ten moles may re-emerge after shave excision. A 2021 randomised study reported an 11–12% recurrence rate. Regrowth can occur within months or after several years, and a repeat procedure may then be required.
- Bleeding – Oozing or bleeding can occur shortly after treatment. Applying firm pressure with a clean cotton pad will usually stop it.
- Infection – Bacterial infection is uncommon, but increasing pain, redness, swelling or discharge should be reported promptly.
- Lightening (hypopigmentation) – The scar may heal paler than the surrounding skin, particularly on sites away from the face.
- Depressed or indented scarring – A slight indentation may develop as the wound contracts during healing.
- Temporary redness – Pinkness or redness often persists for several months before fading.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation – Some skin types are prone to temporary darkening of the scar, which can take six months or longer to settle.
- Persistent hair growth – Hair follicles extend deeper than the shaved surface, so coarse hairs may continue to grow. If excessive hair is the main concern, full surgical excision with stitches may be preferable.
- Keloid or raised scarring – People who are prone to keloids may develop a firm, raised scar.
Risks of laser mole removal
Laser mole removal can also result in residual or delayed pigmentation, temporary redness, lightening or darkening of the skin, depressed or raised scarring, and regrowth. The chance of recurrence is similar to shave excision. Because the tissue is vaporised, it cannot be sent for examination under the microscope.
What are the risks of mole excision with stitches?
Excision with stitches leaves a straight or curved line scar. It may initially appear red but will usually fade with time.
Sometimes the scar can stretch, and occasionally a lumpy or raised scar develops. There may also be temporary numbness around the scar line.
We ask you to rest for a couple of days after the procedure and avoid exercise for approximately 14 days following excision with stitches.
Follow-up care
Most issues, should they arise, can be treated, although any follow-up procedures are billed separately. If you have concerns or notice unexpected changes after your surgery, please contact the clinic for advice.
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On the day: what to expect FAQs
Who will perform my mole removal?
Your mole will be assessed and treated by a specialist dermatologist at Midland Skin. The dermatologist performing the procedure will confirm the diagnosis, suitability and treatment plan before proceeding.
Can my mole be assessed and removed on the same day?
Selected raised cosmetic moles may be suitable for a Same-Day Initial Assessment & Procedure Package. This must be requested in advance, photographs will normally be required, and the package must be offered before your appointment. Same-day treatment cannot be assumed and suitability is still confirmed when you attend. If removal does not go ahead following the same-day initial assessment, the initial assessment fee still applies.
Will mole removal hurt?
The area is numbed with a fine local anaesthetic injection. This stings for approximately 20 seconds, after which the area becomes entirely numb to anything painful.
What should I have ready before a shave excision?
It may be helpful to obtain the following before your procedure:
- Circular cotton pads or beauty pads
- A new pot of Vaseline
- Spot plasters for a small wound that requires a dressing
- Tegaderm +Pad Film dressings measuring 5 × 7 cm for wounds on the body or limbs; these are available in packs of 10 or 25
After mole removal: recovery and aftercare FAQs
What will the area look like immediately after shave excision?
The wound looks similar to a small graze and has approximately the same outline as the base of the mole. It may be covered with a small plaster or with Vaseline. A scab will form as the wound heals.
How long does a shave excision take to heal?
The wound will usually take approximately 10–14 days to heal. A scab forms and should be allowed to separate naturally. Once the wound has healed, the area may initially appear red. This will gradually fade, although some redness can remain for several months.
How should I care for the wound after shave excision?
If a plaster has been applied, keep it in place for 48 hours before removing it. Cleanse the wound twice a day using a cotton pad and lukewarm tap water. Apply Vaseline three times a day to soften the scab and help it separate naturally. Do not pick the scab.
The area can get wet after 48 hours, but avoid spraying water directly onto the wound. If the wound is in a sensitive area or repeatedly rubs against clothing, it may be preferable to keep it dressed for 10–14 days. Remove the dressing each day, cleanse the wound with water and a cotton pad, apply Vaseline and then apply a fresh dressing.
When can I return to work and exercise after shave excision?
You can return to an office-based job immediately after shave excision. Wait approximately 10 days before swimming, taking part in watersports, using saunas or steam rooms, or undertaking exercise that causes sweating or clothing to rub against the healing wound.
What is the recovery after excision with stitches?
We ask you to rest for a couple of days after excision with stitches and avoid exercise for approximately 14 days. Stitches are usually required for approximately five to seven days. Your clinician will explain the arrangements for their removal.
What should I do if I am concerned about healing?
Contact the clinic if you experience increasing pain, redness, swelling or discharge, unexpected bleeding or another concern about healing. Most problems can be treated, although any additional procedures are charged separately.
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Fees for mole removal
Mole removal Show pricing
Book ConsultationSame-day assessment and treatment
Selected moles may be suitable for assessment and removal at the same appointment. Where a same-day procedure has been offered in advance, the initial assessment is included within the first-lesion procedure fee shown above.
Full details of our same-day procedure pathway are available here.
Initial surgical assessment
Mole removal – shave excision, first lesion
Mole removal – laser removal, first lesion
Mole removal – stitches, first lesion
Mole removal – subsequent lesions
Review consultation
Standard, up to 20 minutes
References used for this article
- Camini L, Manzoni APD, Weber MB, Luzzato L, Soares AS, Bonamigo RR. Shave Excision Versus Elliptical Excision of Non-pigmented Intradermal Melanocytic Nevi: Comparative Assessment of Recurrence and Cosmetic Outcomes. Dermatol Surg. 2021;47(2):e21–e25. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000002666. PMID: 32932273.
About the Author
This page has been written and/or medically reviewed by Dr Sajjad Rajpar, Consultant Dermatologist and Medical Director of Midland Skin, Birmingham.
Dr Rajpar is on the GMC Specialist Register in Dermatology and has over 20 years’ experience in clinical dermatology. He provides clinical oversight to ensure the information on this page is accurate, balanced and consistent with current dermatology practice.
Dr Sajjad Rajpar
Date last updated: 12th Oct 2026
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Expert, consultant led care in dermatology, skin surgery, eyelid surgery, lasers and aesthetics.
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