Mole removal at Glasgow Hospital
- Overview
Moles are a form of pigmented lesion. Benign (non cancerous) lesions can simply be left alone. However if your mole bothers you in any way, our expert team at Nuffield Health Glasgow hospital may recommend removal (excision).
What happens during excision of skin lesions at Nuffield Health Glasgow hospital?
Skin lesions are usually removed under local anaesthetic. After careful examination, the area around the mole will be cleaned with anti-bacterial solution to limit infection. There may be a surgical drape placed around the area to ensure a sterile working area.
To remove the mole, your surgeon will cut all the way around it using an oval cut. The mole(s) will be placed in specimen jar(s) and sent to a lab for analysis. Your surgeon will close the wound with stitches (if needed) and cover it with a dressing.
After your mole removal treatment at Nuffield Health Glasgow hospital
You should be able to go home very soon after your procedure. If you experience any pain following your mole removal, over the counter pain relief such as Paracetamol can be used.
Results of the analysis will be given to you by your consultant or GP.
Sometimes your surgeon will ask you to return a few days following your mole removal to inspect the wound and change the dressing. If the wound area becomes red, swollen or bleeds be sure and contact your surgeon or Outpatient Department for advice.
You should be able to return to work the day following your procedure unless your work puts a strain on the area stitched. Be sure and discuss your return to work with your surgeon.
Depending on what area is stitched you will need to visit the Outpatient Department or practice nurse to have your stitches removed.
It is unusual for this procedure to restrict any daily activities however any surgical procedure can result in complications:
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection of the surgical site (wound)
- Scarring
- Wound breakdown (skin fails to heal)
Specific complications in mole removal
- The mole may come back
- A larger operation may be needed
Why not print this treatment page so you can discuss any concerns you have with your surgeon?
FAQs
-
Will the NHS remove my mole?
Generally, only if there's a clinical concern about skin cancer. Harmless moles removed for cosmetic reasons aren't usually funded by the NHS, and you would typically pay for this privately.
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Is mole removal painful?
No, the area is numbed with local anaesthetic beforehand, so the procedure itself shouldn't hurt.
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Will my mole grow back?
There's a small chance, since a few cells may remain in the skin, but most people only need one treatment session.
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How do I know if a mole needs checking?
Watch for a change in size, shape or colour, uneven or blurry edges, more than one shade of colour, itching, bleeding or crusting, or any new or unusual mark that lingers for several weeks without clearing.
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Can all moles be removed by laser?
No. Laser suits small benign moles best, particularly on the face. Larger moles, or ones that need testing, usually need excision instead.
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Will my mole be tested after removal?
This depends on the mole and your doctor's advice. Testing checks the removed tissue for abnormal cells, and is especially recommended for any mole that's been changing or is heavily pigmented.
Mole removal consultants at Glasgow Hospital
25 Beaconsfield Road, Glasgow, G12 0PJ
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