Moles are common and mostly harmless formations on our skin. However, some moles can cause aesthetic discomfort because of their location, be constantly irritated or rub against clothing. Laser mole removal is an application in which suitable moles are aesthetically removed with controlled laser energy. The most important principle in this method is this: every mole must definitely be dermatologically evaluated before the procedure.
Safety first: dermatological evaluation
In mole treatment our priority is not aesthetics but safety. Not every coloured formation may be a ‘harmless mole’; some lesions can be structures that need to be evaluated carefully. For this reason, before deciding on laser mole removal, the structure of the mole is examined with a dermatological examination and, when necessary, dermoscopy.
Moles carrying suspicious features or whose diagnosis is not clarified are not removed with a laser. In such cases different methods and, when necessary, pathological examination are preferred. The laser is only suitable for moles that are dermatologically considered safe and that are wanted to be removed for aesthetic reasons.
How is laser mole removal done?
In moles decided to be suitable, the procedure is quite practical. The area is cleaned and a topical anaesthetic is applied for comfort. Then the laser energy removes the tissue forming the mole by vaporising it in a controlled way. The procedure is usually completed in a few minutes and most people describe only a mild sensation of warmth.
The advantage of the laser is that it can work in a controlled way even in sensitive areas, with the least damage to the surrounding tissue. This feature helps minimise scar formation especially in aesthetically important areas such as the face.
Which moles is it suitable for?
- Dermatologically safe moles that cause aesthetic concern.
- Moles that are constantly rubbed or irritated.
- Small, bothersome moles in visible areas such as the face.
- Suitable lesions with a clear diagnosis and superficial location.
Which mole is suitable for the laser is determined only after examination. For this reason a generalisation such as ‘every mole is removed with a laser’ is not correct; the decision is always specific to the person and the lesion.
The healing process
After the procedure, a small crust forms in the application area; this is part of the normal healing process. The crust should be expected to fall off on its own and should never be peeled. During this period, keeping the area clean and moisturised and using the care products recommended by the physician help prevent scar formation.
After the crust falls off, a pink-light, sensitive area may be seen for a while; this returns to normal skin colour over time. Sun protection is especially important in this period, because newly healed skin is sensitive to the sun and, if not protected, permanent discolouration can develop.
In laser mole removal the first question should not be ‘how is it removed’ but ‘should this mole be removed and is it safe’.
Will a scar remain, will the mole recur?
With the right technique and appropriate care, the risk of scarring is minimised; however, since every skin heals differently, this issue is discussed in advance especially in people prone to scarring. In superficial moles the result is usually very good. Some moles may have a deeper origin and rarely become prominent again over time; in this case an additional procedure may be needed.
All these possibilities are evaluated openly before the application. A realistic expectation and correct information are the most important part of the process.
Who is it not suitable for?
The laser is not suitable for moles carrying suspicious features, whose diagnosis is not clear, or that need to be removed and examined dermatologically. In addition, during pregnancy, when there is an active infection in the area and in some skin diseases, the application can be postponed. For this reason a separate and careful evaluation is made for each mole.
When are non-laser methods needed?
Not every mole is suitable for the laser. In raised, deeply located moles or moles whose structure needs to be examined, surgical removal and pathological examination are a more correct approach. In this way, both the mole is completely removed and the tissue can be evaluated in the laboratory. The laser, on the other hand, is preferred more for superficial moles with a clear diagnosis that cause aesthetic concern. Which method is suitable is decided together after examination.
For this reason, in mole treatment there is no ‘single correct method’; the correct method is determined according to the features of the mole and the dermatological evaluation. Our priority is always safety.
Frequently asked questions
Is the procedure painful? Thanks to topical anaesthesia, the procedure is quite comfortable for most people; only a mild warmth or pressure may be felt during the application. Since the procedure is completed in a few minutes, the experience is usually quick and comfortable.
How long does healing take? The small crust that forms usually falls off on its own within one to two weeks, depending on the location and size of the area. Afterwards a pinkish, sensitive area remains for a while and returns to normal skin colour over time. In this period sun protection is critically important to prevent permanent discolouration.
Will a scar remain? With the right technique and appropriate care, the risk of scarring is minimised; in superficial moles the result is mostly very good. Even so, in skin prone to scarring this issue is discussed in advance and expectations are set accordingly.
Will the mole recur? In superficial moles recurrence is rare; however, some moles with a deeper origin can become prominent again over time and may require an additional procedure. This possibility is evaluated openly before the application.
When should you have your moles checked?
Independent of aesthetic concern, regular follow-up of moles is an important part of skin health. Moles that are newly appearing, growing rapidly, changing shape or colour, with edges becoming irregular, or showing itching or bleeding must definitely be evaluated by a dermatologist. Even though these changes do not always mean a serious condition, early evaluation is always the safest path.
In people who have a large number of moles, a family history of skin cancer or a lot of sun exposure, regular mole checks are especially important. During these checks, moles can be examined closely with methods such as dermoscopy.
For this reason the decision to have a mole removed is often addressed together with a general skin-health evaluation. The consultation that begins as an aesthetic application can at the same time turn into a protective step for your skin health.
In summary, laser mole removal is a practical and aesthetically satisfying method in correctly selected cases; however, it must always be carried out with the principle of safety first, aesthetics second.
At the clinic of Dr. Burcu Çelen, mole treatment is carried out first with a dermatological safety evaluation and then, in suitable cases, with an aesthetic approach. You can make an appointment to have your moles safely evaluated.