What causes moles?

Moles are caused when skin cells called melanocytes grow in clumps or clusters. Melanocytes are present throughout the body and are responsible for production of melanin, a natural chemical that causes skin pigmentation. Facial moles, like moles in other parts of the body, typically appear as small, black, tan, or dark brown spots. They can also be pink or red in colour. They can be raised, flat, wrinkled, or smooth. They are usually oval or round in shape.

Moles generally form during childhood or adolescence and can continue developing until the age of 50. Some moles may fade with time or alter in appearance. Most moles are harmless. However, they may become cancerous in rare cases. It is therefore important to monitor moles, as doing so is crucial to early detection of skin cancer, particularly malignant melanoma.

When should you be concerned about a mole?

Generally speaking when a new mole appears in adulthood, you should see a doctor to check it out. If an existing mole is itching, bleeding, oozing, or painful, see a doctor right away.

If a mole exhibits any of the below changes you should see your GP immediately (the ABCDE guide can help remember the changes to look out for)

  • A refers to asymmetrical shape of a mole
  • B refers to notched, irregular, or scalloped borders of a mole
  • C refers to changes in colour of moles or moles with uneven colours
  • D refers to diameter of the mole; a mole that is larger than 6 millimetres or ¼ of an inch in diameter can be malignant.
  • E refers to evolution of a mole, i.e., changes in colour, shape, size, or height of a mole.


 

WHAT ARE MY TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR FACIAL MOLES

Dr Leah Clinic offer mole removal Mole Removal.

You can have a mole on your face examined by one of our specialist doctors and removed at the same consultation.

Our doctor will examine your mole under Dermascope and proceed to remove it in the same appointment.

Your mole on the face will be removed using local anaesthetic, with you awake throughout.

The mole on your face can be removed by one of three techniques, depending on the size and shape of the mole. This will be decided at your consultation.

  • Shave Excision - this is suitable for a protruding mole, minimally invasive, no stitches required. Can leave a round pinkish scar where the mole has been
  • Curette and Cautery - a wire with a small electrical charge is used to burn the mole away. Minimally invasive, no stitches required. Can leave a round pinkish scar where the mole has been
  • Elliptical Surgical Excision - mole is cut away surgically under local anaesthetic. Slightly more invasive than the other two methods. Stitches required and you will need to attend clinic 7 days later to have them removed. You may see a fine white line scar where the mole has been.

Why Dr Leah Clinics for your Mole removal London?

  • Specialist mole removal doctor - our skin doctors are highly trained specialists in mole checks and mole removal. We are CQC registered to deliver mole removal services and adhere to the highest standards of clinical practice.
  • Focused on minimising scarring for your Mole Removal London - We are a cosmetic clinic so unlike other mole removal providers we have a specific focus on the cosmetic aspect of the treatment and take active steps to minimise any scarring from the treatment. This includes ensuring our mole removal doctors during our mole removal London procedure are cosmetic aware, offering multiple techniques for mole removal. We also offer a ‘scar review’ at 6 weeks and half-price scar treatment if required.
  • State-of-the- art Clinic in convenient location - We offer our Mole Check London procedure at our conveniently located state-of-the-art Baker Street Clinic, which is a 1 minute walk from Baker Street tube station. If you prefer to drive, we are directly opposite the exit of 170 Marylebone Road Car Park where you can pre-book to park.
  • Skincare for mole prone skin Obagi SPF

Scar review appointment

You will be offered a scar review appointment with one of our skin therapists 6 weeks after your mole removal. The area will be assessed and options to minimise a scar, if present, can be discussed. Any treatment required is offered at half price at this appointment.