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What are moles?
Moles are small clusters of pigmented cells that appear on the skin. They can be flat or raised, smooth or textured, and range in colour from light to very dark brown. Some people are born with moles, while others develop them gradually over time.
Moles on the face can vary in size and shape. Most are benign (non-cancerous), but any mole that changes in colour, size, shape or texture should be assessed by a medical professional.
What causes facial moles?
Facial moles develop when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) grow in clusters rather than being evenly distributed throughout the skin. Genetics play a significant role, which is why some people are more prone to developing moles than others.
Sun exposure can also influence the development and darkening of moles, particularly on the face, which is regularly exposed to UV light. Hormonal changes – such as during puberty or pregnancy – may cause existing moles to become more noticeable.
If you are unsure about a mole, especially if it has recently changed, it is important to seek medical advice before considering removal.
How to remove facial moles
If you want to remove a mole from your face, the first step should always be a professional consultation. Not all moles are suitable for cosmetic removal, and a proper assessment will help you to decide how best to proceed.
When you visit Dr Leah Clinics for a mole check, our experienced medical practitioner will use a dermascope to examine the mole on your face – and may even be able to remove it during the same appointment.
We use three different methods to remove facial moles:
Shave excision is suitable for a protruding mole and is a minimally-invasive procedure with no stitches required. This may leave a round, pinkish scar where the mole has been.
Curette and cautery is another minimally-invasive method that doesn't require stitches. A wire with a small electrical charge will be used to burn the mole away. Again, this can leave a round pinkish scar where the mole has been.
Elliptical surgical excision is where the mole is cut away surgically under local anaesthetic. This is slightly more invasive than the other two methods; stitches will be 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 used to be.
We will recommend the best removal technique for your facial mole, and whichever procedure you have, it will be performed by an experienced skin doctor with an emphasis on minimising scarring.
You will also be offered a scar review appointment with one of our skin therapists 6 weeks after your mole removal. During this appointment, the treated area will be assessed and options to minimise a scar (if present) can be discussed.
If you are concerned about facial moles or would like to explore your options for removal, please contact Dr Leah Clinics to arrange a consultation.
Why choose Dr Leah Clinics for mole removal?
Removing moles on the face requires precision, medical expertise and a strong understanding of cosmetic outcomes. At Dr Leah Clinics, all mole removal procedures are performed by skilled practitioners with a strong focus on safety and aesthetic results.
We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Every mole is individually assessed to ensure it is appropriate for cosmetic removal and to determine the most suitable technique.
- Doctor-led clinics in London and Essex
- Award-winning team with a strong focus on safety
- Comprehensive consultation before treatment
- Follow-up scar review appointment 6 weeks after facial mole removal
Discuss your options with one of our mole removal experts.
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Facial mole FAQs
There is no one definitive sign that indicates whether or not a mole is cancerous. In general, if you are at all concerned about a mole on your face or body, you should book an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible or visit Dr Leah Clinics for a mole check.
We particularly recommend getting your mole checked if it is...
- Bleeding
- Itchy
- An irregular shape
- Increasing in size
- Changing colour
Yes, this is called cosmetic mole removal and it's what we specialise in here at Dr Leah Clinics.
No, the area will be numbed with a local anaesthetic. After the initial sting of the anaesthetic, you won’t feel anything.
Depending on the mole removal method used, you will have either a thin white line with stitches (surgical excision) or a pinkish mark where the mole was (shave excision).
The skin left behind may feel tender for a few days and will need to be covered with a plaster. It’s also best to use medical SPF on the area for the next six months as it will be sensitive to the sun. If you have had a surgical excision you will be offered an appointment one week later to remove your stitches.
Six weeks after any mole removal procedure, we will offer a ‘scar review’ with one of our aesthetic skin therapists.
