Mole & Skin Lesion Removal

How it works

After local anesthesia or numbing cream, the doctor removes the lesion with a CO2 laser, a blade or another method suited to its type. A laser vaporizes the tissue layer by layer, and a shave or excision may be chosen if the doctor wants a sample for pathology. A small wound forms and is covered with a protective patch until it heals. Cost follows the number of lesions, their size, depth and the method used. Results vary by person.

Who it may suit

• Small, flat or raised benign moles
• Skin tags and seborrheic keratoses
• Spots that rub on clothing or are cosmetically unwanted
• People who want a quick procedure with short healing

The treatment day

1. Examination. The doctor looks at each lesion and decides whether it is suitable or whether testing or referral is better.
2. Anesthesia. Numbing cream or local anesthetic is applied. Anesthetic injections are often a separate line.
3. Removal. Each lesion is removed. Large or deep ones take longer.
4. Dressing. A protective patch or ointment is applied, and care instructions are given.

Aftercare

• Keep the area clean and covered as directed
• A scab forms and falls off within one to two weeks
• Protect the new skin from the sun to reduce darkening
• Avoid picking
• Report bleeding, spreading redness or a lesion that seems to return

Things to know first

• Temporary redness, pigment change, a pale or pink mark and, less often, a scar can occur
• Lesions may return, especially larger moles
• Anything suspicious should be tested and not simply vaporized
• Pregnancy and active infection are usual reasons to wait
• Results vary by person

What the price of mole removal depends on

The count and size of lesions are the main variables. Clinics often quote by number of spots within a size band, with a lower rate per spot after a threshold. Ask whether the price is per lesion or per session, and how larger or deeper lesions are handled.

Method and testing affect the total. A laser removal is typically quicker than a surgical excision, but any lesion the doctor wants examined should be sent for pathology, which can be a separate charge. A lesion that looks unusual should not be removed without a plan to examine it.

Other lines to check: the anesthetic, the consultation fee, protective patches and a possible follow-up visit for any spot that regrows. Ask whether touch-ups are included in the quote and for how long, and whether tax is included.