A mole or naevus is not always a beauty mark. Often times it is that annoying dark spot on your skin that you wish could disappear overnight. Brown, black or sometimes even reddish, moles are naturally formed when pigment cells begin to cluster together instead of evenly distributed throughout the skin.
Dr Prashant a renowned cosmetic surgeon in Cardiff specialises in mole removal procedures on every skin tone, skin type and especially those with lighter skin that are more prone to moles – recommending the best treatment options for every unique condition from the past two decades now.
Whether you are born with one or the darker hue appeared later in life, the mole removal specialists at Reforme Medical Mole Removal Cardiff can help you get rid of it aesthetically anywhere on your body – giving you a smooth, clear, blemish-free skin.
An accurate estimate of the costs is only possible after an in-clinic consultation with Dr Prashant. We charge a £50 deposit to secure your consultation with Dr Prashant, this amount will be deducted from the costs of the treatment you go on to have at our clinic.
Before booking in a consultation we will ask you to send us photos of the moles you want removed which are of benign nature and will try to give you rough costs of what treatment is appropriate and what it might cost. Generally:
Disclaimer – Prices mentioned are just indicative of current average price ranges for the treatment. You will need an in-clinic consultation for a quote applicable to you. Also note that prices are subject to change, please contact a member of the team to confirm the current price range.
What are the different types of Moles?
There are various types of Moles such as Congenital Mole, Common Mole, Atypical (Dysplastic), and Melanoma Mole. While the first two types of moles are nothing to worry about, the latter two moles are worrisome. The reason being, an ‘Atypical Mole’ can turn into a Melanoma, which is an aggressive kind of skin cancer.
Congenital Moles are Moles that are present since birth. They are relatively very small moles (<0.5 cm at Infancy expected to no more than 1.5 cm in adulthood are generally harmless). However, if you observe any sinister changes, that are generally indicated by a change in shape, size, colour, texture or an association with pain or bleeding/oozing, it is a good idea to be under the supervision of a dermatologist.
If a mole appears on your skin after you were born, it is called a Common Mole or Acquired Mole. It is very common and most fair skin adults will have between 10–40 moles. These moles are generally smaller than 6 mm (or the size of the eraser at the back of a pencil), oval or circular, of a uniform colour, with or without hair, with clear borders and seldom change throughout your life.
Atypical Moles or Dysplastic Moles or Dysplastic Nevus
Dysplastic Moles are generally larger in size (> 6 mm), have an odd shape as against the symmetrical round or oval shape of the Common Mole. Dysplastic moles can show a mix of colours and often appear on the trunk (they can also appear on your scalp, head, neck and rarely your face). Atypical Moles can turn into a Melanoma, so it is advisable that you consult with your dermatologist.
If you have 4 or more Atypical Moles, or a parent, sibling or child who has had a Melanoma, or if you have had a Melanoma in the past, you need to be under a Dermatologist’s supervision.
Melanoma Mole or a malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer often associated with sun exposure and tanning beds. Any mole can change into a Melanoma, or a Melanoma Mole can appear out of nowhere. If you are vigilant and an early diagnosis is made, most Melanomas have a good survival rate.
When you are examining your moles, you should look out for the ABCDE system developed by the American Academy of Dermatology.
Does my mole look cancerous, are my moles dangerous?
Having moles is extremely common and in most cases a normal occurrence need not be worried about. Most adults have about 20–40 moles all over their body, which is perfectly harmless.
Can dark skinned people get Melanoma?
While the occurrence of Melanoma in coloured skin is much less than fair or Caucasian skin, they do occur. The Melanomas in coloured skin generally happen on areas like the palms, soles of feet, in between toes/fingers, under toe/finger nails, unlike those in fair Caucasian skin.
I have a new mole on my face and/or body should I be worried?
Most fair skinned people have moles, but if a new one appears in your adulthood, please visit your doctor and get it examined.
My doctor says my mole is benign, I still want it removed, but benign mole removal is not offered on the NHS. What should I do?
If you have been diagnosed with a benign mole by your General Practitioner or Dermatologist, and want it removed for cosmetic purposes, Dr Prashant at Reforme Medical in Cardiff can certainly help you with its removal.
Will I have a scar after my mole removal?
Harmless or Benign Moles that are removed purely for cosmetic purposes are done by either of the two methods – Radio-Surgery Shave Excision or Excisional Biopsy techniques.
In Radio-Surgery, a specialized energy device is used to scoop out all the pigmented skin, leaving behind a shallow crater that gets filled up by skin cells from the depth and sides. Radiosurgery is one of the best devices for this purpose, as it will have the least scarring and/or pigment changes in the treated area, often resulting in a near scar less removal of the benign mole.
In the Excisional Biopsy technique, an elliptical wedge of tissue including the mole, a margin of normal appearing skin around it, is cut out, leaving behind a skin and tissue defect that looks like a valley. This defect is then closed with stitches that can be buried without external knots (that need to be removed later) or external stitches with knots which will be removed at the clinic later.
Excisional Biopsy technique is used when the appearance or behaviour of the Benign Mole suggests that it be examined under microscopy by a Histopathologist (a doctor specialising in diagnosing conditions under microscopy). This allows an accurate diagnosis of the nature of the mole.
Excisional Biopsy however does leave you with a scar. In most instances these scars fade over a year or two, settling into the background.
Is mole removal surgery painful? Will I be able to go back to work?
Most mole removal surgery happens as a Local Anaesthesia Day Case. So, other than the initial bee sting like sensation when the local anaesthesia is being administered, you should have a pain free procedure. Depending on the technique used, your doctor will be able to advise you when you can return back to work along with precautions and aftercare that needs to be taken.
Are there any risks or side effects of Benign Mole Removal Surgery?
Both, Radiosurgery Shave Excision and Excisional Biopsy surgeries are associated with very few risks or side effects. A more detailed description of rarely encountered problems is given in our consent form that you will be given at your consultation.
Book a consultation for personalised cosmetic surgery or aesthetic treatment recommendations.
beautydoctorcardiff@gmail.com
+44 7368 142277
1st Floor, 174 Merthyr Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1DL
