What to expect from a mole removal procedure?
Upon arrival, our reception staff will warmly welcome you, and you’ll be invited to fill out a medical history form on an iPad while enjoying a complimentary tea or coffee in our luxurious 5-star waiting rooms. After that, an experienced doctor from Contour Clinics will call you into a consulting room for a thorough assessment of your mole to determine if removal is appropriate. If removal is deemed suitable, your doctor will explain the benefits and risks of the procedure, providing a detailed overview of what to expect. Both you and the doctor will sign a consent form before proceeding with treatment. To ensure your comfort, a local anesthetic will be injected beneath the mole to completely numb the area. A diathermy pad will be placed on your skin—typically on your back—to allow for safe conduction with the RF device. Once the anaesthetic takes effect, your mole will be excised using a loop electrode, reaching the dermal layer of the skin. After the procedure, a duo-derm extra thin dressing will be applied to the area. Your doctor will provide detailed aftercare instructions (available here) and will also send you a written copy via email. For your convenience, you can purchase a mole removal aftercare pack at the front reception or from any reputable pharmacy.
How does mole removal work?
Radiofrequency mole removal works by using precise high frequency energy to deliver heat to mole tissues. The radiofrequency causes water molecules within mole cells to vibrate to such an extent they overheat and vaporise. This removes the mole layer by layer, while avoiding damage to the surrounding skin. The heat generated by this process coagulates (seals) tiny blood vessels, which reduces the risk of bleeding during the procedure. Once the mole is removed, the area may be pink, red, or a shallow wound no larger in diameter than the original mole.
How deep is mole removal?
Cosmetic mole removal is a shallow, superficial procedure going only as deep as the dermis layer of the skin. This is one layer deeper than a sunburn. Staying at this depth allows the skin to heal with minimal scarring. Moles removed by cut and stitch for non-cosmetic reasons are cut down to the subcutaneous fat layer. This is the method of choice if a mole has suspicious features. Contour Clinics does not perform this method and will refer where necessary to your GP or dermatologist.
Does mole removal hurt?
After the application of local anaesthetic, which may cause a slight sting lasting 2-5 seconds, patients typically experience no pain. Once the anaesthesia wears off, most individuals report minimal to no discomfort. Patients may experience mild tenderness, but many feel little to no discomfort at all. In rare cases, the treated area may resemble a mild sunburn for 1-2 days
What device is used?
At Contour Clinics, we use the Surgitron device, a TGA-approved device by Cynosure. This device is the gold standard in radiofrequency skin surgery, offering unparalleled precision and safety for cosmetic mole removal.
How invasive is the procedure?
Cosmetic mole removal is a minimally invasive procedure that targets only the dermis layer of the skin, which is just one layer deeper than a sunburn. By remaining at this depth, the skin can heal with minimal scarring. In contrast, moles removed for non-cosmetic reasons are typically excised down to the subcutaneous fat layer, especially if they exhibit suspicious characteristics.
