Is mole removal safe? What are the risks?
Yes. If all precautions are adhered to, radiofrequency mole removal is completely safe.
Bleeding can be common after this procedure. This can be decreased with application of a pressure dressing post procedure. It is usually minor and ceases in 1-2 days.
Infection is rare and varies depending on the location treated and your general health.
Scarring varies significantly based on your mole type, skin colour, general health, and history of previous scarring.
Your cosmetic physician will discuss any other risks that are specific to you at the time of consultation.
What can I do at home to remove my moles?
Unfortunately, there is nothing proven to remove moles at home.
It is not recommended you try any of the commonly suggested home fixes such as aloe vera, lemon juice, castor oil, baking soda etc.
Mole removal pens have become a popular option on some beauty forums. These have a higher propensity to cause scarring, and in untrained hands can cause infection. We caution against their use for this reason.
We suggest a formal consultation with one of our doctors prior to any mole removal procedure.
What are the chances of a mole removal scar?
The risk of a scar after mole removal varies depending on the area treated, skin type, history of scarring, and adherence to aftercare instructions.
In general, studies have reported the risk of clinically significant scarring to be somewhere in the region of 2-5%. Scarring typically has the appearance of a whitish or pinkish patch around the similar size as the original mole.
Scars can often appear red/pink and will fade overtime to blend with normal skin. The risk of a mole removal scar developing will be discussed during your consultation.
Will mole removal prevent cancer?
No. This is not a goal of cosmetic mole removal. Shaving moles with our radio frequency device does not go deep enough to ensure the mole is totally removed.
Cosmetic mole removal targets benign nevi that have no suspicious hallmarks of cancer. The risk of these moles turning cancerous is incredibly low and our doctors assess this risk at your initial consultation.
The goal is to remove lesions to provide the most aesthetically pleasing appearance, rather than remove the risk of skin cancer.
Any moles that are not 100% benign are referred to a dermatologist for appropriate management.