Most people have moles and these are usually benign and don’t pose risks to your health. Some moles may cause physical discomfort and their appearance may affect your self-esteem. A small number of moles can sometimes change in size, shape or colour and become pre-cancerous (in-situ melanoma) or even cancerous (melanoma) . Whether you are concerned about a mole being cancerous, or if you simply don’t like the way a mole looks on your skin, at Midland Health, we offer a professional mole removal service in our Birmingham city-centre clinic.

woman with a mole visiting to our Birmingham-based clinic

Mole Mapping

Mole mapping is the process of recording moles using photographs and dermoscopy ( a specialised examination using dermatoscopic equipment for assessing moles). During mole mapping, the Dermatologist will examine your skin and photograph those moles that may need to be monitored. The images will be stored on your records. As we mentioned, moles are often harmless but if you feel your moles are changing or you have a large number of moles which you find difficult to keep an eye on or you simply want peace of mind and a thorough check, then moles mapping may be a good idea. Our expert dermatologist, Dr Christos Kasparis, offers a professional mole mapping service to determine whether a mole could be cancerous and monitor the moles over time when needed.

Mole Removal

A mole removal is a simple procedure done with a local anaesthetic injection. Once the area is cleaned, a mole is removed usually by a diamond shape cut on the skin (ellipse). The specimen is sent to the lab for analysis. The wound is then stitched back together using dissolving or non-dissolving stitches. Some aftercare information will be given to you before leaving the clinic. For some types of moles a simple shave removal can be performed, this does not require stitches and the area heals quickly within a few days. The duration of a mole removal is around 30-45 min.

Experienced mole removal specialist in Birmingham

Our Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Christos Kasparis, is highly experienced in mole assessments and removals. He has been a core member of the skin cancer multidisciplinary teams in hospitals he has worked and has performed more than 10,000 lesion/mole removals in his career.

Due to his expertise in skin cancer diagnostics and treatment, as well as his professional interest in dermatological surgery, Dr Kasparis has been invited to share his knowledge at national training courses and meetings.
As a Consultant Dermatologist at Midland Health, Dr Christos Kasparis provides a complete mole assessment (using dermoscopy) and mole removal service. With an experienced mole mapping and mole removal specialists by your side, you can feel confident and relaxed during your private consultation.

We will answer all of your questions and provide the right advice to get your skin looking better and healthier.

Book a consultation to arrange an appointment in our private clinic in Birmingham for mole mapping and mole removal procedures using the form below.

FAQ

What is a mole?

A mole is a round, black or brown growth that can appear anywhere on the body. Usually, moles are not a danger to your health but in some cases, irregular moles can be a sign of skin cancer.

What is mole mapping?

A mole scanning service, also known as mole mapping, is a thorough skin check performed by a professional dermatologist, which is designed to assess and record your moles and identify any suspicious or changing features in them.

What happens at a mole removal consultation?

Our mole removal specialist will examine your moles and will advise you whether you need mole removal treatment and what the best options are in your case. Moles can also be removed at your own request for cosmetic reasons.

Where on my body can I have a mole removed?

Mole removals can be performed on any part of your body or face where a mole is present.

What are the medical reasons for mole removal?

A dermatology specialist may recommend a mole is removed if it’s new, if it’s changed in appearance, if it looks abnormal or if there’s a concern that it may have become malignant.

Can I have my mole removed just because I don’t like the look of it?

Yes, cosmetic mole removal is a procedure that we do on a regular basis at the Midland Health clinic.

Does mole removal hurt?

Once the local anesthetic has been administered and allowed a few minutes to work, the skin goes completely numb and no sharp pain is felt. Slight discomfort can be experienced during the injection.

Is it safe to remove a mole at home?

No, removing a mole at home poses many risks to your health, including infections and scarring. Furthermore, you will not be able to diagnose whether the mole was cancerous, which could lead to skin cancer remaining undiagnosed longer.

Can moles grow back after a mole removal?

It would be very unlikely for a mole to grow back after mole removal as long as this has been removed fully. The type of mole and type of procedure can influence the likelihood of a mole coming back.

What happens after the treatment for mole removal?

If you don’t feel faint or dizzy, you will be able to go back home immediately after the procedure. Full recovery may take a few days and you may experience itchiness or soreness but pain is uncommon.

Who is at risk of skin cancer?

Various factors determine predisposition to skin cancer, including personal and family history of skin cancer, number and size of the moles on your body, as well as your skin, eye and hair colour. People with pale skin who burn in the sun quickly, those with light eyes, blond or ginger hair, people who have sunburned in the past or have a known family history of skin cancer, are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer.

What types of skin cancer are there?

There are 3 types of skin cancer more commonly seen: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

What are the signs of melanoma?

Some of the visual signs that can indicate a mole could be a melanoma include an asymmetrical shape, irregular edges, a darker colour or multiple colours and a rapid change (evolution).

What are the signs of non-melanoma skin cancer?

Non-melanoma skin cancers are generally speaking low-grade skin cancers that tend to remain localised to the skin and not spread elsewhere. They do grow however, and if not treated they can damage the skin and adjacent structures.The commonest type is a basal cell carcinoma also known as a ‘rodent ulcer’. Typically , they present as red or pink patches or lumps on the skin with vessels that may scab and do not go away or heal.

What is the next step if a mole is cancerous?

If you have been diagnosed with a melanoma, your dermatologist will discuss this in more detail. If further treatment is needed and cannot be undertaken privately, your Dermatologist will inform your GP who will refer you onto the NHS for further management.

Mole Checks and Mole Removal in Birmingham