Medical Dermatology◇Mole Removal

Mole Removal

At Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology, we provide expert mole removal in London, offering personalised care to achieve safe, precise, and aesthetically pleasing results.

3Removal methods
LocalAnaesthetic for surgery
1Rule: diagnosis first
The back of a young man's neck with a single raised brown mole
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What moles are

Mostly harmless, sometimes worth a closer look.

Moles are common skin growths that can vary in size, shape, and colour. While most moles are harmless, some may require removal due to medical concerns, such as a suspicious mole potentially indicating skin cancer or for cosmetic reasons, particularly when affecting the appearance or causing discomfort.

Moles are common skin growths caused by clusters of pigment cells called melanocytes. They can appear in various forms, from flat, dark spots to raised moles, and may develop anywhere on the body. Dark patches of skin that can be congenital, common, or atypical. Most moles are harmless and present at birth (congenital moles) or develop during childhood and adolescence (common moles). However, some moles (atypical moles) have irregular features that require closer monitoring as they can carry a higher risk of turning into skin cancer, particularly malignant melanoma. Moles that change in size, shape, or colour, or cause irritation, should always be examined by a consultant dermatologist.

Close view of the back of a neck with several dark moles
A woman with her hair in a bun, showing scattered moles on her neck and upper back

How we treat moles

Three ways to remove a mole.

At Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology, we are specialists in removing a wide range of skin lesions, including moles, skin tags, and other common growths. Our approach begins with a comprehensive physical examination and, if necessary, diagnostic tests to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Once confirmed, we recommend the most appropriate treatment to achieve the best results with minimal impact on the surrounding skin.

Laser removal

Laser removal uses light energy to break down the pigment cells within the mole. This is an ideal option for facial mole removal or smaller lesions, as it is a safe and simple procedure with minimal risk of scarring. However, laser treatments are not recommended for moles with a personal or family history of malignant melanoma or other skin cancers.

Shave removal

Skin lesions that protrude from the skin can be 'shaved' off after a numbing injection. This procedure is carried out with a blade, and afterwards, the wound base is burnt off with hot diathermy as a precaution to stop bleeding from any vessels. Once the mole is removed, there is a chance of a pink mark on your skin, but this normally fades away over time.

Excision removal

Surgical excision is a preferred method for moles that are deeper-seated in the skin or those with suspicious characteristics. This involves cutting away the mole in an elliptical shape under local anaesthetic, followed by stitches to close the wound. While this method may leave a small scar, its effectiveness ensures the removal of the entire mole and reduces the risk of recurrence.

Why choose us

Care built around your skin.

Expert-led care

Our treatments are guided by experienced skin doctors who specialise in dermatology and skin lesion removal, ensuring every procedure is performed with precision and expertise.

Advanced laser and surgical techniques

We use cutting-edge laser technology and surgical methods that target the affected area precisely, minimising impact on surrounding skin and promoting rapid healing. Our technology is designed to safely treat a variety of moles, including those in sensitive areas.

Customised treatment plans

Recognising that each patient's skin and mole type is unique, we develop personalised treatment plans that provide the best chance for effective mole removal.

Minimally invasive options

Our techniques offer minimally invasive solutions that involve little to no downtime so patients can return to daily life quickly and confidently.

Long-term care and prevention

In addition to treatment, we provide detailed aftercare plan that meets the need of each patient. The purpose of this aftercare advice is to help patients maintain their results and minimise the risk of the mole returning. We emphasise patient safety and comfort throughout the entire process. Our goal is to help our patients achieve clear, healthy skin with confidence. Our clinic's reputation for high-quality care and effective results makes us one of London's leading providers of mole removal treatments, helping patients achieve clear, healthy skin with confidence.

A doctor in a white coat making notes on a clipboard
A woman with her eyes closed, her face and neck in warm sunlight

Who it's for

Medical or cosmetic reasons.

A fingertip pointing to small moles on the cheek and jaw
Ideal for individuals who
  • Have suspicious moles or lesions that need to be examined.
  • Wish to remove raised moles, facial moles, or other benign moles for cosmetic reasons or to prevent irritation.
  • Are concerned about changes in their moles, such as rapid growth, irregular borders, or colour variation, which could indicate potentially dangerous mole cells.
  • Seek safe, effective treatment options to address skin lesions while achieving minimal scarring and a natural-looking outcome.
  • Require expert guidance and personalised care for managing skin tags, small moles, or other types of growth.
Worth knowing
  • Laser is not recommended for moles with a personal or family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
  • Deeper or suspicious moles are removed by surgical excision, often with pathology testing
  • Shave removal can leave a pink mark that normally fades over time
  • Excision is closed with stitches and may leave a small scar
  • Local anaesthetic is used for mole removal surgery
  • The right method is agreed at consultation

Your consultant

Led by Dr Jinah Yoo.

Dr Jinah Yoo, consultant dermatologist

Dr Jinah Yoo

MBChB FRCP · Consultant Dermatologist · Founder

Dr Yoo is a Korean, UK-trained consultant dermatologist and the founder and medical director of Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology, with special interests in cosmetic dermatology, hyperpigmentary disorders and skin lymphoma, a medical foundation that matters when a lesion needs diagnosing rather than simply removing.

Where a lesion needs further investigation or referral, that is said plainly at the consultation.

  • GMC-registered consultant dermatologist
  • Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (FRCP)
  • Special interest in skin lymphoma and lesion diagnosis
  • Surgical and laser removal available in clinic

The clinic

45 Albemarle Street, Mayfair.

Treatment room with terracotta wall and daylight ceiling
Treatment rooms
The patient lounge at the clinic
The lounge
Dr Yoo's framed qualifications on the clinic wall
Dr Yoo's credentials

Frequently asked questions

Mole removal FAQs.

If you start to notice any changes in the size, shape, or colour of a mole, or if it becomes painful or irritated, it is important to book a mole removal appointment. Additionally, moles with irregular edges or multiple colours should be assessed by a dermatologist, as they could indicate cancerous moles that require further evaluation.

Not all moles removed are for medical reasons. Many patients opt for cosmetic mole removal to enhance their appearance or to eliminate moles that are raised or located in areas of discomfort, such as where clothing or jewellery may irritate the skin.

At Dr Jinah Yoo Dermatology, we offer various mole removal procedures, including: Laser mole removal: Best for smaller, benign moles on visible areas such as the face, offering minimal scarring. Shave excision: Ideal for removing moles that are raised or protruding. Surgical excision: Recommended for deeper or cancerous moles, ensuring the mole is completely removed, often with follow-up pathology testing. Each mole removal procedure is tailored to your specific needs, prioritising safety and cosmetic outcomes.

Patients are given local anaesthetic for mole removal surgery, which makes the process comfortable for them. Most patients report experiencing minimal discomfort during and after the procedure, and our team provides clear aftercare guidance to ensure smooth healing.

The recovery process depends on the mole removal treatment used. For surgical excision, stitches may be required, and you'll be advised to keep the area clean and protected. With laser treatment, healing is faster, and there's minimal downtime. Regardless of the method, you'll be given personalised aftercare instructions to promote proper healing.

Laser mole removal is a great option for patients looking to remove benign or superficial moles, particularly on the face or other visible areas. However, it is not recommended for cancerous moles or moles with a history of skin cancer. In such cases, surgical excision is the preferred method to ensure the mole is completely removed.

Next step

Have a mole looked at.

Book a consultation for a careful examination by a consultant dermatologist, with the removal options discussed before anything is done.

The Dr Jinah Yoo sign outside the clinic on Albemarle Street