Mole Removal – Will I Need Stitches?

Many patients are concerned about whether having a mole removed will mean having to have  stitches. 

The answer is – not necessarily!

Whether or not you’ll have stitches will depend on the mole itself, including consideration of:

  • Size of mole
  • Whether it is raised or flat
  • Whether it is purely cosmetic or of any medical concern
  • Where the mole is on your face or body

Shave Excision or Laser Mole Removal = No Stitches

Many moles are now removed quickly and painlessly using laser techniques under local anaesthetic. This tends to be the choice for smaller moles that are raised. Shave excision involves use of a special blade to remove the mole at the skin’s surface. Where laser is  used, this is a special instrument, not the same as those used in laser hair removal or skin treatments. Using the tool, the doctor is able to remove the mole in a neat procedure.

Both of these procedures tend to require no stitches and the mole can heal quickly for a minimal scarring result.

This picture shows what you may expect straight after laser or shave excision mole removal:

before and after mole removal without stitches

Ellipse Excision = Stitches Likely

For larger moles, those that are flat or moles where there is any concern about abnormal skin cells, doctors use an ellipse excision technique. This is more invasive than shave or laser and is designed to ensure complete removal of the skin lesion. This is likely to need stitches. These tend to be neat and only last a few days before naturally falling out.

This image shows the results immediately after ellipse excision. Stitches are used to close the wound and allow it to heal quickly, minimising the risk of infection and allowing the skin to heal quickly.

Even immediately after the procedure, the skin is a lot clearer without the mole.

before and after mole removal stitches

Which procedure?

Your doctor or surgeon will recommend the most appropriate procedure after examining your mole.

If you have concerns about stitches, your doctor will advise what to expect. We can also discuss the best timing with you to fit around any engagements you may have. Some people like to go ahead straight away or as soon as possible, while others prefer to think about when fits their social calendar, especially for facial moles.

As a private mole removal clinic, we offer lots of flexibility and choice about when to have your treatment, so you could book an appointment just before the weekend to allow the initial healing to be well underway before you even have to return to work. We’ll do our best to explain the recovery process and to fit the treatment in at a time that suits you.

Private Mole Checks & Removal

The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering private mole checks and treatment for unwanted moles and other skin lesions (e.g. cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma). All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.

Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:

  • No waiting lists
  • Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
  • Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get their skin lesions removed very quickly
  • Choice of 4 clinics in London and also Bristol
  • Removed moles tested with report provided

For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7731 3791.