(08) 8239 0431

Mole Check

A mole check is a focused assessment of a specific mole or a small number of spots you are concerned about. It is shorter than a full skin check and is the right appointment when one particular mark has changed, or has simply been on your mind.
Book Now
Close view of a raised brown mole on the skin of an adult's shoulder
OverviewBenefitsWhat to ExpectPricingMeet the TeamFAQs
Overview

Mole Check Adelaide

A mole check is an examination of one or more specific moles using a dermatoscope, a magnifier with polarised light that reveals pigment patterns and structures below the skin surface. The practitioner assesses shape, border, colour distribution and structure, and photographs the mole so it can be compared accurately at a later visit. It differs from a full skin check, which is a systematic examination of the entire skin surface. People generally book a mole check when a single spot has changed, appeared recently, or looks different from the others around it.

Any mole that is changing warrants assessment. The commonly used prompt is the ABCDE pattern: Asymmetry, where one half does not match the other; Border that is irregular or blurred; Colour that varies within the one spot; Diameter above roughly 6mm, though smaller lesions can matter; and Evolving, meaning any change in size, shape, colour or sensation. Evolution is the most useful of these. A mole that bleeds, itches persistently, crusts and returns, or will not heal within a few weeks should be assessed promptly rather than watched further. A mole that simply looks different from every other mole on your body is also worth having examined.

Where there are many moles, or where a mole is being monitored rather than removed, photographic comparison is used. Images are taken at a consistent distance and magnification so the same mole can be assessed against its previous appearance at the next visit. Change over months is frequently more informative than how a mole looks on any single day, and this is why photographic records matter for people with numerous or atypical moles. Assessment is carried out by a registered health practitioner and findings are explained to you at the appointment.

Book Now
Benefits

Why have a mole checked

1
Assessment of a specific concern
If one mole has been on your mind, a focused appointment addresses it directly rather than waiting for a general check. Most turn out to be harmless, and knowing that is worth the visit.
2
Dermatoscopic examination
A dermatoscope shows pigment networks and structures that are not visible to the naked eye, which allows a far more informed assessment than looking at the surface alone.
3
A record for comparison
Moles being monitored are photographed at consistent magnification, so change can be measured at your next visit rather than estimated from memory.
4
A clear next step
You leave knowing whether the mole needs nothing, needs watching at a set interval, or needs a biopsy, and what each of those involves.
The Process

What to Expect

Before the Procedure
Book a mole check when you have a specific spot in mind. Attend without makeup over the area being examined, and without nail polish if the mole is on a nail bed. It helps to note when you first noticed the mole and what has changed since, as that history informs the assessment. Bring any previous photographs of the mole if you have them, including casual phone photos, since they establish a timeline that would otherwise rely on memory. Tell the practitioner at the start which mole concerns you most. People often save it until the end of the appointment, and it is more useful raised at the beginning.
During the Procedure
The practitioner examines the mole with a dermatoscope resting lightly against the skin. Nothing is injected and there is no discomfort beyond the pressure of the instrument. The surrounding skin is generally examined as well, since the appearance of a mole is judged partly against the pattern of your other moles. The mole is photographed at standard magnification for the record. The practitioner will explain what is being observed as they go, and you are welcome to ask questions during the examination. If other spots catch the practitioner attention, they will say so and may suggest a full skin check as a separate appointment.
After the Procedure
You will be told at the appointment whether the mole appears benign, whether it should be monitored at a defined interval, or whether a biopsy is advised. Where a biopsy is recommended, it is performed under local anaesthetic and the sample is sent for laboratory assessment, with results generally available in about a week. Where monitoring is advised, a review interval is set and the photographic record is used for comparison. Outcomes vary between individuals and no assessment can exclude future change, which is why intervals are set rather than left open. Contact the clinic sooner if the mole changes before your scheduled review.
Pricing

Transparent Pricing Information

We are committed to providing clear and transparent pricing for our services. The final cost of any procedure is determined by your individual clinical requirements and will be provided to you following a mandatory consultation and assessment.
Book Now
Consultation
Starting From
$100
See Detailed Pricing
Gift Cards

Show Someone You Care

Looking for a thoughtful present? Our gift vouchers allow you to contribute towards the cost of a consultation or treatment for someone special. A gift voucher from Advanced Cosmetic Medicine provides the recipient with the flexibility to choose from our wide range of non-surgical treatments.
Purchase in-clinic or get in touch to arrange one remotely — we’ll help you personalise the perfect gift.
Meet the Team

Who We Are

Advanced Cosmetic Medicine and Laser Clinic (ACM) is a private aesthetic medicine practice located in Adelaide.

Our Clinicians
Dr. Rahma Targett
Registered Medical Practitioner (General Registration)
MED000567890

Dr. Targett is the founder of ACM and is committed to providing responsible cosmetic care.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re curious about what to expect during a consultation, the techniques we use, or the recovery process, our FAQs are designed to provide you with the essential information you need.
Book NowAsk a Question

A mole check is a focused assessment of one or several specific spots that concern you. A full skin check is a systematic examination of the whole skin surface, including areas you cannot easily see yourself. If you have a particular mole in mind, a mole check is the appropriate appointment. If you want a general assessment, book a full skin check instead.

A focused mole check usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how many spots are being assessed and whether photographs are being taken for comparison. A full body skin check takes longer, generally around 20 minutes.

Not usually at the same visit. The assessment determines whether removal or biopsy is advised, and that is then arranged. Where a mole is clearly benign and you want it removed for cosmetic reasons, that is a separate discussion and is handled as a lesion removal rather than as part of the check.

No referral is required. You can book a mole check with our Kent Town clinic directly.

No. A dermatoscopic assessment is informative but it is not a diagnosis. Where there is any doubt, a biopsy is the only way to determine what a lesion is. This is why a practitioner may recommend biopsy or monitoring rather than giving definitive reassurance on appearance alone.