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Mole Removal

Mole Removal is a medical procedure performed to safely excise or remove moles (naevi) from the skin. The decision for Mole Removal is based on two primary factors: clinical necessity (if the mole is suspicious for skin cancer) or elective cosmetic preference (if the mole is deemed benign but bothersome). All Mole Removal procedures require a registered health practitioner to assess the lesion first, determine the appropriate technique (shave excision, surgical excision, or ablation), and ensure the highest standards of safety and care are maintained throughout the process.
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mole removal
Overview

Mole Removal Adelaide

Mole Removal is a minor surgical or advanced non-surgical procedure targeting a melanocytic naevus (mole). Moles are common skin growths that develop when pigment cells (melanocytes) grow in clusters. Depending on the mole’s type, size, and location, one of three main removal methods may be selected:

Surgical Excision: The mole and a margin of surrounding tissue are cut out, and the wound is closed with sutures (stitches). This is mandatory for suspicious lesions to allow for complete pathology testing.

Shave Excision: The mole is shaved off the skin’s surface, often using a blade or advanced radiofrequency device. This is suitable for raised, benign moles where deep tissue sampling is not required.

Ablation: Specialised laser or diathermy devices may be used to carefully vaporise benign moles, typically those that are small and non-suspicious.

Regardless of the method, the process is precise and requires specialised clinical skill.

Mole Removal is classified as a minor surgical or higher risk non-surgical procedure because it intentionally disrupts the skin’s barrier, carries a risk of scarring, and involves the removal of tissue.

Medically Necessary: If a mole is clinically suspicious of malignancy (skin cancer), Mole Removal (specifically surgical excision) is essential and mandatory for diagnosis and treatment. The necessity is paramount to health and survival.

Aesthetically Elective: If the mole is confirmed benign, Mole Removal is an elective choice made purely for cosmetic reasons or to eliminate irritation.

All forms of Mole Removal carry potential risks, including infection, pain, and the certainty of some form of scarring. The type and visibility of the scar depend heavily on the technique used and the individual’s healing capacity.

All Mole Removal procedures are performed exclusively by a registered health practitioner, as our practice adheres strictly to the professional standards and guidelines set by the National Boards and Ahpra. This commitment means the practitioner’s primary duty is always to the patient, ensuring all decisions regarding your Mole Removal—particularly if it involves malignancy suspicion—are based on clinical necessity, not financial gain.

Furthermore, every procedure will be performed by a practitioner possessing the appropriate qualifications, education, and competence relevant to the specific surgical or specialised non-surgical technique being offered. We are obligated to provide you with clear, accurate, and objective information about the procedure, including the potential for complications and the type of resulting scar. Finally, our practitioners are committed to proactively managing any potential conflict between the desire for financial return and their ethical and professional duty to provide the best and safest possible care for every patient.

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Benefits

Benefits of Mole Removal

1
Skin Cancer Diagnosis/Treatment:
For suspicious lesions, surgical Mole Removal provides the tissue sample required for pathology to diagnose and treat skin cancer.
2
Relief from Irritation:
Elective Mole Removal eliminates moles that are constantly rubbed by clothing or jewellery.
3
Cosmetic Improvement:
For benign lesions, removal can improve the aesthetic appearance of the skin, especially on the face.
4
Precise Clinical Technique:
Utilization of specialised surgical or advanced clinical techniques allows the registered practitioner to carefully remove the lesion while focusing on optimising the final scar appearance.
The Process

What to Expect

Before the Procedure
Before any Mole Removal can proceed, you must attend a mandatory, comprehensive consultation with our registered health practitioner. This initial step is essential to perform a clinical assessment, confirm the nature of the mole (benign or suspicious), and rule out other potential skin conditions. Following assessment, we will determine the safest and most appropriate removal technique. This is where we have an honest conversation about the achievable outcomes: the procedure aims for safe removal with the best possible scar outcome, not guaranteed "flawless" or "perfect" skin, as results are individualised and scarring is inevitable. Crucially, the practitioner will provide a clear, detailed explanation of the specific risks and potential complications associated with the selected method, and advise you on the realistic potential for scarring, bleeding, or infection. We will discuss the expected downtime and recovery timeline, ensuring this process is neither minimised nor downplayed. To respect the seriousness of this procedure, you will be offered a suitable cooling-off period before scheduling the Mole Removal itself, and you will receive preliminary details about the necessary aftercare. This entire thorough process ensures you have all the objective facts needed to make a fully informed and voluntary decision about proceeding.
During the Procedure
Your Mole Removal will be administered exclusively by a registered health practitioner committed to our strict clinical protocols and ethical standards. Our focus is entirely on maintaining the highest clinical and safety standards throughout the session. Immediately before we begin, your practitioner will perform a final check-in to re-confirm your informed consent and answer any last-minute questions, respecting the serious nature of the treatment. We will not use minimising words like 'easy' or 'quick' because we acknowledge this is a formal medical procedure. The specialised technique (e.g., surgical excision or shave removal) is executed precisely, ensuring complete removal of the targeted mole while adhering to rigorous sterile and infection control guidelines. Your immediate comfort is paramount, and the practitioner will communicate clearly with you during the procedure, letting you know what to expect at each stage. The duration of the session is based on clinical necessity for a safe and effective result, and we never rush the process. Ultimately, our practitioners’ attention is solely on your clinical care, uninfluenced by any commercial or financial pressures.
After the Procedure
Immediately upon completion, the practitioner will dress the wound and provide specific instructions for immediate care. You will be given comprehensive, written aftercare instructions detailing how to manage the removal site, including wound care, suture management (if applicable), and pain management. It is important to have realistic expectations for recovery: expect a period of downtime where the removal site may show temporary signs like redness, swelling, or crusting—this is a normal and necessary part of the healing process. Adhering strictly to the recovery protocols is crucial to ensure optimal healing and reduce the risk of complications, particularly infection and poor scarring. Rigorous sun protection will be mandatory to protect the healing scar tissue. We will schedule your necessary follow-up appointment to monitor your healing progress, remove sutures, and discuss any pathology results (if applicable). In the event you experience any unexpected complications or serious side effects, you must contact us immediately; you will be provided with a direct, accessible contact number for your treating practitioner or the clinic to ensure prompt follow-up care is available.
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.
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Consultation
Starting From
$100
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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.
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Mole Removal is classified as a higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedure when non-surgical ablation or shave excision techniques are used because they intentionally breach the skin’s barrier. Furthermore, any method of Mole Removal carries the permanent risk of scarring, which requires careful clinical management. Due to these potential complications, the procedure requires assessment and administration by a registered health practitioner, as mandated by Ahpra guidelines.

No, we cannot guarantee a “flawless” or “scar-free” result. Ahpra guidelines prohibit us from creating unreasonable expectations regarding outcomes. Scarring is an inevitable result of any procedure that cuts or disrupts the skin. Mole Removal aims for the best possible cosmetic outcome, but the final appearance of the scar depends on the mole’s size, its location, the technique used, and your individual healing response.

Yes, you should realistically expect some period of recovery or downtime. The area may be tender, swollen, or require a dressing for several days. If sutures are used, physical activity may be restricted until they are removed. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions to manage your recovery, which is a crucial part of the process and must not be minimised as a “quick” or “easy” fix.

Yes, a comprehensive consultation is essential and mandatory. It allows our registered health practitioner to assess the mole, determine clinical necessity, and discuss all potential risks and realistic expectations regarding scarring. Following the consultation for this higher risk cosmetic procedure, we are obligated to offer a sufficient cooling-off period before you can consent to the actual Mole Removal, ensuring you have adequate time to make a fully informed decision.

If your mole is assessed by the practitioner as clinically suspicious, it must be sent for pathology testing regardless of your primary reason for Mole Removal. If it is assessed as benign, the decision to send the tissue for pathology is made on a case-by-case basis after discussion with your practitioner, ensuring that the necessary clinical oversight is maintained.

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, which numbs the area completely. You may feel a slight pinch as the anaesthetic is administered, but you should not feel any pain during the removal itself.

Recovery is typically quick. You may experience some mild redness or swelling at the site, which will subside within a few days. If you have stitches, they will be removed after about a week. Your doctor will provide you with specific aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and minimise scarring.