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Benign Mole Removal
Benign moles, which are typically harmless and non-cancerous, are sometimes removed upon the recommendation of a doctor. They may also be removed for cosmetic reasons, or if they become irritating.
These should always be first checked and assessed by a medical practitioner for suitability before removal. Elucell offers benign mole removal only after a consultation to assess suitability with our clinical team. We use radiofrequency energy, with no cutting, instead with vaporisation of the lesion using controlled heat.
What is a benign mole?
You may notice dark-coloured spots or marks, commonly called moles on your skin, which are very common. They occur when pigment-producing cells called melanocytes, grow in clusters together.
Moles typically appear in early childhood, though some can appear later in life.
Freckles are typically small, flat areas of increased pigmentation, whereas moles may be either flat or raised. Freckles commonly develop or become more noticeable following sun exposure, particularly after sunburn, as ultraviolet (UV) radiation stimulates pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) to produce more melanin, causing them to darken.
Although they might look strange, they are generally harmless but over time, there is a risk that they may turn malignant or cancerous.
If they are symmetrical, have smooth edges and remain consistent and colour over time, these are likely to be benign moles which are usually harmless and non-cancerous.
There are four key characteristics to evaluate whether a mole is benign called the ABCDE assessment:
-Asymmetrical
-Border: Benign moles usually have a smooth edge
-Colour: They are typically uniform
-Diameter: Usually smaller than 6mm
-Evolving: They remain the same size, colour and shape, not changing over time
We recommend that you self-check moles at least every three to four months and see a doctor or dermatologist yearly if any moles change in colour, size, or shape. It’s important to protect such moles from scratching or from harsh contact with other things.
The doctor can then assess if there are any concerning features of the mole for further investigation or to refer to a dermatologist.
With greater sun exposure, especially in the younger years, the higher the chance of more moles forming. And the greater the number of moles, the greater the risk of developing melanoma, the most dangerous form of cancer.
Why are benign moles removed?
Although most moles are harmless and won’t need any further treatment, a doctor may recommend removal if it looks concerning, such as if it has grown quickly or no longer appears symmetrical. Moles may also be removed for cosmetic reasons, or if they are irritating.
At Elucell, we offer professional removal of benign moles and other common skin lesions in a comfortable clinic environment. Our focus is on cosmetic improvement and your peace of mind.
Your Safety is Our Priority: The ABCDE Assessment
Before any removal, our Dr Daiana Baragan will conduct a thorough assessment of each mole within our cosmetic scope. We meticulously check for the ABCDEs of moles.
If our assessment raises any concerns, including those related to skin cancer, we prioritise your health by immediately referring you to a specialised skin cancer clinic for further evaluation and treatment. We will not proceed with removal if there’s any concern.
Common benign lesions we treat
Our clinic is medically and professionally equipped with the Ellman radiofrequency device, to perform doctor-only treatments to remove a variety of common benign skin lesions, including:
Cherry angiomas
Solar keratosis
Seborrheic keratosis
Warts
Skin tags (as detailed on our dedicated page)
Hassle-Free Consultations & Treatment
You do not require a GP referral to book a consultation for benign mole removal at Elucell. We aim to make the process as straightforward as possible for you.
Please note that as this is an elective cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by Medicare. We will provide a clear breakdown of costs during your consultation.
How does Elucell’s benign mole removal appointment work?
Consultation
At Elucell, our doctors may assess your benign mole(s) under a dermatoscope to rule out any suspicious features before treatment.
During your 30-minute consultation, we’ll address common concerns and answer any questions you may have such as:
What is benign mole removal?
How much does mole removal cost?
Will it leave a scar?
Procedure
At Elucell, we use Ellman Radiofrequency treatment for benign mole removal.
Radiofrequency is highly precise because it uses controlled, targeted energy to vaporise the lesion layer by layer, allowing the practitioner to treat only the intended tissue while preserving the surrounding skin. Unlike cryotherapy, which can be less predictable in depth and may affect adjacent tissue, or traditional surgical removal that involves cutting, radiofrequency offers a more refined approach with minimal collateral damage.
It provides excellent control over depth and heat delivery, making it particularly helpful for small, delicate areas.
This precision supports a smoother healing process, reduced inflammation, and typically a lower risk of noticeable scarring when performed correctly.
Ellman Radiofrequency may remove skin lesions or benign moles in a single session.
Aftercare
Keep the wound covered for 7 days with duoderm extra-thin dressing. If the lesion is in the scalp, no dressing is required.
– Keep the area clean and change your dressing once a day for 7 days. You may change it more frequently if you notice bleeding or oozing (both of which are normal). Some of our patients require dressing changes up to 2-3 times/day.
– When showering, keep the wound covered for the first 3 days. Avoid soap in the area for 1 week.
– Each time you change the dressing, apply a small quantity of chlorsig ointment with a cotton tip for 7 days only.
– Once healed, continue to protect the new skin with SPF 50+ sunscreen or a mineral based 30+/ zinc sunscreen to prevent pigmentation changes to the treated site
– After 7-10 days you may massage the treated area with silicone gel Stratamed to reduce the chance of scar tissue forming
Pricing
Mole and Skin Tag Removal Pricing is discussed during our 30-minute consultation.
Our pricing starts at $399 and packages may be available depending on suitability.
Can a benign mole grow back after removal?
Most benign moles do not grow back after removal. This largely depends on how deeply the mole extends into the skin and which removal method is used. With radiofrequency benign mole removal, the visible mole is carefully removed with precision and minimal damage to surrounding skin.
Although rare to return in the same spot, no clinic can guarantee zero recurrence. If a mole does regrow, your doctor should reassess to confirm whether it is still benign and to decide whether further treatment is appropriate.
At Elucell Clinic in Richmond, Melbourne, we assess each benign mole individually and explain the expected cosmetic result, healing process, and the possibility of recurrence before treatment.
Is a Benign Mole painful to remove?
Benign mole removal is usually very well tolerated. Most patients describe the procedure as causing only mild discomfort. The level of sensation depends on the size, location, and depth of the mole, as well as your individual sensitivity.
With radiofrequency mole removal, the treatment is precise. If needed, a numbing option may be used to help keep you comfortable during the procedure. After treatment, it is common to have some mild tenderness, potential bruising, redness, or sensitivity in the area for a short time.
For patients seeking benign mole removal in Richmond, VIC, the goal is removal with as little discomfort and downtime as possible.
What’s the downtime?
Downtime after benign mole removal is usually minimal. Most people return to normal daily activities soon after their appointment, but healing times vary between individuals and as a guide, it is common to see:
-Initial healing over 1 to 2 weeks
-Ongoing skin settling over several weeks
The treated area will usually form a small protective crust or scab as it heals, and this typically settles over the following days to weeks depending on the size and location of the mole.
You may be advised to keep the area clean, avoid picking or scratching, and protect it from sun exposure while it heals. If the mole is in a high-friction area, you may also need to avoid irritating clothing or activity for a short period.
Patients visiting our Richmond Melbourne clinic for benign mole removal are given personalised aftercare instructions and an aftercare pack to support the cosmetic outcomes.
How much does benign mole removal cost?
The cost of benign mole removal can vary depending on the size, number, location, and complexity of the mole being treated. Pricing may also differ depending on whether you are having a single mole removed or multiple benign lesions treated in one session.
Because cosmetic mole removal is tailored to the individual, the most accurate way to quote cost is with a consultation. During your appointment, we can assess the mole and provide clear pricing before treatment.
If you are comparing options for benign mole removal in Richmond, VIC, it’s important to consider not just price, but also the suitability of the treatment method, clinician experience, and expected cosmetic outcome.
Is cosmetic mole removal covered by Medicare?
In most cases, cosmetic benign mole removal is not covered by Medicare. If a mole is removed purely for appearance reasons, Medicare generally does not provide a rebate.
If a mole appears suspicious, changes in shape or colour, bleeds, or raises concern for skin cancer, assessment by a GP or dermatologist is important. In those cases, Medicare may apply to medically necessary consultations, biopsy, or treatment, but it’s best to check with your healthcare provider.
At Elucell Clinic Richmond, radiofrequency removal of benign moles is considered a cosmetic treatment when performed for appearance rather than medical necessity, so patients should generally expect this to be an out-of-pocket cost.
