Δερματολογια – Πλαστικη Χειρουργικη
Moles
Moles Removal
The Best Treatments for Mole Removal!
| Treatment Time | 20 - 40 minutes |
| Duration of Result | Permanent |
| Pain Level | Absolutely Tolerable |
| Anaesthesia | Local Anaesthesia |
| Treatment Cost | From 100€ |
| Result is Visible | Immediately after the treatment |
| Recovery Time | Within 1 week |
Before & After Photos of Mole Removal
Our Results Speak for Themselves!
An average person has 10 to 40 moles on his body!
A person can have dozens of moles on his body, without being connected to any health problem. However, some of them may need to be removed either prophylactically for medical reasons, to prevent them from turning into malignancy or for aesthetic reasons or because they are in a place where they are often injured. Mole removal is a very quick and simple medical procedure. Depending on the type of mole, the Doctor will choose the best removal method, which will be either surgical removal or Laser removal.
The Best Ways to Remove Moles
Mole Removal with Laser
The removal of moles with Laser is indicated in those cases where the Doctor is certain that the mole is benign. If there is the slightest doubt about the mole, it must be surgically and deeply removed and sent for biopsy and histological diagnosis. In Laser removal the mole is completely destroyed by the thermal energy of the Laser and therefore there is no possibility to send something for a biopsy afterwards when the removal is done with Laser.
We should be aware that Laser removal is not the appropriate method for all types of moles. Some types of moles are easy to be done by Laser, while others are difficult to be done. The suitability or not for Laser removal will be decided by the specialised Doctor, who should be a Dermatologist or a Plastic Surgeon. The removal of moles with Laser, when done correctly, gives a really excellent aesthetic result, but a necessary prerequisite for successful removal is that the Doctor has experience in this field and choose the moles that are suitable for this procedure.
Advantages of Laser Mole Removal
Without Pain
Short
Procedure
Without Scars
Zero
Recovery Time
Affordable Cost
No Stitches
Without
Pain
Without
Scars
Without
Recovery Time
Affordable
Prices
Short
Procedure
Without
Stitches
Surgical Removal of a Mole
When moles are dysplastic and malignancy is suspected, it is absolutely necessary that they are surgically removed by a Dermatologic Surgeon or a Plastic Surgeon so that the mole can be sent for biopsy. Usually surgical removal of moles is a minor surgical procedure, which is performed in Derm & Plastic Surgery Clinics under local anaesthesia and takes 20 - 40 minutes. This is followed by the suturing of the skin with Plastic Surgery techniques and sutures, in order to ensure the aesthetics of the wound and its good healing, which in turn will give an excellent aesthetic result. After removing the stitches there is a possibility that a mark will remain in the area, but this also depends on the healing ability of each person.
What are Moles
Moles are benign pigmented lesions of the skin, which are caused by the local proliferation of cells (melanocytes) that are naturally present in the skin. All people have moles and in fact, it has been estimated that the average person has 10 to 40 moles on his body! Some appear from birth (congenital moles), while others develop over time (acquired moles).
They mainly affect people with fair skin, people who are frequently exposed to the sun or people with a family history of a large number of moles. They can appear on any part of the face or body, with a greater frequency in places exposed to the sun.
Moles in Children
All of us always pay a lot of attention to our children for their health. But do we notice their moles? As the child grows it is normal for new moles to appear all the time, many of which will increase in size as the child grows and may change color. However, if a mole of the child is different from the others, changes in shape, color or size, itches and bleeds, you should IMMEDIATELY visit a specialized Dermatologist, in order to have a Dermatoscopy.
When should a mole be removed?
When it is dysplastic
If a mole during examination by a Dermatologist and Dermatoscopy shows suspicious signs, which show that it can potentially mutate into malignancy, then it should be removed as a precaution.
When it's in an area where it gets often injured
If the mole is in a place where it is often irritated (eg in the neck area from jewellery or on the back from a bra) or on the beard and is injured during shaving or on the scalp and is injured during daily combing or hair cutting.
When you don't like it aesthetically
If the mole is located on the face or in another part of the body and despite being benign, it bothers you aesthetically.
The Types of Moles
Congenital Melanocytic Moles
Congenital Melanocytic Moles are caused by the local proliferation of melanocytes, i.e. the cells that produce melanin (the pigment of the skin). They are present from birth and hence they are also called congenital moles and their frequency is about 1% of babies.
The congenital moles are divided into small (20 cm). Their colour is dark, they grow in proportion to the growth of the child and they may acquire hair over the years. The main concern with congenital moles is their precancerous potential and their increased risk of developing malignant melanoma. This probability is higher in giant congenital moles and lower in medium and small congenital moles.
Acquired Melanocytic Moles
Acquired Melanocytic Moles are also due to the proliferation of melanocytes, but they appear later in childhood or adulthood. Acquired Μelanocytic Μoles are small pigmented spots or papules with clear borders. They can be skin-coloured, pink, brown or dark brown and their shape is round or oval with smooth borders.
Blue Nevus
A blue nevus is a small papule with dark blue or black colour. This mole can be congenital or acquired. Because of its dark colour, it worries the patients themselves, but also Doctors of other specialties, as they confuse it with Melanoma. This type of mole needs either close monitoring or prophylactic surgical removal, as in some cases it can actually lead to malignant melanoma of the skin.
Spitz Mole
Spitz Mole is a benign mole that usually occurs in childhood, although it may appear at any age and is mostly found on the face and neck. The classic Spitz mole is described as a smooth, round, rose-coloured raised papule that tends to grow rapidly within a few months.
Nevus Spilus
A nevus spilus is a pigmented spot that has numerous smaller dark brown spots or papules on it. This mole can lead to melanoma in 5% of cases and therefore requires close monitoring and even better prophylactic removal.
Becker's Mole
Becker's Mole appears in childhood or adolescence, in any area of the body (but more often on the upper part of the trunk), as a brown spot with a diameter of 2 to 40 cm. It is observed in 0.5% of the population and affects mainly men. It has an irregular shape and also grows irregularly, while it may also have hair growth on its surface.
Mole of Ota - Mole of Ito
Ota's mole and Ito's mole are melanocytic moles that are blue or dark brown in colour, are common moles in Asian populations and are located deeper into the skin than normal (in the dermis rather than the epidermis). The difference between the mole of Ota and the mole of Ito is where they are located on the body. Ota's mole is usually found on the forehead and around the eyes, while Ito's mole usually appears on the shoulders and upper arms.
Halo Mole or Sutton's Mole
Halo Mole looks like a nevus surrounded by whitish discoloured skin. It is a completely benign lesion, with no fear of malignancy. In some cases, this mole after years can disappear by itself, without any intervention. There is a theory that it is an immune problem, because antibodies have been found that attack the melanocytes. People who have this mole have an increased chance of developing Vitiligo.
Epidermal Mole
Epidermal moles are due to an excessive localised hyperplasia of the epidermis (the top layer of the skin). These moles are present in 50% of cases at birth or may develop during childhood and especially in the first years of life. They may be flat or prominent and may be dark or brown in colour.
Comedone Mole
It is a type of mole, caused by dilated hair follicles filled with keratin. It can appear on any part of the body, but it usually affects the face, neck and upper limbs. The lesions occur as slightly raised cysts, filled with keratin and resembling comedones.
Sebaceous Mole
A sebaceous mole is a type of epidermal mole, due to hyperplasia of the sebaceous glands. It is present at birth or may appear later in childhood and usually appears on the scalp. This mole should always be removed prophylactically, as it has a 10% chance of mutating into a Basal Cell Carcinoma.
Atypical - Dysplastic Mole
To be classified as atypical - dysplastic, a mole must show certain characteristics such as: asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven colour, a diameter greater than 6 millimetres and a recent increase in size (the 5-point ABCDE rule). These moles usually appear on the trunk, especially the back, but can appear anywhere on the body. Dysplastic moles should be removed prophylactically, as they carry the risk of mutation into melanoma.
If a new mole appears all of a sudden, which is dark in colour and generally has an "abnormal appearance" it is important to seek the medical advice of a Dermatologist. Also, if your mole changes colour, shape or size or shows symptoms such as itching and bleeding, you should be examined by a Dermatologist, to rule out malignancy and specifically Melanoma. Melanoma is one of the most aggressive skin cancers.
It arises by atypical melanocytes, which are the cells that are responsible for the formation of moles. Melanocytes are the epidermal cells that produce melanin which is the pigment in our skin, hair and eyes.
Early diagnosis of Melanoma literally saves lives and for this reason it is necessary for all of us to be informed about the importance of self-examination, with the ABCDE rule.
The ABCDE rule
The "ABCDE" rule is based on the following characteristics:
A (Asymmetry) The shape of one half of the mole does not match the other half of the mole
B (Borders) The borders are indistinct and uneven rather than smooth
C (Colour) There is unevenness in colour, with many colours together
D (Diameter) Diameter is usually greater than 6 millimetres (mm)
E (Evolution) The mole changes in size, shape, colour or appearance in a relatively short period of time
If you detect any of the above changes in a mole, talk to a qualified Dermatologist immediately.
The correct diagnosis is made with skin examination by a Dermatologist and checking of the suspected lesion by Dermoscopy. In case the lesion is suspicious for Melanoma, the surgical removal of the entire lesion should be done and not a part of it (as a biopsy). SOS in pigmented lesions with suspicion of melanoma it is forbidden to biopsy a part of the lesion only, as the whole lesion should be removed), in order to make an accurate histological diagnosis in case it is melanoma and especially for its degree of infiltration (Breslow Thickness).
In our Clinics you will find the only certified MOHS Surgeon in Greece, with experience in the diagnosis of dysplastic moles!
The correct examination and diagnosis of moles should NOT be done by the naked eye, but with modern diagnostic methods such as Dermatoscopy and Mole Mapping. In Derm & Plastic Surgery Clinics you will find both of these methods, which combined with Scientific Director Dr Zografou and expertise in the fiels of moles and skin cancer, ensure a safe diagnosis and treatment approach, where this is required.
Modern Digital Technology at your disposal!
What is Dermoscopy?
Dermoscopy is a digital method of diagnosis, carried out using a special skin microscope with polarised light and special lenses, which magnify the skin, so that the Dermatologist can evaluate the morphological characteristics of the moles, which they are not visible by the naked eye or using a simple magnifying glass.
That way, diagnostic accuracy is achieved, which cannot happen with a simple skin clinical examination. It is used by qualified Dermatologists for the differential diagnosis of pigmented lesions, but also for the diagnosis of skin cancer and melanoma at an early stage.
Digital Dermoscopy and Mole Mapping are considered the most reliable diagnostic methods for the early detection of Melanoma , but also for avoiding unnecessary removal of harmless moles, provided that it is performed by a well-trained and experienced Dermatologist who knows how to evaluate the results of this examination correctly.
What is Mole Mapping?
Mole Mapping is a method that aims to digitally record and visualize all moles on the body, especially in people with multiple moles. It is essentially a screening method for Skin Cancer and Melanoma and should be applied to people who belong to a high-risk group for developing Melanoma.
In Greece, there is unfortunately an abuse of this valuable diagnostic method and there are not a few cases where it is applied unnecessarily, to people with few moles, who do not need it Mole Mapping is done through a digital device, equipped with a high-resolution camera and sophisticated software. The camera takes detailed photos of all skin moles.
It is connected to a computer and during the examination, it transfers all the photos of the moles with their characteristics to the patient's medical record and the system database, so that they are available for future re-examination.
Mole Mapping allows the Dermatologist to create an accurate set of photographs of all of a patient's moles. Thus, at each examination, he can compare the new digital photos of the moles with the corresponding previous ones and immediately identify any newly appearing moles or changes in existing moles.
This method is safe and the information it provides to the Dermatologist is completely accurate, making it easier for him to identify all suspicious moles on the patient's skin and to diagnose and treat melanoma or other skin cancers in time.
Who should have Mole Mapping done?
Mole Mapping should be done in high-risk individuals. If your answer is positive to most of the following questions, then you should contact a Dermatologist for Mole Mapping.
- Do you burn easily in the sun and your skin is photosensitive and fair coloured?
- Do you have a large number of moles (more than 50 moles)?
- Do you have several congenital moles?
- Do you have many asymmetric moles (more than 10 moles) on your body?
- Is there a history of multiple and severe burns during childhood and adolescence?
- Is there a history of skin cancer in your family?
- Have you already been diagnosed with skin cancer?
- Are you exposed to strong UV solar radiation at regular intervals?
Cost of Mole Removal
Choose the Best, Not the Cheapest!
The right choice of Doctor, who should be a Dermatologic Surgeon or a Plastic Surgeon with excellent knowledge of anatomy and many years of surgical experience, plays an important role in the outcome of the removal and the final aesthetic result.
Do not be convinced by very low prices (eg 50 - 60 euros) and trust your health in the hands of non-specialized Doctors, as then you will need to pay double and triple to qualified Doctors to correct their mistakes. In Derm & Plastic Surgery Clinics, the removal of moles is only done by the Scientific Director Dr Zografou, who is the only certified Mohs Surgeon in Greece.
In our Clinics, both Laser Removal and Minimally Invasive Surgical Removal are available. The cost of removing a Mole starts from 100 euros.
Why should I choose Derm & Plastic Surgery Clinics for your Mole Removal?
Derm & Plastic Surgery Clinics are specialized Aesthetic Dermatology and Plastic Surgery Clinics. In our premises, diagnostic examinations are carried out only by the Dermatologists and Plastic Surgeons of the Clinics, who have extensive experience in Dermoscopy and Mole Mapping and not by unqualified Doctors, as happens in some other places.
In our Clinics we have state-of-the-art equipment of the medical surgical Lasers, similar to those of big private hospitals in Athens and the removal of moles is done only by Dr. Zografou, who is the Scientific Director of our Clinics and the only certified Mohs Surgeon in Greece. For us, the removal of moles is considered a medical procedure and the necessary time and attention and diligence are given, both during the mole’s removal and during the recovery period of our patient. Besides that, we are just as concerned as you are, about the aesthetic results of our removals and for this reason our Clinics are equipped with the medical resurfacing Laser, which is used after the removal, to smooth the skin and give an aesthetic result, so that the area will look like as if it has not been operated on.
Meet the Derm & Plastic Way of Life - We are ensuring the quality of the services provided to you and for us the removal of moles is also a treatment in premium spaces, with hygienic standards and ventilation of the spaces. Because it is important in addition to good medical devices, to feel well and be treated in beautiful modern rooms and not to perform medical procedures in old and depressive spaces, with dubious hygienic conditions and controls.
Our philosophy is Luxury at Affordable Prices and what differentiates us from all the others is that here you will find medical services with the highest standards, in luxury spaces, with maximum effects and at affordable prices. All you have to do is to book your appointment at one of our two modern Clinics, where we will inform you about our medical protocols!
Derm & Plastic TV
Everything that you need to know! We answer your most common questions!
Myths & Truths about Moles
Myth: If you remove an innocent Mole, Skin Cancer will appear there
Truth: This is a fairly widespread myth among the population of Greece that the removal of a mole involves the risk of developing a malignancy there. Very often we hear "Doctor, I don't want to remove it, because I'm afraid it might become cancer". This opinion is completely wrong, as the removal of a mole in no way causes skin cancer.
Perhaps the main reason for this misconception is that many people had a mole removed after it has become malignant. However, for this person's relatives, the belief which was formed was that the malignancy was created due to the removal of the mole and not that the mole was already malignant before its removal.
Therefore it is important to dispel this myth, which exists in our country, as because of it many people come to the Doctor with a long delay. It is well known that even the melanoma, if it is removed at an early stage, is curable and does not pose any risk for the future. On the contrary, if it is removed at an advanced stage , chances are that the condition will not be reversible and this will cost the person's life.
Myth: When it is cloudy or under an umbrella we don't need sunscreen, just like if we are in the sea
Truth: This is another misconception and it is a fact that 90% of the solar radiation penetrates the cloudy sky and 50% the shadow of the umbrella at the beach. Therefore, the use of sunscreen is mandatory both in cloudy weather and under an umbrella and in the sea, if one wishes to properly prevent skin cancer.
Myth: The artificial tanning with Solarium is safer than tanning in the sun
Truth: Tanning beds emit harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation that increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. Solarium use is not at all safe and should be avoided, especially by young people. According to a study by the World Health Organization, people who have used Solarium at least once have a 20% higher risk of developing melanoma, compared to those who have never used it. If the first use of the Solarium is under the age of 35, the risk increases to 60%.
Myth: Moles are always malignant
Truth: Not all moles are malignant and in fact, the majority of moles are benign and harmless. However, it is necessary to monitor your moles for changes in size, shape, colour or texture, with the 5-point ABCDE rule and to talk to a qualified Dermatologist if you see anything suspicious.
Myth: Moles can be prevented by avoiding the sun
Truth: It is certain that too much sun exposure can increase your risk of developing new moles and skin cancer. However, avoiding the sun during dangerous hours and using sunscreen can help reduce the chance of skin cancer, but it does not prevent the development of new moles.
Myth: If I have Mole Removal with Laser there will be absolutely no marks left
Truth: There is no skin intervention that leaves the skin completely intact so that nothing at all is visible afterwards. Everyone's healing is different and some people heal better than others. Besides that, the Laser works by destroying the mole with the thermal energy of the Laser and as the skin heals and the initial scab that has been created falls off, the skin underneath will be lighter than the surrounding area.
This should be acceptable for the people undergoing this treatment, who should have realistic expectations of the result, as it is not reasonable to think that nothing will be seen afterwards. This difference in skin colour of course improves with time and gradually the colour usually returns. Certainly Laser removal (where it can be done - as not all moles are suitable), is superior to surgical removal with stitches in terms of scarring afterwards.
Frequent Questions about Moles
- People with numerous moles - (over 50)
- People with a family or personal history of skin cancer or melanoma
- People with fair skin phototype (phototype I & II) and many moles
- People with history of sunburns, especially in childhood or adolescence
- People with giant congenital mole
- People with dysplastic mole syndrome – presence of a large number of atypical - dysplastic moles on the body
There are many ways you can reduce your risk of Skin Cancer:
- Limit your exposure to solar UV radiation , especially between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen when exposed to the sun. The broad spectrum will help protect against UVA and UVB rays
- Use at least SPF 30 in your sunscreen and apply it often
- Avoid Solarium use (using Solarium for the first time under the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma by almost 60%)
- Do a monthly skin self-examination, based on the ABCDE rule
Genital moles are rarer than moles elsewhere on the body. When a mole appears on the genitals, special attention should be paid, as this area is not exposed to the sun and the appearance of a mole there may hide serious diseases such as Melanoma or Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the genitals.
You don’t need to worry at all, as this is a natural consequence of the hormonal changes of pregnancy and moles increase in size during pregnancy, especially in areas such as the breasts and the abdomen which undergo stretching. Moles also tend to be darker around this time due to increased melanin production in the body. Both the size and the colour of the moles return completely after delivery in the majority of cases and therefore you should not worry.
If nevertheless, there is a mole that worries you, as it grows asymmetrically and has an uneven colour, you should contact a qualified Dermatologist, qualified in the Dermoscopy of Moles. In our Clinics, this examination is only performed by Dr. Zografou, a certified MOHS Surgeon, with many years of experience and expertise in Dermoscopy and Mole Removal with Laser and Plastic Surgery.
Removal of moles either by Laser or Surgery is generally considered a painless procedure. The use of local anaesthesia ensures that patients do not feel discomfort or pain during the procedure. The Doctor will administer local anaesthetic to numb the area, ensuring that you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
After removal, it is common for patients to experience minimal discomfort and tenderness at the surgical site, however, they are able to return to their daily activities immediately. This minor discomfort can typically be treated with simple painkillers such as paracetamol and usually subsides within a day.
As we mentioned above, mole removals are performed in Derm & Plastic Surgery Clinics with local anaesthesia and Minimally Invasive Surgery methods (a field in which Dr. Zografou holds a Master's degree), so you can return to your daily life immediately.
This is the most frequent question of all people who are interested in removing a mole, especially if it is in the facial area and the removal is done for purely cosmetic reasons. This depends on some factors which are:
- Body area: Some areas of the body are known to heal better compared to others. For example the chest, décolletage and shoulders are more likely to develop keloids during surgical removals. For this reason, we prefer laser removal in these areas.
- Method of removal: As we mentioned above, laser removal, where it can be done, gives better aesthetic results in terms of scars, compared to surgical removal.
- Technical and Surgical Skills of the Doctor: The right choice of Doctor, who should be a Dermatologic Surgeon or a Plastic Surgeon with excellent knowledge of anatomy and many years of surgical experience, plays a major role in the outcome of the removal and the final aesthetic result. Do not be convinced by very low prices and trust your health in the hands of non-specialist Doctors, as then you will have to pay double and triple to qualified Doctors to correct their mistakes. In Derm & Plastic Surgery Clinics, the removal of moles is done only by the Scientific Director Dr Zografou, who is the only certified Mohs Surgeon in Greece and holds a Master in Minimally Invasive Surgery. She has many years of specialization and experience in dysplastic moles and skin cancer and hundreds of patients in Greece and abroad.
- Healing Ability: Each person's healing abilities also play a big role. Some people heal very well and quickly and others heal slowly with the creation of atrophic or hypertrophic scars. Therefore you should wonder.. Are you a Good Healer or a Poor Healer?
- Adherence to post-operative instructions: Post-operative instructions and compliance by people who have recently undergone surgical removal are also important. Often due to improper adherence to instructions and application of pressure to the surgical area (e.g. vigorous exercise with weight lifting, when the area is still healing), gradual opening of a wound and distension of the surgical scar occurs. Therefore while the area initially heals properly, some time after the stitches are removed, the fine line that was initially there begins to widen and grow and look ugly. That’s why it is important to follow the Doctors' instructions carefully.
In addition to their initial diagnosis and treatment, another reason why people from all over Greece visit our Clinics is their desire to correct post-surgical scars, as in Derm & Plastic Surgery Clinics we have state-of-the-art resurfacing Lasers, which after some sessions eliminate old scars. We are always concerned for the aesthetic results of our treatments and for this reason in our Clinics, post surgical protocols are applied to smooth the skin and give an even aesthetic result, so that the area looks like it had no operation on it.
Yes, there is a possibility of a mole reappearing after its removal, especially if it was removed by Laser, as unlike the scalpel that goes deep, the Laser thermally destroys the mole in the upper layers of the skin. This results in some melanocytes surviving and gradually creating a smaller mole in size and lighter in colour.
However a mole that is surgically removed also has the possibility of recurrence when its removal was not done in clean borders and a residual area was left. And in this case, a second surgical removal can be done again when necessary.
If you have a question about this treatment that is not answered in the text above, please send your question to the Doctor. Don't send questions about treatment costs and prices, as these are only formulated after the medical consultation, either in person at our Clinics or by Online Consultation.
Book an appointment and come to one of our Clinics or if you don't have time or live far away, request a video call consultation first and then come directly for your treatment.
