Moles are skin growths which are made of pigment-producing cells. You might have one or many, and most are harmless.
Since most moles are harmless, you might only consider mole removal in Singapore for cosmetic reasons. The removal for cosmetic reasons is fueled by the fact that mole removal cost isn’t necessarily high and basically ranges between $100 and $1500.
And the best part? Several clinics that specialise in mole removal in Singapore offer a range of safe, effective removal methods. Keep reading to see the options you have for mole removal.
What are your Mole Removal Options in Singapore?
First things first, before removing any mole, it’s important to have a doctor examine it. Use the ABCDE rule as a guide: look for Asymmetry (one half unlike the other), Border irregularities, Colour variations, Diameter larger than 6 mm, or Evolving changes over weeks.
If a mole ticks any of these boxes, book a dermatology appointment without delay. A professional assessment includes a close visual inspection, often with a dermatoscope which is basically, a handheld magnifier with lighting.
If the doctor spots suspicious mole features, they may perform a biopsy. This means removing a small tissue sample to check for cancer cells under a microscope.
Even perfectly benign moles can benefit from expert advice. A trained eye can help you weigh the risks and benefits of removal, as well as pick the safest method for your skin type and mole location. Here are some of your best options for mole removal in Singapore;
- Surgical Excision: Surgical excision works well for larger or deep moles and any that look suspicious. Under local anaesthesia, your doctor cuts out the entire mole along with a small margin of healthy skin. They then close the wound with stitches, which you’ll remove after one to two weeks. This method offers the highest chance of complete removal and lets labs test all the tissue for signs of cancer.
- Shave Excision: Shave excision suits raised moles that sit above the skin’s surface. After numbing the area, the doctor uses a small blade to shave off the mole flush with your skin. No stitches are needed, and the wound usually heals within a week, leaving a fine line that fades over time. It’s quick and leaves minimal scarring but is not ideal for deeper moles or those with irregular borders.
- Laser Mole Removal: In laser removal, your provider targets the mole pigment with focused light energy to break it down in layers. During the treatment process, you remain awake but under local anaesthetic or a cooling spray to ease discomfort. Over several sessions, the mole lightens and disappears without cutting or stitches. This approach works best for small, flat, non-cancerous moles but cannot remove deeper tissue for lab testing.
- Electrocautery and Cryotherapy: Electrocautery burns the mole with an electric current, while cryotherapy freezes it with liquid nitrogen. Both methods destroy mole cells on the surface, causing the growth to blister and fall off in days. You might need two or three sessions for complete removal. These techniques suit small benign moles but aren’t recommended if there’s any cancer risk.
Does Mole Removal Hurt?
Moles basically form part of your skin. So, it is understandable if you’re considering mole removal in Singapore and the question on your mind right now is; does mole removal hurt?
Now, most people feel only a quick pinch when you get a mole removed. As earlier mentioned, your skin doctor will begin by numbing the area first with a local anaesthetic.
That needle prick can sting for a moment but after that, you shouldn’t feel much else. You might notice pressure or a little tugging as the mole comes away, but it’s not sharp pain.
Once the anaesthetic wears off, you may get some soreness which might feel a bit like a mild bruise. You could take over-the-counter pain relief if the soreness bothers you.
In many cases, the area heals so quickly that any discomfort lasts just a day or two. Keep in mind everyone’s pain threshold differs so, some people hardly notice it.
Others mention a dull ache for a short while. The removal method also is another key consideration when talking about potential for pain during mole removal.
If you have had shave excision where the doctor shaves off the mole, you should be able to heal faster and with less discomfort. Surgical excision, which involves cutting deeper, can leave you with a small stitch which might ache more until the stitch comes out.
Laser removal tends to cause minimal pain but may need more than one visit. Your doctor will explain what to expect based on the mole’s size, depth and location.
So, does mole removal hurt? Mostly, you feel the anaesthetic injection and then mild soreness later. If you follow the care advice like keeping it clean, and resisting the urge to pick at the scab, you’ll help your skin heal smoothly. Before you book your appointment, you could ask the clinic what pain-relief options they offer.
How to Prepare for Mole Removal
Preparing for mole removal in Singapore should be easy. Basically, the first thing you will want to do is to get a proper diagnosis.
As a general rule, always see a dermatologist to rule out cancer before removal. A professional assessment will help you ensure you choose the safest method.
It will also help you prevent unnecessary procedures. After a diagnosis, please inform your doctor about the medications you’re currently using.
This is very important because blood thinners, like aspirin or warfarin, can increase bleeding risk. Your doctor may ask you to pause these medicines or adjust the dose ahead of the procedure.
In the days leading to your treatment, avoid tanning or harsh skincare because sunburn or recent chemical peels can irritate your skin and affect healing.
In fact, you will want to skip sunbeds and strong exfoliants for at least two weeks before your appointment. Some methods of mole removal like surgical excision, for example surgical incision need one to two days of light activity to allow stitches to settle.
With that in mind, you will want to plan for downtime and if possible, schedule your procedure when you can rest and avoid heavy exercise. Importantly, ask about aftercare to be able to protect the healing site and reduce scarring.
In Closing
Professional mole removal in Singapore allows for safe, effective solutions for both cosmetic and medical needs. Be sure to see a professional first to ensure that you get the right diagnosis and reduce any cancer risk.
Not sure which mole removal option suits you best? Book a consultation at our Singapore dermatology clinic today and our experienced team will assess your mole, explain each method in plain terms and recommend the safest, most effective treatment tailored for your skin. See details below;
APAX Medical & Aesthetics Clinic (Bukit Panjang J10) – Acne & Acne Scars Clinic Singapore
1 Woodlands Rd, #02-11 Junction 10, Singapore 677899
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