A mole commonly appears as a small-pigmented spot on the skin. When a mole is atypical and cancerous looking, it is best to surgically excise the suspicious moles for laboratory analysis.
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A mole commonly appears as a small-pigmented spot on the skin. Moles are usually oval in shape and are generally not very large. Most moles are benign i.e. non- cancerous. One should only be concerned if a mole starts to change in size, shape or color, especially if it occurs rapidly.



Mole removal is a minor surgical procedure that involves removing unwanted or concerning moles from the skin. Dermatologists perform this procedure to address moles that have changed in appearance, cause discomfort, or are cosmetically bothersome to patients.
The primary goal is to completely remove the mole tissue whilst preserving healthy surrounding skin. Most mole removals in Singapore are straightforward day procedures that can be completed in a dermatologist’s clinic.
Removing problematic moles eliminates the risk of continued irritation, bleeding, or potential progression of abnormal changes.
Patients often experience immediate relief from physical discomfort caused by moles that catch on clothing or are frequently knocked or scraped.
With problematic moles removed, patients and dermatologists can more easily monitor remaining moles for any future changes.
Neck & Shoulders: If prone to friction from clothing or accessories.
Scalp: When causing discomfort, hair growth issues, or difficult to monitor.
Chest & Back: Particularly if the mole rubs against clothing or is hard to examine.
Arms & Legs: For cosmetic reasons or when medically advised.
Many people remove moles for cosmetic or Feng Shui reasons. For cosmetic reasons, smaller moles can easily be removed by electrosurgery or CO2 laser surgery. Electrosurgery uses radio-frequency instruments to burn the moles. Similarly, CO2 laser removes moles with high powered laser beams and burns them into vapour (aka vapourization). Dr Wong’s default choice for mole removal is electrosurgery because it gives better precision and control and it is also more affordable.
However, if you prefer laser removal, Dr Wong can do it too! Bigger moles are best removed by surgical excision. When a mole is atypical and cancerous looking, it is best to surgically excise the suspicious moles for laboratory analysis. For details of skin cancer and skin cancer surgery, do consult a dermatologist to have a proper clinical evaluation if you intend to have your moles removed. It will be disastrous if some untrained personnel remove your cancerous moles inadvertently and improperly.
Call Assurance Skin clinic at +65 6690 3145 for an appointment with Dr. Wong to evaluate your moles and discuss the treatment options now.
This is the most common question asked during consultation! The answer is “no”. Moles cannot be prevented. Some are congenital and present at birth while most are acquired and appear later in life.
Most acquired moles are benign growths. They typically start to appear during early childhood, in response to sun exposure. However, genetic factors are clearly involved in the formation of moles. Usually a mole will get bigger and the number of moles will also increase over time.
After mole removal, antiseptic cream will be given to prevent wound infection. Patients can shower or cleanse the wound with water or normal saline, gently patting it dry, before applying the antiseptic cream. 3-7 days of scabbing can be expected and thereafter, a pink to red spot will follow for a while before returning to normal skin color.
The cosmetic outcome is generally good, especially when the mole is small and shallow. A slight dent is possible if the mole is a bigger and deeper lesion. Recurrence of the mole is also possible and repeat treatment may be necessary at times. A review 1-2 months later to follow up on the healing and recurrence may be necessary.
Complete excision usually prevents regrowth. Shave excision may leave deeper cells, which could cause recurrence. Your dermatologist will advise based on the chosen method.
If you notice spreading redness, pus, fever, or red streaks, contact your dermatologist. Mild redness or swelling is normal early on.
Apply makeup or sunscreen only after the wound seals, typically after 3 to 5 days. Once healed, sun protection helps reduce scarring.
It’s common to mistake other skin growths for moles. Some may actually be warts, skin tags, or keloids, each requiring a different treatment. If you have a skin bump or growth, it might need wart removal if caused by a viral infection, skin tag removal if it’s a harmless overgrowth, or keloid removal if it’s a raised scar. Unsure about your skin condition? A dermatologist can assess it and recommend the right treatment or removal method.
Facial spots removal typically targets pigment spots, sunspots, or freckles using laser treatments. Mole removal, on the other hand, addresses deeper skin growths and may require excision or electrosurgery for complete removal.
While cryotherapy is often used for treating warts or benign skin lesions, it’s not typically recommended for mole removal — especially if there’s a risk of atypical cells. Always consult a dermatologist for the safest approach.
While unregulated creams or non-specialist services may appear “cheaper,” the best value lies in ensuring the mole is removed safely, completely, and by a qualified specialist. A board-certified dermatologist offers the highest value by providing:
Mole removal creams are not recommended by doctors and are considered unsafe. These unregulated products contain harsh acids that burn the skin tissue indiscriminately. They carry significant risks, including:
Both qualified dermatologists and aesthetic doctors are trained to perform mole removal safely. The key is to ensure your doctor has extensive experience in assessing different types of moles and performing various removal techniques. An experienced doctor will first assess your mole to rule out any signs of malignancy (cancer) before recommending the best removal method for the best cosmetic outcome.
No, the procedure itself is not painful. Before the removal begins, the doctor will administer a local anaesthetic, either via a topical numbing cream or a small injection. Patients typically report feeling no pain or only a tiny pinprick sensation from the injection. You can expect a comfortable and pain-free experience during the actual procedure.
No. At-home methods (cutting, burning or acidic creams) risk infection, scarring and missing an underlying skin cancer. Always see a qualified GP or dermatologist for any mole removal.
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