Laser mole removal

What is important to know about laser mole removal?

Water present in skin cells absorbs light emitted by laser beam; light energy converts to heat energy and water present in cells is thermally affected. Skin lesions, affected by light pulses, are usually painlessly removed. Most commonly, one procedure is sufficient; in rare cases, procedure needs to be repeated.

Laser mole removal is minimally invasive procedure designed to remove moles that cause aesthetic or physical discomfort. Procedure allows removing several moles during one session, features fast healing, low complication risk, and minimal scar probability.

Actinic keratosis removal is removal of precancerous skin lesions appearing due to long-term sun exposure. Early treatment helps prevent these lesions from turning into squamous cell skin cancer.

Important: with laser, only dermatoscopically assessed benign moles can be removed; suspicious or deep skin layer lesions are usually removed surgically with histological examination.

How to prepare for laser mole removal procedure?

• Before laser mole removal, dermatologist consultation is necessary, during which moles are assessed with help of dermatoscopy to rule out malignant tumor possibility.
• Several weeks before procedure, it is advisable to avoid direct sun rays, tanning beds, and self-tanning products.
• Doctor may advise temporarily discontinuing medications or topical preparations that increase skin sensitivity to light, as well as active and aggressive skincare products such as retinoids, acids, or scrubs.
• On procedure day, it is important to arrive with clean skin – without makeup, creams, or lotions. If mole is covered by hair, it may need to be removed.

Procedure course

• Mole area is disinfected; local anesthesia is applied.
• Laser beam is precisely directed at mole, where its energy heats and destroys mole tissue, minimally damaging surrounding skin tissues.

Procedure duration usually lasts about 10‑20 minutes, depending on mole size, number, and localization.

Laser mole removal aftercare

After procedure, wound may hurt; it heals by weeping, scab forms. Physical activity is not restricted; sick leave certificate is not needed.

According to doctor recommendations, wound may be treated with medications; bandage is applied, which is changed for 1–3 days until wound heals. At least 24 hours after procedure, heat, hot water, sauna, and ultraviolet rays should be avoided.

Wound can be wetted 2–3 days after procedure. After bathing, wet bandage must be changed. Formed scabs cannot be touched with hands or scratched. Several days after procedure, topical medications cannot be used: (tretinoin, retinol, glycolic/salicylic acid).

With proper care, healing usually lasts 1–2 weeks, but complete skin recovery can take several months.