A mole, medically known as a melanocytic naevus, is a common skin lesion formed by a collection of pigment-producing cells called melanocytes.
Moles can be flat or raised and may be skin-coloured, pink, brown or darker depending on your skin tone and the type of mole. Some are present from birth while others develop throughout childhood and early adult life.
Most moles are harmless, but it is useful to become familiar with your own skin so that you can recognise a new lesion or changes in an existing mole.

You should have a mole checked if you notice that it is new, changing or looks noticeably different from your other moles.

Changes that should prompt assessment include:

• increasing size
• changing shape
• an irregular or blurred border
• changes or variation in colour
• itching or pain
• bleeding, crusting or oozing
• any mole that continues to change over time

A new or changing mole does not necessarily mean skin cancer, but it should not be ignored. NHS guidance recommends seeking medical assessment if you notice a new mole or changes in an existing one.

If you are concerned about a mole, a professional skin assessment can help determine whether further investigation is required.

The ABCDE guide is a useful way of recognising some of the changes that may need medical assessment:

A — Asymmetry
One half of the mole looks different from the other.

B — Border
The edges become irregular, blurred or poorly defined.

C — Colour
There are different or uneven colours within the mole.

D — Diameter
The mole is increasing in size. Diameter can be helpful when assessing a mole, although smaller lesions can also require investigation.

E — Evolving
The mole is changing in size, shape, colour or appearance or develops new symptoms such as itching, bleeding or crusting.

The most important feature is often change. If something on your skin is new, evolving or looks different from your other moles, it is sensible to have it assessed.

Many benign moles have a relatively consistent appearance and remain stable over time. However, it is not always possible to determine whether a mole is harmless simply by looking at it yourself.
A medical assessment considers factors including the mole’s size, shape, colour, border, history and whether it has changed or developed symptoms.
At Thames Skin Clinic, we assess the lesion before discussing cosmetic treatment. If there is uncertainty about the diagnosis or concerning features are identified, cosmetic removal would not be the appropriate next step and further investigation or specialist referral may be recommended.

If a mole has features that could suggest melanoma or another skin cancer, the priority is diagnosis rather than cosmetic removal.
Where appropriate, you will be advised to see your GP or be referred for specialist dermatology assessment. NICE recommends that lesions suspected of melanoma are assessed through the suspected cancer pathway.
This is why assessment before mole removal is important. A lesion should not simply be treated cosmetically without first considering what it is.

Yes. Some benign moles can be removed for cosmetic reasons if their appearance or location bothers you, affects your confidence or if they repeatedly catch on clothing or jewellery.
The most appropriate treatment depends on the type of mole, its size, depth and location and the result you are hoping to achieve.
Before cosmetic mole removal at Thames Skin Clinic, your mole is assessed by a doctor to determine whether it appears benign and whether cosmetic treatment is appropriate.
If there are any concerning or uncertain features, we will advise further assessment rather than proceeding with cosmetic mole removal.

Any procedure that removes a mole has the potential to leave a mark or scar because the skin needs to heal following treatment. The final appearance depends on several factors including the size and depth of the mole, its location, the removal technique and your individual healing response. The British Association of Dermatologists also advises that surgical mole removal carries a risk of scarring.
Some areas can heal with a very subtle mark while other areas may develop more noticeable scarring or changes in pigmentation.
At Thames Skin Clinic, we consider both the lesion itself and its location before recommending treatment. The aim is to achieve the best possible cosmetic result while prioritising healthy healing and skin safety.

A mole can occasionally recur after cosmetic removal, particularly if mole cells remain deeper within the skin.
Whether this is likely depends on the type and depth of the mole and the technique used to remove it.
If a mole appears to return or a previously treated area begins changing in appearance, it should be reassessed rather than repeatedly treated without review.

Comfort is an important part of mole removal. Depending on the type of lesion and the treatment being performed, local anaesthetic may be used to numb the area before removal.
Patients may be aware of the treatment taking place but the area should be appropriately anaesthetised where required.
Your doctor will explain what to expect before treatment and you will also be given aftercare advice to support healing.

Healing time varies according to the size, depth and location of the mole and the method used to remove it.
Initially, the area may look red and a small crust or scab may develop as the skin heals. The early healing phase is usually much shorter than the time it takes for the final colour and appearance of the skin or scar to settle.
We will explain the expected recovery and aftercare for your particular treatment during your appointment.

No. You should not cut, burn, freeze or attempt to remove a mole yourself.
Apart from the risk of bleeding, infection, pigmentation and scarring, attempting to remove a mole without first establishing what the lesion is can delay appropriate medical assessment.
A mole should be properly assessed before deciding whether cosmetic removal is suitable.