Laser mole removal?

dodd007

Hi everyone, I read all posts on this site and found it all very helpful. Thought I would share my experience.

Being in London I decided to use Dr Perry at Cosmedics (who i might point out actually made a post on this thread recommending his own surgery without pointng out he was the Dr there!) he suggested the shave method to remove a mole on my face and within 20 mins it was done and I was paying my £220. I didnt feel a thing and he was very nice.

Its been a few days now and the wound is still a bit sore and has now scabbed so im waiting in anticipation to see what it looks like when properly healed. I will post an update in a few weeks time.

yaubelle

Hello,

I thought I would add my experience on here as well if it's of help to anyone.

For quite a number of years now I had been considering getting 2 moles on my face removed. I've absolutely hated them, but always been scared of taking the plunge for fear of scaring. I also read all the posts on this thread but still couldn't make up my mind as to whether or not to go for it and which procedure to go for.

Anyway, tocut the long story short,about 3 weeks ago I finally took the plunge and had 5 moles removed. I had them all cut out on recommendation by my dermatologist. The 2 on my face were removed for cosmetic reasons, 1 on my stomach, 1 on my back and 1 on my shoulder for health reasons.

The procedure was fine, and afterwards I only felt a slight discomfort. The stitches were taken out 10 days later and over all I have been very pleased with the result.

What worried me the most was the potential scaring I would have on my face. I had been warned by various doctors that I could very well be left with quite prominent scars and advised not to do it. One of the moles on my face was 8mm and raised, the other probably half the size. Well I have to say I have been really amazed by the results. 3 weeks down the line I only have slight scarring which could be passed as a slight blemish on my face and with time these should fade even more.

I saw a relative of mine (who is a doctor) yesterday, and she could not believe the result, i.e how well my face has healed and how minimal the scaring has been. She said that if I had not mentioned to her what had happened, she would hardly have noticed.

As the for others: the one on my shoulder has not healed very welll. about 2 days after the stiches were out, the wound split open. It is now healing but I shall definitely be left with a clear scar, probably something that looks like a burn mark. The other 2 on my body have healed pretty well, but the best result has undoubtedly been my face, and the one I was most concerned about.

I have to say, about 3 days after the procedure I took the dressing on my face off so the wound could be exposed to the air and I think that really helped aid the healing process.

I had the procedures done at a clinic in London and the whole thing including the initial consultation cost just over £1100. Very expensive, but am so,so glad I had it done as I was so self-conscious about the large moles on my face.

Backlight

Backlight wrote: »

This forum has been an excellent resource and certainly provided reassurance while deciding on the most suitable procedure to undertake.

I had consultations at both the Snowberry Lane Clinic and the Nottingham Laser Clinic. The doctors at both clinics were excellent and were very reassuring and provided advice on the best methods or removing the moles I was interested in having removed. It was a bit disconcerting that both doctors recommended slightly different procedures for removing the same moles. This obviously made for a difficult decision on which clinic and procedure to undertake. Nottingham thought all of the moles could be removed using the radio surgery method, while Snowberry thought some should be removed using elliptical incision.

I untimely decided to have the procedure done by Dr Hamilton at Nottingham. As others have stated the procedure is quick and relatively painless, the needle they use for freezing is thin and after a slight stinging sensation the pain is gone. There was no pain during or after the procedure. The wounds healed over quickly and looked like a cigarette burn (as others have mentioned). I had the procedure a week or so ago and things are looking positive, seem the moles are gone but I’ll be able to comment more accurately after the scabbing is completely gone.

Dr Hamilton was very professional, the consultation was helpful and the procedure seems to have worked. I’ll post again later with a status update on the healing process and if any scars are evident.

As some people have asked about having moles removed on the NHS I thought I would comment on this as well. I have had a mole removed on the NHS previously, it was slightly raised and would sometimes case issues with shaving so it was removed free of charge. They doctor froze the area and shaved the mole slightly below skin level with a scalpel, this did not require stitches as the incision was not deep enough. I am happy with the results as well but I don’t believe this method would work with flat moles as there is in essence nothing to shave off.

Wow – it’s been three months already. Thought I would update the forum on my results.

Unfortunately they were not as good as I had hoped; all of the moles which I wanted to have removed were flat. As the wounds healed I was optimistic about the results but after they healed there was slight scaring and most of the pigment was still there. It was really disconcerting as I was hopeful to have more removed in the future. If there is any consolation I’m happy I did not decide to have more removed in my first procedure as this would have essentially been needless expenditure.

Nottingham offers a second complementary procedure to remove any remaining pigment, which I may at least try, although as these moles are flat I’m not sure how effective it will be. I believe they want you to wait six months from your initial procedure to ensure the healing in complete.

Still does not look like there is a failsafe, scar free, cost effective method to remove moles. Can live and hope! I’ll update again if I go back for a second follow up procedure.

Cowboy.

Excellent, I wonder if others have updates to provide on their procedures.

Loislane_2

Hey guys,

I have been keeping a really close eye on this thread, and I read every single post there was. I have a few problems myself, and I would appreciate it if someone was to answer.

I'm going to be 15 soon, and I have quite a few moles round my body (sizes vary). Even though the ones you can see are generally small, I have quite a few, and it really knocks down my confidence. At 15 years old, I already lack confidence and these do not help.

I have put so much research into all this information recently and I have decided I would like some removed, small or large, simply for cosmetic reasons.

My questions are:
- How much would it cost me?
- Would I need my parents with me?

I would appreciate any help, thankyou.

dmg24

Hi LoisLane,

From what you have written, it sounds like your issues are based around low self esteem. Cosmetic surgery will not solve this. Perhaps you would be best discussing your concerns with your GP?

dmg24

Just realised I never posted about my experience at Nottingham Laser Clinic ...

I had a consulation with Dr Maini, who I understand is the head of the clinic. Dr Maini decided that my mole would need to be removed by an elliptical incision (which would be the same procedure used in the NHS). He then went on to explain the Fraxel treatment, which would eradicate the scarring that the incision would leave. When I explained that this would be out of my price range (over £1000 for one mole), he said that they were open to negotiation on price! I really felt that I was getting the hard sell, and therefore left.

I was very disappointed that Dr Maini came across as a salesman rather than a clinician. However I was more concerned that he asked no questions regarding the (rather complex) medical conditions that I had listed on the medical form.

Until Nottingham Laser Clinic start to remember that they are offering medical services, I would avoid!

Loislane_2

dmg24 wrote: »

Hi LoisLane,

From what you have written, it sounds like your issues are based around low self esteem. Cosmetic surgery will not solve this. Perhaps you would be best discussing your concerns with your GP?

Thankyou for you're fast responce.

I understand where you are coming from, but it would generally make me feel better If i got them removed. I would definitely like them removed, so If you have any help to my questions, shoot!

TheGreenBean

Hello I've been following this thread for a while so have decided to post about my mole removal, incase its helpful to anyone.
I visited my gp in the summer about getting a mole removed off my face which was raised and about 7mm and made me very self concious, so really wanted it gone. I asked him about nottingham but he told me not to risk it and made me an appointment at the hospital to see what they think about it. When i went i asked them about getting it removed for cosmetic reasons but they ended up saying it needed removing for health reasons, therefore i could get it on the NHS which i was chuffed about. The nurse then said that i would get it shaved off, which i was ok with.
So, when the time finally came for me to get it removed (about 6 weeks later), i went to the operating theatre and the surgeon said that he will cut it out instead, so that it would all be gone.
The procedure went well and i had my stitches took out 10 days later and the scar is hardly noticeable now, the surgeon did a great job I have been using bio oil on the scar for a few months which i think has helped. I am very glad that I got it done.

Mine'sAPintPlease

Thought I'd quickly add my experiences as it might be of help to somebody. I've been to see a specialist at a private hospital (Nuffield) who specialises in skin cancer. I have several moles I'm looking to have removed, and I suggested if the laser treatment was an option. They suggested it's not a good idea for removing moles at all as it's only removing the surface and all removed moles need to be checked by a pathologist. They also said a big 'no' to the creams and various other mole solutions you can find online.

My experience has been very easy so far and whilst I will have to pay probably a four figure sum, I see it as a wise investment in the long term.

So if you're concerned about a mole (or several in my case), I really would recommend going to see your GP at first, who will then probably refer you to a specialist as in my case.