Mole removal

When should a mole be checked?

• Change in size, shape or colour.
• Irregular borders or uneven pigmentation (ABCDE rule).
• Itching, bleeding or scaling.
• New mole appearing after age 30.
• Family history of melanoma.

How is the mole removed?

Removal is performed in our clinic's operating room under local anaesthesia. The mole is excised in full with a small margin of healthy skin, and the wound is closed with sutures that are removed after 7–14 days. The procedure takes 15–30 minutes.

Histological examination

The removed mole is sent for microscopic examination to confirm it is benign. The result is usually available within 1–2 weeks, and we discuss it with you.

Scarring and cosmetic outcome

Any surgical removal leaves a fine scar. On the face we use techniques that minimise scarring. Very large moles or extensive areas may be better referred to a plastic surgeon.

Suspicious moles belong in a work-up, not in cosmetic removal

If melanoma is clinically suspected, the lesion belongs with a dermatologist, a plastic surgeon or a hospital department under the Danish Health Authority cancer pathway for melanoma. We do not remove a suspicious pigmented lesion as a cosmetic procedure, because that can delay the diagnosis. If you are unsure, we will look at the lesion and help you into the right pathway.

Price and referral

If you are in health insurance group 1 and have a valid referral from your GP, the examinations and treatments covered by the clinic's public health agreement are covered by the Danish public health insurance, so you pay nothing for them yourself. If you are in health insurance group 2, there is usually a small co-payment under the health insurance rules. If you are paying yourself, contact the clinic for a price. For purely cosmetic reasons it is a self-payer service – call the clinic for a quote.