Mole Shave / Excision
Selected moles and benign skin lesions may be removed by shave or formal excision depending on their features, location and clinical assessment.
The Procedure
Approximately 30–60 minutes depending on lesion and technique
Usually local anaesthetic
Hospital Stay
Outpatient / day case
Drains
No
Recovery
Local wound care is required. Healing time and scar appearance depend on technique, lesion size and anatomical site.
Time Off Work
Usually none to a few days depending on site
Driving
Usually immediately if comfortable and no sedating medication has been used
Procedure Details
The appropriate removal technique depends on the lesion, diagnosis, depth, location and cosmetic considerations. Any lesion with concerning features requires appropriate clinical assessment and, where indicated, histological examination.
Shave removal removes a raised lesion at or near skin level, while excision removes the lesion through the full skin thickness and usually requires sutures. Technique is selected after examination.
Follow up
Wound/suture review and histology follow-up where indicated