In the United Kingdom, laser mole removal is a popular and effective option for individuals looking to have a mole removed. However, one question that often comes up is, “how much does it cost to remove a mole with a laser in the UK?”
In this post, we will take a closer look at the cost of laser mole removal in the UK and discuss some of the factors that can impact the overall cost of the procedure.
We’ll also address some alternative options that may be more budget-friendly for those on a tight budget to help you make an informed decision about whether laser mole removal is the right option for you and how much you can expect to pay for it.
A mole is a type of growth found on the skin, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The moles are often dark in colour and can appear as a small spot or a raised bump on the skin. Moles are also known as nevus.
Moles are caused by the accumulation of pigmented cells (melanocytes) in one area of the skin. Moles can be present on the skin at birth or may develop later in life.
Most moles on any part of the skin are benign and do not cause any problems. However, some moles can become cancerous; such cancerous moles are called Melanoma. Different types of moles can be found on the skin, including:
Common Moles: These moles are usually small (around the size of a pencil eraser), are often round, and have a smooth, symmetrical shape. Common moles are typically tan, brown, or black and are benign.
Dysplastic Moles: These moles are larger than common and can be irregular. They may have an uneven colour, with shades of tan, brown, or black. They tend to be raised and have a bumpy or smooth surface. These moles are often considered atypical and may have a slightly higher risk of becoming cancerous, but most of them are benign.
Junctional Moles: These moles are usually small and flat, typically found on the face, scalp, or trunk. They are usually darker than the surrounding skin and have a smooth or slightly scaly surface.
Compound Moles: These moles are similar to junctional moles but have a slightly raised, bumpy surface. They are usually darker in colour than the surrounding skin.
Dermal Moles: These moles are raised and have smooth surfaces. They are typically red, pink, or brown. They are typically red, pink, or brown. They can be found anywhere on the body but most commonly on the trunk, arms and legs.
It’s important to keep an eye on your moles and to see a dermatologist if you notice any changes in the size, shape, or colour of a mole or if you notice any new moles on your skin. Regular self-exams and professional check-ups often help you to find any potential skin cancers early, when they are most treatable.
It’s also important to protect yourself from excessive sun exposure, as this can increase your risk of developing moles and skin cancer. Wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats, and using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 helps to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Factors That Can Affect The Cost of Laser Mole Removal in the UK
Several factors can affect the cost of laser mole removal in the UK:
Location: The cost of laser mole removal can vary depending on the location of the clinic or medical facility. Treatment in London and other major cities may be more expensive than in smaller towns.
Experience of the Practitioner: A practitioner with more experience and qualifications may charge more for their services.
Type of Laser Used: Different types of laser equipment have different costs, and some clinics may use more expensive equipment than others.
Size and Location Of The Mole: The larger and more visible the mole, the more it will cost to remove it. Moles located in sensitive body areas, such as the face, may also be more expensive to remove.
Number of Treatments Required: Some moles may require multiple treatment sessions to remove, which will increase the overall cost.
Health Insurance Coverage: Some insurance covers mole removal, while others might not. It’s always best to check with your insurance company before proceeding with the treatment.
It is always recommended to check with different clinics or medical practitioners to get an idea of the cost of laser mole removal in your area and to compare prices.
Cost of All Types of Mole Removal in the UK
The cost of mole removal in the UK can vary widely depending on the type of mole, the size and location of the mole, and the method used to remove it.
Shave Excision: This is a common and relatively low-cost mole removal method. It involves shaving off the mole with a scalpel or a razor. It can cost between £50 to £250 per mole, depending on the size and location.
Cryotherapy: This is a procedure in which the mole is frozen with liquid nitrogen. The cost of cryotherapy can vary depending on the size and location of the mole, but it is typically less expensive than laser removal. It can cost between £50 to £350 per mole.
Surgical Excision: This is a surgical procedure in which the mole is cut out of the skin with a scalpel. Surgical excision is usually more expensive than cryotherapy, but it is considered one of the most efficient ways to remove a mole. It can cost between £150 to £750 per mole.
Laser Mole Removal: This method uses a laser to remove the mole. It can cost between £250 to £800 per mole.
Electrodesiccation And Curettage (ED&C): This is a procedure in which the mole is scraped off the skin with a curette (a spoon-shaped instrument) and then cauterized (burned) with an electric current to stop bleeding. This is a less invasive method that can be done under local anaesthesia, and the results are considered very good for some cases, especially for non-melanoma moles. The cost for this procedure could be between £200 to £500 per mole.
It’s worth noting that some moles might require more than one treatment session to be removed, which can increase the cost. Also, the cost could vary depending on the location of the clinic, the practitioner’s experience, and the type of insurance you have. It is important to check with different clinics or medical practices to understand the cost of mole removal in your area and compare prices.
How Much Does Laser Removal of Moles Cost in the UK
The cost of laser mole removal in the UK can vary depending on the location of the clinic or medical practice, the experience of the practitioner, and the type of laser used. In general, laser mole removal is more expensive than other mole removal methods, such as shave excision or cryotherapy.
At private clinics, laser mole removal can cost between £250 to £800 per mole, but the price can rack up to thousands of pounds if you have to remove multiple moles, depending on the size and location of the mole.
Some clinics may charge more for larger or more visible moles or moles located in sensitive body areas, such as the face. Some private clinics may also charge a consultation fee in addition to the cost of the treatment.
At the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, mole removal can be done by GPs or Dermatologists. Still, the availability of treatment might vary between different parts of the UK. Some NHS clinics may not offer laser mole removal and instead may only offer other methods of mole removal, such as surgical excision or cryotherapy.
Mole removal might be covered by the NHS for medical reasons if the mole looks suspicious and requires a histological examination or if it is causing cosmetic concerns and affecting the patient’s quality of life. In these cases, the mole removal would not be chargeable to the patient. However, mole removal that is solely based on cosmetic reasons might not be covered by the NHS.
Steps For The Laser Removal of a Mole
The steps for laser mole removal typically include the following:
Consultation: The patient will have a consultation with a dermatologist or another qualified medical professional to discuss the mole and the laser removal process.
Numbing: The area around the mole will be numbed using a local anaesthetic cream or injection to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Laser Treatment: The dermatologist will use a laser to target and remove the mole. The laser beams target the pigmented cells in the mole, breaking them down and allowing the body to remove them naturally.
Aftercare: After the procedure, the patient will be given instructions for caring for the treated area, including keeping it clean and covered, avoiding sun exposure, and using any prescribed medications or creams.
Follow-up: The patient will return for a follow-up appointment to ensure that the mole has been removed and the wound is healing properly.
Please note the above steps are general guidelines, and the specific steps will vary based on the location, size, and type of mole being treated, as well as the laser equipment and techniques used by the treating doctor. It is also important to take into account that laser removal of a mole should be done only by a licensed practitioner.
FAQs
How much does it cost to remove a mole with a laser in the UK?
The cost of laser mole removal in the UK can vary depending on several factors, such as the size and location of the mole and the type of laser used. The average cost can range from £150 to £350 per session.
Does the NHS cover laser mole removal?
In most cases, laser mole removal is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by the NHS. However, it may be covered if the mole is causing a medical concern or is suspicious of skin cancer.
What factors determine the cost of laser mole removal?
The size and location of the mole, as well as the type of laser used, are the main factors that determine the cost of laser mole removal.
How many sessions are required for laser mole removal?
The number of sessions required for laser mole removal can vary depending on the size and depth of the mole. On average, it may take 1 to 3 sessions to remove a mole completely.
Is laser mole removal a safe procedure?
Laser mole removal is considered a safe procedure when performed by a trained and experienced professional. However, as with any medical procedure, there are risks and potential side effects.
Are there any aftercare instructions following laser mole removal?
Yes, aftercare instructions will be provided by the practitioner performing the procedure. These may include avoiding sun exposure, keeping the treated area clean and moisturized, and avoiding picking or scratching the treated area to avoid infection or scarring.
Can I expect any scarring after laser mole removal?
There is a risk of scarring after laser mole removal, but this can be minimized by following aftercare instructions and avoiding picking or scratching the treated area. The risk of scarring can also depend on the size and location of the mole and the type of laser used.
How can I find a qualified practitioner for laser mole removal?
To find a qualified practitioner for laser mole removal, you can ask for recommendations from your GP or a dermatologist. You can also check the practitioner’s credentials and qualifications to ensure they are trained and experienced in laser mole removal.
Conclusion
You have seen from this post that Laser mole removal is a safe and effective way to remove moles, and it is a popular option in the UK because of its precision and minimal risk of scarring.
However, it is important to note that the cost of laser mole removal can vary depending on several factors, such as the size and location of the mole and whether the procedure is outpatient or inpatient. The cost will also vary depending on the practitioner and whether they are an NHS or private provider.
