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Skin

Moles, Skin Lumps & Bumps

Doctor-Led Assessment and Considered Removal of Skin Lesions

At The Skin Doctor, every mole, lump or bump is medically assessed by Dr Chris Irwin before any removal is performed. Many benign lesions can closely resemble skin cancer, which is why diagnosis always comes before treatment.

All patients begin with an initial 20-minute doctor-led skin review, during which lesions are examined using high-resolution digital dermatoscopy. This allows accurate diagnosis and ensures the safest and most appropriate removal method is chosen.

Our approach focuses on diagnostic certainty, cosmetic outcome, and long-term skin health, rather than simply removing a lesion as quickly as possible.

Skin

Why Every Lesion Is Medically Reviewed

Skin lesions may include:

  • Benign moles (naevi)
  • Seborrhoeic keratoses
  • Skin tags
  • Cherry angiomas
  • Cysts
  • Dermatofibromas
  • Lentigines (sun spots)
  • Other age- or friction-related growths

Some lesions that appear harmless can resemble:

  • Melanoma
  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Atypical or dysplastic naevi

For this reason, all lesions are examined by a doctor under digital dermatoscopy before any removal is considered.
 If a lesion requires biopsy, monitoring, or referral for specialist management, this will be discussed and arranged appropriately.

Skin

Your Initial Skin Review (20 Minutes)

Every patient is booked into a doctor-led skin review. During this appointment, Dr Irwin will:

  • Take a focused medical and dermatological history
  • Examine the lesion using digital dermatoscopy
  • Determine whether the lesion appears benign
  • Discuss the most appropriate removal technique
  • Explain cosmetic considerations and recurrence risk
  • Outline costs, healing time and aftercare
  • Photograph the lesion if required for documentation or monitoring

If removal is appropriate, treatment is often performed on the same day.

If you have multiple lesions or would like a broader assessment, a comprehensive pathway using state of the art full body mappingmay be recommended: Comprehensive Skin Checks

Skin

Removal Options for Benign Lesions

The method used depends on the type, depth, behaviour and location of the lesion, as well as cosmetic priorities and recurrence risk.

Radiofrequency (RF) Removal

Radiofrequency uses controlled thermal energy to precisely remove or contour superficial benign lesions, while minimising trauma to surrounding skin.

RF may be suitable for:

  • Skin tags
  • Seborrhoeic keratoses
  • Small, superficial benign lesions
  • Cosmetic refinement of lesion bases

RF is selected when it offers a predictable cosmetic outcome for the specific lesion and skin type.

Laser Removal (Erbium laser ablation – Er:YAG)

Laser treatment vaporises benign lesions with controlled depth and precision, allowing fine cosmetic contouring.

Laser may be suitable for:

  • Seborrhoeic keratoses
  • Selected benign raised lesions
  • Pigmented or vascular benign lesions where appropriate
  • Refinement of residual lesion bases after other techniques

Laser is used only once a lesion has been medically assessed as benign and appropriate for ablation.

Shave Removal (Used in Combination)

In some cases, lesions are partially shaved at the same time as RF or laser treatment.

Shave removal may be performed:

  • To improve cosmetic contouring of raised lesions, and/or
  • To obtain tissue for histological analysis before ablating the base

After shaving:

  • The tissue can be sent for pathology when indicated
  • The base of the lesion is then treated with RF or laser to improve blending and reduce recurrence risk

This combined approach is commonly used for raised moles and other elevated benign lesions where both cosmetic outcome and diagnostic certainty are priorities.

Surgical Excision

Surgical excision removes the entire lesion, including deeper components, and allows full histopathological assessment.

Excision may be recommended when:

  • A lesion is deep, tethered or nodular
  • Complete removal offers the lowest recurrence risk
  • Diagnostic certainty is best achieved through full excision
  • A linear scar is likely to provide the best long-term cosmetic result

Excision is often the preferred option for:

  • Cysts
  • Dermatofibromas
  • Deep or fibrotic lesions
  • Selected moles where complete removal is reassuring

While excision results in a linear scar, it often provides the most durable and definitive outcome. The main downside is a larger scar, as well as having to keep care of the scar for 3-6 months for optimal cosmetic results (lasered lesions require far less post procedure cares).

Skin

After Treatment

Depending on the method used, you may experience:

  • Mild redness
  • Light crusting
  • Temporary darkening
  • Mild swelling

Healing time varies based on lesion type and location. You will receive clear, personalised aftercare instructions to support optimal healing and cosmetic results.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Only lesions confidently assessed as benign are suitable for cosmetic removal.

Because RF and laser destroy tissue. Digital dermatoscopy — and histology when appropriate — ensures lesions are treated safely and correctly.

Shaving removes the raised component. RF, laser, or excision is used to address deeper components where appropriate, but lesions can recur.

Some benign lesions can recur. Your doctor will explain recurrence risk and how it varies by lesion type and treatment method.

Let's start

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you are seeking cosmetic removal or expert advice, we provide:

  • Doctor-led diagnosis
  • Advanced digital dermatoscopy
  • Histology-guided decision-making
  • Carefully selected removal techniques

Book a Lesion Assessment

For focused review of up to three spots:
 Targeted Skin Spot Check

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