Do mole removal creams work?

Doctor's Answers 1

It is difficult to give you a definite answer on whether such creams are effective because it ultimately depends on what are the ingredients present in the cream.

In my opinion, the safest and most effective way to remove moles would be either by surgical or laser mole removal.

Surgical mole removal refers to removing the mole by cutting it out under local anaesthetic. Don't worry, it sounds a lot scarier than it really is! First, a quick numbing injection is given and the mole removed surgically and a few stitches are applied to close the wound. This is a simple procedure that typically takes 5-10 minutes for most small moles.

The advantage of this method is that moles are completely removed from the deep layers of the skin and recurrence is extremely rare. Also if the mole appears suspicious, it can be sent off for analysis to confirm that it is harmless. I'd admit that scarring will most likely be obvious initially, but most patients barely notice it after 6-12 months. This is my preferred method for removing raised moles.

Laser mole removal is most useful for small flat moles. A numbing cream is applied and a highly effective pigment laser is used to “burn off” the pigmentation from the mole. The procedure can be done in less than 5 minutes and patients are left with a small wound that will scab up over 1 week and then fall off, leaving a small brown area.

Most flat moles will disappear after 1 treatment. Sometimes a few sessions are required if the mole is a little raised or if the pigment cells are deeper. I always counsel patients that there is a risk the lasered moles may recur over time, but the same procedure can be easily repeated.

Similar Questions

Is mole removal at NSC cheaper than at a private clinic in Singapore?

I think the charges for mole removal in Singapore at private clinics or NSC are pretty comparable. The cost at NSC depends primarily on factors like: Size and location of mole Method of removal (excision vs lasers) The cost for excision removal at NSC starts from $300 – $400 and up, and only requires 1 session. The cost for laser removal at NSC starts from $300 and up, and typically requires a few sessions. Not all moles can be lasered off. As NSC rates are standardised, you may be able to find some private clinics that do it for cheaper.

Where is the best place for mole removal in Singapore?

There are many clinics in Singapore that do mole removal. Private clinics are usually a little more pricey than government hospitals such as National Skin Center. However, National Skin Center’s waiting list is usually very long, can be up to 3-6 months. The more important factor to consider is to get your mole assessed properly before getting it removed. Laser removal over many sessions may not be a good way to remove a mole because the risk of mole recurrence can be high, and the mole cannot be assessed in the lab for any signs of skin cancer.

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