Moles and skins growths can be a problem to many people. They may dislike the look of the growth and feel self conscious because of it. They may be worried about the nature of the growth, particularly if it is in an area of high sun exposure or if it has recently grown or changed in any way.

Moles are usually brown in colour and round in shape, either flat of raised. If they have changed recently they should be checked by a doctor to exclude melanoma or skin cancer. Signs to look out for include itching, bleeding, failure to heal, increase in size or change in colour. 

Skin Tags are small fleshy growths, often on a stalk. They usually seen around the neck,underarm, under breasts or in the groin. They are easily removed and are almost always benign in nature. 

Seborrhoeic Keratoses are warty looking skin growths that are usually brown in colour. They are soft and often break off if scratched. They become more common as people get older.

Warts are due to a viral infection of the skin. They are common in people of all ages, particularly on the hands. Verruccas are warts occurring on the soles of the feet. 

Treatment of Moles and Skin Lesions  

At the Skin Rejuvenation Clinic (CosMed Christchurch) we use radio-surgery (Surgitron) to remove benign skin lesions, moles and skin tags. This is a technique using high frequency radio waves to remove the unwanted lesions with minimal damage to the surrounding tissue. This results in a very superficial wound, which usually heals with minimal or no scarring.

The mole or skin lesion is shaved off at the level of the surrounding skin. The resulting wound is automatically "sealed" or cauterised during the procedure and does not bleed. No stitches are required. The wound may then be covered by a protective dressing; however, on the face, some people prefer to leave the wound uncovered for cosmetic reasons. Over the next 7-10 days the area heals by forming a light brown scab, which will fall off to reveal pink new skin. It is essential to refrain from picking or scratching the wound during this healing process. The area continues to mature over the next 6 months or so, eventually fading to match the surrounding skin.

In most cases the mole or skin lesion is sent to the laboratory for diagnosis after it has been removed. In some cases we may suggest a small biopsy before proceeding to the full excision.