- Medical Removal: Necessary if a mole shows signs of cancer (ABCDE rule). It typically involves cutting (excision) and a biopsy. It is often claimable under insurance/Medisave.
- Cosmetic Removal: Elective removal for moles that are bothersome or unsightly. Usually done via Laser or Shave. It is not claimable.
- The Golden Rule: Never laser a suspicious mole. It destroys the tissue needed for cancer testing.
Do you know you can have 10 to 40 moles on your body? While most are harmless, some may change in ways that signal a need for medical removal. Other times, a mole might be in a spot that bothers you, aesthetically or physically. That’s when cosmetic mole removal comes into play.
In this article, we walk you through both types of mole removal, how doctors in Singapore decide what’s necessary, and what each process looks like from start to finish.
What Are Moles?
Moles, also called nevi, are common skin growths. These small, dark brown spots are clusters of pigment‑producing cells that appear anywhere on the body. Most develop in childhood and early adulthood, and they vary widely in shape, colour, and texture. Their appearance can change or fade over time.
How Doctors Decide If a Mole Needs Medical Removal
While changes in appearance are normal for moles, not all of them are benign or easy to live with. Here’s how doctors decide if a mole should be removed for the safety of patients.
The 'ABCDE' Assessment Method
The ABCDE method is a quick way to spot moles that warrant closer inspection:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other
- Border: Irregular or blurred edges
- Colour: Multiple colours or uneven pigmentation
- Diameter: Larger than about 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser)
- Evolving: Any change in size, shape, colour, or sensation
If a mole ticks more than one of these boxes, our dermatologists will look more closely, sometimes using a dermatoscope, a tool that magnifies the lesion and reveals deeper structural clues.
When a Mole Needs a Biopsy
Not all concerning moles need to be removed immediately. Sometimes the best next step is a biopsy, in which we remove a small piece of the mole and send it for microscopic review. This helps confirm whether cells are benign, precancerous, or malignant.
Notice a mole changing shape? Don’t wait. Book a skin cancer screening with DermAlly’s dermatologists today.
Methods of Mole Removal: Medical vs Cosmetic
The right method of mole removal depends on whether the mole is being removed for medical or cosmetic reasons, as well as its size, depth, and location on the body.
A medical mole removal is designed for complete excision. On the other hand, a cosmetic procedure prioritises your appearance by minimising scarring and targeting only the surface when the mole is harmless but unwanted.
Medical Mole Removal
For suspicious moles, changing, or potentially cancerous.
The Goal: Complete removal and testing (Biopsy).
The Method: We cannot use lasers here because lasers burn the tissue, leaving nothing to test. We must physically cut it out to send it to the lab.
Punch Excision:
We use a specialised circular tool to remove a “core” of tissue containing the entire mole. Best for small, deep moles.
Elliptical Excision:
The standard for larger or suspicious moles. The doctor cuts an oval shape around the mole to ensure clear margins. It requires stitches.
Is it Claimable? Generally, Yes. If the removal is medically necessary (e.g., to rule out cancer via histology), it is usually eligible for insurance or Medisave claims in Singapore.
Cosmetic Mole Removal
For benign (harmless) moles that you simply dislike.
The Goal: Minimal scarring and better aesthetics.
The Method: Since we don’t need to test the tissue, we can use less invasive techniques.
CO2 Laser Removal:
The gold standard for flat or small moles. Targeted light energy vaporises the pigment cells instantly. It leaves a small scab that heals within a week.
Shave Excision:
A doctor uses a surgical blade to “shave” the mole flat against the skin surface. No stitches are needed. Great for raised moles that snag on clothing.
Is it Claimable? No. Procedures done strictly for aesthetic reasons are not covered by insurance.
| Feature | Medical Removal | Cosmetic Removal |
| Primary Goal | Safety & Diagnosis (Biopsy) | Aesthetics & Comfort |
| Best Method | Surgical Excision / Punch | CO2 Laser / Shave |
| Stitches? | Yes (Usually) | No (Usually) |
| Scarring | A small fine line (fades over time) | Minimal (small flat mark) |
| Insurance? | Likely Claimable | Not Claimable |
Have Your Mole Assessed at DermAlly
We take every mole concern one step at a time. First, your doctor will conduct a thorough skin check and dermoscopic analysis to understand what your mole might be or isn’t. We’ll rule out anything concerning, talk you through your options clearly, and let you know if mole removal, medical or cosmetic, is necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is laser removal painful?
Minimal. We apply a strong numbing cream before the procedure. Most patients feel only a tiny “ant bite” sensation or heat.
Will the mole grow back?
- Surgical Removal: Rare, as the roots are removed during the procedure.
- Laser/Shave: There is a small chance of recurrence if some deep pigment cells remain. Touch-up sessions can be arranged to fix this.
Can I laser a suspicious mole?
If a mole looks suspicious, it must be surgically removed so a pathologist can check it for cancer cells under a microscope. Please do not laser off a suspicious mole.
How much does mole removal cost in Singapore?
- Laser: Typically starts from $100–$250 per mole.
- Surgical Excision: Typically ranges from $400–$800 (excluding biopsy lab fees), but is often claimable.
Our articles are written and reviewed by Dr. Coni Liu (MRCS, FAMS) and Dr. Heng Jun Khee (MRCP, FAMS), Ministry of Health-accredited Consultant Dermatologists at DermAlly.
Both are Fellows of the Academy of Medicine (Dermatology) and previously served as Consultants at the National Skin Centre (NSC), bringing extensive experience in medical, surgical, and aesthetic dermatology. They are committed to making expert-led skin education accessible, practical, and clear, helping patients look and feel their best through evidence-based care rooted in science and compassion.
