0455 859 548If you’re planning on having a facial mole removal treatment, it can help to know what to expect ahead of time and how to get ready.
Whether the mole is raised, flat, or sitting in an area that’s prone to friction or irritation, radiofrequency (RF) mole removal is one of the techniques that may be used to remove it with a high level of precision.
Cosmetic doctor Dr Scott prefers to perform facial mole removal treatments with radiofrequency (RF) technology to ensure higher quality results than what was traditionally achieved with excision techniques.
Before your appointment, Dr Scott and our team can outline what to do to prepare, but having a general understanding of what preparation might involve ahead of time is always a good idea.
In this blog, we’ll look at how to prepare for RF facial mole removal, what to expect on the day, and what you can expect for recovery afterwards.
What radiofrequency (RF) facial mole removal involves
RF mole removal works by delivering radiofrequency energy through a fine-tipped electrode to target and break down the mole’s tissue.
It’s not a laser – the RF current essentially dissects the mole layer by layer without applying heat directly to the surface of the skin.
The main benefit of using radiofrequency for facial mole removal is that the energy is very controlled, which can allow for better precision around surrounding skin.
In some cases, particularly if the mole is raised, there may be minimal disruption to the lower layers of skin, which often helps the treated area settle over time without significant scarring.
That said, everyone’s skin responds differently, so results will still depend on factors like the depth of the mole, your skin type, and how you care for the area afterwards.
Before your consultation
Before booking in for the procedure, you’ll usually have a consultation with your practitioner so that they can assess the mole, ask about your medical history, and check whether it’s suitable for RF treatment.
It’s important that you let them know if you have any history of keloid scarring, take medications that affect healing (like blood thinners or certain acne treatments), or have had recent sun exposure to the area. You might also be asked about any previous mole removals and how your skin responded.
In some cases, if there’s any uncertainty about the mole or if it has changed in colour, shape, or size recently, your practitioner may suggest seeing a dermatologist first. Mole removal for cosmetic reasons is quite different to removal for diagnostic purposes, so it’s always best to have anything suspicious reviewed carefully before undergoing the procedure.
What to do in the days leading up to the procedure
There’s not a huge amount you’ll need to do in the lead-up, but it’s still important that you’re mindful of a few factors.
You’ll want to avoid excessive sun exposure on the area being treated for at least a week or two beforehand, as sunburn or irritation can delay your procedure. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wearing a hat if the mole is in a sun-exposed area (like your cheeks, forehead or nose) is a simple way to prevent this.
If you currently use active skincare products with strong ingredients, it’s best to stop using them on the treatment area a few days before your appointment. These ingredients can increase skin sensitivity and may affect how your skin reacts to the treatment.
You should also avoid alcohol the night before, as it can thin the blood slightly, which may increase the chance of slight bleeding during the procedure. It’s also helpful to stay hydrated in the days before your treatment.
What to expect on the day of your facial mole removal treatment
On the day, the treatment area will be cleansed and a local anaesthetic will usually be applied. The anaesthetic helps numb the area so that you’re more comfortable during the procedure.
Once the area is numb, the RF device is used to gradually remove the mole, usually in a few fine layers. The whole process is usually quite quick, often taking under 30 minutes, depending on how many moles are being treated.
Once the treatment is finished, the area may be covered with a small dressing or left open, depending on the location of the treatment area.
Planning for your aftercare period
Even though RF facial mole removal doesn’t require stitches, the treated area is still essentially a small wound and will need time to heal.
You’ll usually be given aftercare instructions that explain how to keep the area clean and whether or not to apply any ointment. It’s important that you avoid using anything harsh on the skin while it’s healing.
Scabbing is normal and part of the healing process. It’s best not to pick at it, even if it starts to flake off early. Prematurely removing a scab can expose the skin underneath and increase the risk of a mark forming. The area may also appear slightly red or pink as it heals, which is normal. You should also avoid wearing makeup over the treated area until the scab has fallen off naturally and any broken skin has fully healed over.
Your practitioner may also advise you to avoid swimming, using saunas or doing high-intensity workouts for a few days after, just to avoid irritation or moisture buildup around the site. You should also protect the area from the sun, as UV exposure during healing can increase the chance of pigmentation.
Radiofrequency (RF) Facial Mole Removal with Dr Scott: Experienced Brisbane Cosmetic Physician
For higher quality facial mole removal results, Dr Scott prefers to use the radiofrequency (RF) mole removal technique.
With over 20 years of experience in aesthetic medicine and general practice, Cosmetic Doctor Dr Scott Horsburgh is passionate about helping patients achieve the results that they want.
As well as facial mole removal, the RF treatment may also focus on removing benign lesions from other areas of the body. It is suitable for benign moles, cherry angiomas, skin tags, seborrheic keratosis and warts.
Please feel free to reach out to our team to book your consultation.
