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Once someone decides they want a mole removed, the next question is almost always the same: how will it actually be done? There isn’t just one answer. Dr Scott uses a few different mole removal methods depending on the mole itself, and this guide walks through what each one involves, what it suits, and how the right approach gets chosen. No single technique is right for every mole, which is exactly why an in-person assessment always comes first.
Why the Method Matters
There’s no one size fits all answer here. Dr Scott looks at how big the mole is, how deep it runs, where it sits on the body, your skin type, and whether anything about it needs a closer look. A raised mole on the cheek and a flat pigmented spot on the back might feel equally unwanted, but they can end up needing completely different treatment.
This is also why mole removal isn’t something to attempt yourself or leave to guesswork. A proper medical assessment is what determines which technique will give the best cosmetic outcome with the lowest risk of scarring, and just as importantly, whether a mole needs anything more than removal at all.
Method 1: Radiofrequency (RF) Removal
Radiofrequency removal works by passing a high frequency electrical current through the tissue to ablate the mole, no scalpel required. Dr Scott offers this method using RF technology at his Brisbane clinic.
How it works: under local anaesthetic, the RF probe shaves the mole flush with the surrounding skin, layer by layer. There’s no cutting involved in the traditional sense, and no stitches are required afterwards.
Best for: raised benign moles, skin tags, seborrhoeic keratoses, and moles in more delicate spots such as the face and neck, where minimising scarring matters most.
Healing: typically 5 to 10 days, leaving behind a shallow pink mark that fades gradually over the following weeks.
Scar profile: generally minimal. Because RF leaves a sterile wound, it also tends to carry a lower infection risk compared with a scalpel incision.
Limitation: RF isn’t suitable for moles that look suspicious or could potentially be cancerous, since these need to be fully excised so the tissue can be examined under a microscope.
Method 2: Surgical Excision
Surgical excision is the traditional method, where the mole is cut out under local anaesthetic using a scalpel, and the wound is closed with sutures.
Best for: any mole that looks clinically atypical and needs full histological examination, moles that sit deeper in the skin, and lesions that can’t be adequately addressed by a shave technique alone.
Healing: usually 1 to 2 weeks, and a small linear scar will remain at the site.
Scar profile: a fine line typically remains, though skilled technique can help keep this as unobtrusive as possible, particularly on visible areas like the face.
If a mole looks atypical or has changed in size, shape, or colour, excision with histology is the medically appropriate path forward, even if it isn’t the option that leaves the least visible mark. Dr Scott will always prioritise your safety over the cosmetic outcome when there’s any clinical concern.
Method 3: CO2 Laser Removal
Then there’s CO2 laser removal, which takes a different approach again. An ablative laser vaporises the mole, working through it one layer at a time.
Best for: flat pigmented lesions, seborrhoeic keratoses, and some superficial raised spots.
Healing: generally 5 to 10 days, with redness that can take weeks to months to fully fade.
Limitation: because laser destroys the tissue rather than removing it intact, it can’t be used where histological examination is needed. You can read more about this treatment’s broader uses on our CO2 laser page.
How Dr Scott Chooses the Right Method
The method is never decided before Dr Scott has actually examined the mole in person. Using dermoscopy, he assesses the mole’s features closely, talks through what you’re hoping to achieve, and factors in your skin type and where the mole sits on your body before recommending an approach. If there’s any clinical indication to do so, removed tissue can be sent off for histological examination, regardless of which method is used.
Why Choose Dr Scott for Mole Removal in Brisbane
Mole removal sits at an interesting intersection of cosmetic and medical care, and that’s exactly where Dr Scott’s background is strongest.
Dr Scott Horsburgh holds an MBBS from the University of Queensland, is a Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practice (FRACGP), and has additional qualifications in skin cancer surgery. This combination means he’s equipped to assess a mole clinically first, and then remove it cosmetically, rather than treating those as two separate steps handled by two different people. He is AHPRA registered (MED0000954670) and brings over 20 years of experience across clinical and aesthetic medicine to every consultation.
Dr Scott is also Head of Derma Medical Australia, training other cosmetic practitioners across the country. All mole removal treatments are performed personally by Dr Scott at Lila Aesthetics, 1/33 Lytton Rd, East Brisbane QLD 4169.
You can see examples of his work on Instagram and LinkedIn.
FAQs
What is the best method for mole removal?
It depends on the mole’s type, size, depth, and location. Radiofrequency shave removal typically suits raised benign moles, while surgical excision is used when histology is required. A consultation with Dr Scott determines which approach is right for your specific mole.
Does radiofrequency mole removal leave a scar?
Not usually much of one. RF removal tends to leave just a small, shallow pink mark that fades over the following weeks, and there’s no need for stitches with this technique.
How long does mole removal take to heal?
RF removal generally heals within 5 to 10 days. Surgical excision typically takes 1 to 2 weeks. Full fading of any residual mark can take several more weeks beyond that.
Can all moles be removed with radiofrequency?
No. Moles with atypical features need surgical excision so the tissue can be examined histologically. Dr Scott assesses every mole individually before recommending a removal method.
Is mole removal covered by Medicare in Australia?
Cosmetic mole removal is generally not covered by Medicare. Removal may be eligible for a partial rebate only when there’s a genuine medical reason, such as suspected skin cancer. Read our full Medicare and mole removal guide for more detail.
Ready to Discuss Your Mole?
If you’re considering having a mole removed and want to understand which method might suit it best, book a consultation with Dr Scott. He’ll assess the mole in person and talk you through the most appropriate option for your skin and your goals.
Book a Consultation with Dr Scott
Further Reading about Mole Removal with Dr Scott:
- Read Dr Scott’s mole removal service page
- Read Dr Scott’s blog: Does mole removal always result in scarring?
- Read Dr Scott’s blog: Mole removal in Brisbane: costs explained
- Read Dr Scott’s blog: Mole removal and Medicare cover in Australia
Medical References:
- Healthdirect Australia: Moles
- Cancer Council Australia: Skin cancer and moles
- Cleveland Clinic: Mole removal
This article is general information only and doesn’t replace personalised medical advice. All mole removal procedures carry risks, including the possibility of scarring, and outcomes vary between individuals. Dr Scott Horsburgh, AHPRA MED0000954670, assesses every mole and recommends a removal method on a case-by-case basis during consultation.
