You’ve noticed a mole you’d like gone. Maybe it catches on your necklace, maybe it just bothers you when you look in the mirror. But before you book anything, a nagging question creeps in: is this actually safe to remove, or should it be checked first? You’ve probably Googled the ABCDE rule by now and come away more confused than when you started. This is a genuinely common position to be in, and the good news is that seeing Dr Scott resolves both questions in a single visit. He holds qualifications in both skin cancer surgery and cosmetic mole removal, so the assessment and the removal, if appropriate, happen in the same place, with the same doctor.

The ABCDE Rule: What It Actually Tells You

Been down the Google rabbit hole researching moles? You’ve probably already come across the ABCDE rule somewhere along the way. It stands for Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter and Evolution, basically a checklist people use to spot things worth a second look.

In practice, that breaks down like this. With Asymmetry, one half of the mole doesn’t quite match the other. Border is about the edges, whether they’re smooth or a bit ragged and blurred. Colour comes into it when there’s more than one shade sitting in the same mole. Diameter is often pegged at around 6mm, roughly a pencil eraser, though that’s a rough guide rather than a hard rule. And Evolution just means change over time, in size, shape, colour, or new symptoms like itching or bleeding.

One thing worth remembering: ABCDE is a screening guide, not a diagnosis. Ticking a box here doesn’t automatically spell trouble, plenty of harmless moles are a bit asymmetrical or uneven in colour. And a mole that looks perfectly normal to the eye isn’t necessarily safe either. Honestly, that’s the whole point of getting a dermatoscope exam from a qualified practitioner instead of running through a checklist yourself. It cuts out the guesswork; it doesn’t add to it.

When You Should Get a Skin Check First

Some signs mean a skin check should come before you consider removal for any reason, cosmetic or otherwise. It’s worth booking a check if:

• The mole has changed recently in size, shape, or colour.
• It bleeds, itches, or crusts without you having scratched or bumped it.
• The borders look irregular or poorly defined rather than smooth.
• There are multiple colours within a single mole.
• You haven’t had a full-body skin check in the past 12 months. Dr Scott also offers dedicated skin cancer checks if it’s simply been a while since your last one.

None of these signs mean something is definitely wrong. They just mean the mole deserves a proper look before anyone decides what happens next.

When Cosmetic Removal Is Straightforward

On the other hand, plenty of moles are perfectly appropriate for straightforward cosmetic removal once they’ve been assessed. This is generally the case when:

• The mole has already been assessed by a doctor and confirmed benign.
• It has looked the same for years, with no recent change.
• It’s raised, smooth, and evenly coloured.
• Your only concern is cosmetic. Maybe it bothers you visually, or it catches on clothing or jewellery.

Recognise your situation there? In most of these cases, cosmetic removal is a fairly straightforward procedure. That said, an assessment still comes first, always. It isn’t paperwork for the sake of it, it’s what actually confirms removal is the right move..

Dr Scott’s One-Stop Approach: Assess and Remove

This is where Dr Scott’s dual training actually pays off, rather than being just a nice-to-have on paper. Your initial consultation includes a clinical assessment of the mole using dermoscopy, the same method used in dedicated skin checks. If the mole is confirmed benign and suitable, Dr Scott can walk you through removal options in that same appointment.

If something does warrant a closer look or further investigation, he’ll advise you on the appropriate next steps rather than proceeding with cosmetic removal regardless. Either way, you’re not being bounced between a GP, a skin cancer clinic, and a separate cosmetic practitioner. It happens in one consultation, with one doctor who’s qualified to make both calls.

Why Choose Dr Scott for Mole Removal in Brisbane

Few practitioners can genuinely say they’re qualified to assess a mole clinically and remove it cosmetically without referring you elsewhere for one half of that equation. Dr Scott can.

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. He is AHPRA registered (MED0000954670) and brings over 20 years of experience in clinical and aesthetic medicine to every consultation. He is also Head of Derma Medical Australia, training other practitioners around the country in safe technique.

Dr Scott offers both skin cancer checks and cosmetic mole removal from the same Brisbane clinic, a genuine one-stop approach rather than a referral chain. All treatments are performed personally by Dr Scott at Lila Aesthetics, 1/33 Lytton Rd, East Brisbane QLD 4169.

You can see more of his work on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Still Unsure? Let’s Take a Look Together

If you’ve been going back and forth on whether your mole needs a skin check or is fine for straightforward removal, the simplest next step is a consultation. Dr Scott can assess it properly and explain exactly what he sees, with no guesswork on your end.

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 skin cancer check page
• Read Dr Scott’s blog: Does mole removal always result in scarring?
• Read Dr Scott’s blog: Mole removal and Medicare cover in Australia

Medical References:

• Healthdirect Australia: Moles
• Cancer Council Australia: Understanding skin cancer
• Cleveland Clinic: Moles

This article is general information only and doesn’t replace personalised medical advice. Any mole showing signs of change or concern should be assessed by a qualified doctor before removal of any kind. Dr Scott Horsburgh, AHPRA MED0000954670, assesses every mole individually during consultation before recommending next steps.