Why It’s Important to Monitor Your Moles and Skin Lesions

Moles and skin lesions can vary widely in appearance and potential health risks. Some may be harmless and purely cosmetic, while others could indicate underlying medical concerns such as skin cancer.

At JR Medical, we offer specialized dermatological services in Essex, including mole and skin lesion assessments, expert consultations, and a variety of treatment options tailored to your needs. Our goal is to ensure that every skin lesion is accurately diagnosed and treated with the utmost care, prioritizing both your health and cosmetic outcomes.

Enquire now

    Moles and skin lesions are common, and most are benign (non-cancerous). However, some skin lesions can disguise themselves as harmless when they may, in fact, require medical attention. Regular monitoring of your skin is crucial, especially if you have a history of skin cancer or melanoma in your family.

    It is vital not to take skin lesions lightly. A lesion that looks benign may sometimes be more serious, and conversely, a harmless lesion could look alarming. Given this variability, it is always best to have a professional assessment by an experienced dermatologist.

    Over 30 years experience

    All mole and skin lesion removal treatments are administered by an experienced professional and include a free follow-up consultation to review your treatment as part of our ethically responsible service.

    ENQUIRE NOW

    When Should You Have a Mole or Skin Lesion Checked?

    While most moles are not dangerous, it is important to be vigilant and look for any changes. You should consult a dermatologist immediately if a mole or lesion shows any of the following characteristics:

    • Changes in Shape: Irregular or asymmetrical moles should be evaluated.
    • Changes in Colour: Moles that darken or develop multiple colours (brown, black, red, or blue) may be concerning.
    • Itching or Bleeding: A mole that begins to itch, crust, flake, or bleed warrants immediate attention.
    • Changes in Size: Moles that become larger over time, especially rapidly, should be examined.
    • Raised from the Skin: Moles that become raised or develop new, uneven borders should be professionally assessed.

    Regular skin checks, either by yourself or with a dermatologist, are essential for early detection of potentially malignant lesions.

    Mole and Skin Lesion Treatments Available at JR Medical

    At JR Medical, we provide several treatment options for mole and skin lesion removal, based on the type, location, and potential health risks associated with the lesion.

    • Laser Mole Removal: For benign lesions such as seborrheic keratosis, pigmented lesions, xanthelasma, and skin tags, laser removal offers a safe, non-invasive option. The laser acts as a precise cutting tool, cauterizing the base of the lesion to prevent bleeding while minimizing the risk of scarring. This technique is especially beneficial for cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the face, where scarring needs to be minimized.
    • Cryotherapy: For skin tags, warts, and sun-damaged lesions like actinic keratosis, cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove the lesion. This quick and effective treatment also works for some benign growths and scars, offering a non-invasive alternative to surgical excision.
    • Hyfrecator Treatment: This technique uses electrical energy to destroy benign skin lesions such as warts or seborrheic keratosis. It is a useful alternative for patients who may not be suitable candidates for laser or cryotherapy.
    • Excision and Pathology Analysis: If there is any suspicion that a mole or lesion may be malignant, we may recommend surgical excision by a dermatologist surgeon. A biopsy will be sent for pathological analysis to determine whether further treatment is necessary.
    mole lesion

    Why Choose JR Medical for Mole and Skin Lesion Removal?

    At JR Medical, we are dedicated to delivering exceptional dermatological care, specializing in mole and skin lesion removal. Our clinic, based in Southend-on-Sea, provides a comfortable and professional environment where patients can receive tailored treatment from our highly experienced dermatologists.

    We use state-of-the-art technology to ensure precision and optimal results, all while prioritizing patient safety. Our procedures are designed to minimize discomfort and downtime, allowing you to return to your daily activities as quickly as possible.

    As a CQC-registered clinic and a proud member of the British Association of Dermatologists, we uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism. You can trust JR Medical for expert treatment in the safe removal of moles and skin lesions.

    How Laser Mole Removal Works

    Laser mole removal is a fast and minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of a specialized CO2 laser.

    The laser beam acts like a fine surgical blade, excising the mole with precision and simultaneously cauterizing the area to prevent bleeding. This method ensures minimal scarring, making it ideal for lesions in sensitive or visible areas of the skin.

    • Number of Treatments Required: Most benign lesions, such as age spots, sunspots, flat moles, and seborrheic keratosis, can be removed in one or two sessions. In some cases, such as deep birthmarks or nevi, multiple treatments may be required.
    • Post-Treatment Care: After the procedure, the treated area will darken and form a protective scab. This scab typically falls off within 7-14 days, revealing smoother, clearer skin underneath. We recommend applying sunscreen to the treated area for six weeks after treatment and avoiding direct contact with water for 24 hours. Makeup can be applied to the rest of the face from the next day, though it should not be applied to the treated area until the scab has naturally fallen off.

    Alternatives to Laser Mole Removal

    In some cases, alternatives to laser mole removal may be more appropriate. These include:

    • Cryotherapy: This technique freezes the mole or lesion using liquid nitrogen, causing the tissue to die and eventually fall off.
    • Cautery: This method burns the mole or lesion using an electrical current, effectively destroying the tissue.
    • Surgical Mole Removal: For larger or deeper moles, traditional surgical excision may be recommended. This involves cutting the mole out and closing the area with stitches.
    • Mole Shaving: This technique involves using a small blade to shave off the mole without deep excision.

    While these methods can be effective, they tend to carry a higher risk of scarring, especially for extensive or deeply pigmented lesions such as birthmarks. Laser treatment is often preferred because it offers precision, minimal downtime, and reduced scarring.

    Consultation and Diagnosis at JR Medical

    Given the wide range of skin lesions and the varying degrees of treatment required, it is essential to undergo a thorough consultation before proceeding with any treatment. At JR Medical, our dermatologists use advanced diagnostic tools, including dermoscopy (a skin microscope), to assess your skin lesions in detail. This ensures an accurate diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment plan.

    • Initial Consultation and Assessment: We charge £75 for an initial consultation, during which we will carefully examine your lesion. In cases where further investigation or a second opinion is needed, we can refer you to our consultant dermatologist.
    • Treatment Plan: Following the consultation, we will discuss the best treatment options for your specific case. Whether it’s a benign mole requiring simple removal or a suspicious lesion requiring further investigation, we will ensure you receive the most effective treatment in a safe and professional environment.

    Post-Treatment Follow-Up and Care at JR Medical

    At JR Medical, we believe that proper follow-up care is crucial for ensuring optimal healing and long-term results after any mole or skin lesion removal procedure. To ensure that your treatment is successful and that no complications arise, we provide a comprehensive follow-up schedule that includes both short-term and long-term check-ups.

    One-Week Post-Treatment Check-Up

    Within one week after your mole or skin lesion removal, we will schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your initial healing progress. During this one-week check-up, our Consultant Dermatologist will carefully examine the treated area to:

    • Evaluate the healing process: We will check for any signs of infection, excessive redness, or swelling around the treatment site. While mild redness or scabbing is normal, any unexpected changes will be addressed promptly.
    • Ensure proper scab formation: For treatments such as laser mole removal or cryotherapy, the treated area will typically form a scab as part of the healing process. At this visit, we will ensure that the scab is developing properly and that the surrounding skin is healing as expected.
    • Address patient concerns: This follow-up allows you to discuss any concerns you may have, such as discomfort, itching, or appearance of the area. If you are experiencing any discomfort or side effects, we can recommend appropriate aftercare measures, such as applying a mild topical ointment or adjusting your skincare routine.

    In most cases, patients are healing well by this stage. However, if any issues are identified during the one-week check-up, we will provide immediate care or adjust your treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcome.

    Six-Week Post-Treatment Check-Up

    To ensure full recovery and long-term success of the treatment, we conduct a more thorough follow-up six weeks after your procedure. During this check-up, we will:

    • Confirm complete healing: By six weeks, the treated area should have healed completely, with the scab fallen off and new, healthy skin formed. We will assess whether the healing is progressing as expected and whether any signs of lingering redness, swelling, or scarring are present.
    • Evaluate the cosmetic outcome: Our dermatologist will assess the appearance of the treated area, checking for any potential scarring or skin discoloration (hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation). If any minor cosmetic concerns arise, such as pigmentation irregularities, we may recommend additional treatments or skincare products to improve the skin’s appearance.
    • Ensure no recurrence or complications: For any suspicious or potentially malignant lesions, we will ensure that the area shows no signs of recurrence. If a biopsy was performed, we will review the pathology results to confirm that the lesion was fully removed, and no further treatment is necessary.
    • Offer further treatment if needed: While most lesions heal completely within this time frame, some patients may require additional treatments or adjustments to their aftercare. For example, if the mole or lesion was particularly deep or large, there may be a need for a secondary procedure or further laser treatments to refine the results. If any new concerns arise, they will be addressed promptly.

    This six-week follow-up is an essential part of our commitment to patient care. It allows us to ensure that your treatment has been fully successful, and it provides peace of mind, knowing that your skin is healing properly and looks its best.

    Why Follow-Up Care Is Important

    At JR Medical, we emphasize the importance of follow-up care because it allows us to ensure that your treatment has been fully successful, both from a medical and cosmetic standpoint. Skin lesions, especially suspicious or potentially malignant ones, require careful monitoring after removal to ensure there are no signs of recurrence or complications. Our goal is not just to treat the immediate lesion but to provide you with the comprehensive care needed for your long-term skin health.

    By scheduling both the one-week and six-week follow-ups, we can closely monitor your healing process, address any issues early, and provide additional treatments if necessary to ensure the best possible outcome. Whether your concern is medical or cosmetic, we are committed to providing personalized care every step of the way.

    Long-Term Monitoring for High-Risk Lesions

    For patients who have had suspicious or pre-cancerous lesions removed, or who have a family history of melanoma or skin cancer, we recommend ongoing monitoring of your skin. Regular skin checks, either with your GP or dermatologist, are essential for early detection of any new or changing lesions. At JR Medical, we offer ongoing skin cancer screening services to help monitor for any signs of recurrence or new concerns.

    Comprehensive Aftercare Guidance

    In addition to in-clinic follow-ups, we provide all patients with detailed aftercare instructions following their procedure. These guidelines are designed to minimize the risk of infection, promote faster healing, and ensure optimal cosmetic results. Some key aspects of aftercare include:

    • Wound care: Keep the treated area clean and dry for the first 24 hours. Avoid applying any skincare products, lotions, or makeup directly to the lesion until the scab has naturally fallen off.
    • Sun protection: Protect the treated area from direct sunlight by applying a high SPF sunscreen once the scab has fallen off. Sun exposure can cause pigmentation changes in the healing skin, so diligent use of sunscreen for at least six weeks post-treatment is essential.
    • Avoid scratching or picking: It is crucial to avoid touching, scratching, or picking at the scab, as this can delay healing and increase the risk of scarring.
    • Report any unusual symptoms: While rare, complications such as infection or allergic reactions can occur. If you notice any unusual symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, pus, or fever, contact our clinic immediately for advice.

    Our team is always available to answer any questions or provide support during your recovery, ensuring that you feel confident and informed throughout the healing process.

    –

    Other Surgical Treatments

    Blepharoplasty

    blepharoplasty

    Hair Transplant

    hair transplant England . hair transplant Essex

    Cryotherapy

    earlobe surgery

    Earlobe Stitching

    earlobe stitching