As with any surgical procedure, mole removal comes with some risks. While complications are rare, it’s important to be aware of them:
Infection: Any time the skin is cut, there’s a risk of infection. You can reduce this risk by following your plastic surgeon’s instructions for wound care.
Scarring: Scarring is a common side effect of mole removal. There are steps you can take to reduce scarring, such as avoiding sun exposure and using a scar-minimising cream as recommended by your plastic surgeon
Incomplete removal: In some cases, a mole may not be completely removed and may grow back
Nerve damage: This is a very rare side effect, but if a mole is removed from certain parts of the body, such as the face, there is a small chance of nerve damage
Regrowth of cancerous cells: If a mole is removed because it was cancerous, there’s always a chance that not all of the cancer was removed and it could grow back
Before having a mole removed, discuss the risks with your plastic surgeon and make sure you understand what to expect. The procedure is generally safe and effective, but it’s important to go into it with a clear understanding of the potential outcomes.