When it comes to skin health, many of us are tempted to take matters into our own hands. With the rise of DIY beauty hacks and home remedies video content readily available on social media platforms, it looks like an easy feat to remove moles and skin tags at home. However, before you grab that pair of scissors or a bottle of apple cider vinegar, let’s explore why seeking professional help is the safest and most effective route for mole removal and skin tag removal in Singapore.
Moles and skin tags are common skin growths that can appear anywhere on the body. Moles, or nevi, are usually brown or black and can be flat or raised. According to the National Cancer Centre Singapore, approximately 1 in 5 Singaporeans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, making it essential to monitor any changes in moles (source: 1). Skin tags, on the other hand, are small, soft pieces of skin that hang off the body and are often found in areas where skin rubs against skin or clothing.
The Importance of Monitoring
While most moles are harmless, it is crucial to keep an eye on them. The Singapore Health Services reports that any new or changing moles should be evaluated by a licensed MOH doctor to rule out skin cancer. The ABCDE rule is a helpful guideline for identifying potentially problematic moles:
Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
Colour: The colour is not uniform and may include shades of brown, black, or even red, white, or blue.
Diameter: The mole is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.
Find out more about what to look out for regarding moles and skin tags in our comprehensive guide.
The Risks of DIY Removal
While the allure of DIY mole removal and skin tag removal may seem appealing, it comes with significant risks:
Infection: Cutting or removing a mole or skin tag at home can lead to infection, which may require medical treatment. A study published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found that improper removal techniques can lead to complications, including scarring and infection (source: 2).
Misdiagnosis: Not all moles are benign. Some may be precursors to skin cancer. An experienced medical doctor can accurately assess the nature of a mole and determine whether it requires removal. The American Academy of Dermatology states that early detection of skin cancer significantly increases treatment success rates (source: 3). The survival rate for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is 99% when detected early (source: 4).
Improper Techniques: Many DIY methods lack scientific backing and can lead to improper removal. For instance, using home remedies like duct tape or essential oils may not only be ineffective but can also cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. A survey conducted by the British Journal of Dermatology found that 30% of individuals who attempted DIY removal experienced complications (source: 5).
Why You Need a Professional
Expertise and Safety
When you choose to have a mole or skin tag removed by a professional, you benefit from their expertise. Our doctors at Bay Aesthetic Clinic are trained to recognise the signs of skin cancer and can provide a thorough examination. We also use sterile techniques to minimise the risk of infection and ensure a safe mole removal or skin tag removal process.
Experienced Scientifically-Backed Techniques
When considering mole removal in Singapore, it's essential to understand the different techniques available and their suitability for your specific needs. At Bay Aesthetics Clinic, we offer both laser mole removal and surgical excision, each backed by scientific evidence and performed by experienced medical professionals.
Laser Removal
This technique utilises focused laser energy to remove moles precisely. The laser targets the pigment in the mole, effectively breaking it down.
Pros: Laser mole removal is often favored for its quick procedure time, generally painless experience, and lower cost compared to surgical options. It also doesn't require stitches, leading to a potentially faster healing process.
Cons: However, a key limitation is that the removed tissue cannot be sent for laboratory testing to check for skin cancer. Additionally, laser mole removal may have a higher recurrence rate compared to surgical excision. It is generally considered a suitable option for small, flat moles less than 2-3mm in diameter, small skin tags, and small seborrheic keratoses.
Surgical Mole Removal
This technique involves surgically cutting out the mole and the surrounding tissue.
Pros: Surgical mole removal offers the advantage of allowing the removed tissue to be sent for laboratory testing (biopsy) to check for skin cancer. This is crucial for suspicious skin lesions. Surgical excision also generally has a lower recurrence rate compared to laser removal.
Cons: However, it typically involves a higher cost, requires stitches, and may result in a longer healing time. Surgical mole removal is generally recommended for suspicious skin lesions that require testing and larger moles (greater than 3mm in diameter).
Each method has its advantages, and our doctors at Bay Aesthetic Clinic can recommend the most suitable option based on your specific condition.
Cosmetic Outcome and Scarring After Mole Removal
It's important to have realistic expectations regarding the cosmetic outcome and potential for scarring after mole removal, regardless of the technique used. All mole removal methods, whether laser or surgical, can result in some degree of scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH).
Scarring: The type of scar that results can vary depending on the technique used. Laser mole removal typically results in a round scar, while surgical mole removal typically results in a linear scar. The size and appearance of the scar will also depend on factors such as the size and location of the mole, your skin type, and your body's natural healing process.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH): PIH is a common occurrence after mole removal, especially in individuals with darker skin tones. It refers to the darkening of the skin in the area where the mole was removed. PIH is usually temporary and can be treated with topical creams or laser treatments.
Scar Improvement Options
At Bay Aesthetics Clinic, we offer various treatments to help improve the appearance of scars after mole removal. Laser resurfacing treatments, such as PicoSure laser, can be effective in reducing the visibility of scars and improving skin texture. Topical scar creams and other treatments may also be recommended.
Aftercare and Monitoring
Post-removal care is crucial for healing and preventing complications. Our doctors will provide you with tailored aftercare instructions, which may include keeping the area clean, avoiding sun exposure, and monitoring for any signs of infection. Regular follow-up appointments can help ensure that your skin heals properly and that any new growths are monitored.
Mole & Skin Tag Removal at Bay Aesthetics Clinic
While the DIY approach to mole removal and skin tag removal may seem tempting, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Seeking professional help ensures that you receive safe, effective treatment tailored to your needs. Remember, your skin is your body’s largest organ, and it deserves the best care possible.
At Bay Aesthetics Clinic and Medispa, patients seeking mole or skin tag removal will first undergo a thorough medical examination, which includes clinical photography to document the characteristics of the skin lesion. During this consultation, a personalised treatment plan will be discussed to ensure the most suitable approach for each individual.
Once the skin lesion is removed, our team will focus on scar management through specialised skincare and laser treatments to achieve aesthetically pleasing results.
Dr. Bernard Tan and Dr. Hoe Ying Min bring over 20 years of combined experience and surgical training in Facial Plastic Surgery. They have successfully performed a significant number of mole and skin tag removal procedures, demonstrating their proficiency as Aesthetic Doctors. Their expertise ensures that patients receive optimal cosmetic outcomes.
While the recurrence or regrowth of skin lesions is uncommon, occurring in approximately 5-10% of cases, it can be disappointing for patients. To address this, Bay Aesthetics Clinic and Medispa offers complimentary treatment for any skin lesion that reappears within three months of the initial procedure.
Mole & Skin Tag Removal Prices at Bay Aesthetics Clinic
Electrocautery or laser removal (suitable for small <3mm and flat lesions; will leave a large round scar; unable to send to lab for testing)
$88 per lesion (body)
$180 per lesion (face and neck)
Surgical removal with microstitching by doctor (suitable for lesions >3mm, raised lesions, able to send to lab for testing if growth is cancerous, will have a small linear scar)
$300-500 per lesion (body)
$500-800 per lesion (face and neck)
$800-1200 in cosmetically complex areas (eyelids, nose, lips)
Prices will depend on the location of the mole/skin tag/skin lesion and the complexity of the procedure.
Consultation fee: $80
Histology fee: $250 per specimen
Medication and skin care: $150-200
For insurance claims, medical reports and histology reports (if sent) will be provided free of charge.
With over 10 years of experience in aesthetic treatments, Dr Hoe Ying Min serves as the Medical Director at Bay Aesthetics Clinic. She has extensive hands-on experience in lasers, injectables, body-shaping and skin-rejuvenation procedures, and is known for her careful, personalised approach that aims for natural-looking outcomes.
Bay Aesthetics Clinic and Medispa is a doctor-led clinic located in the Marina Bay Financial Centre that delivers medical aesthetics and medispa treatments in a calm, professional setting. With a focus on safety, visible results and accessibility, the team uses only US FDA and HSA-approved technology, applies a holistic view to beauty and wellness, and avoids hard-selling or pressure tactics.
Open from 11 am daily (until 8 pm Mon-Fri; 6 pm Sat/Sun) and conveniently situated within walking distance of two MRT stations
