Mole Removal Cost

Moles are dark or black pigmented skin spots. Most people have them on their face and body, though the number varies. Those with fair skin have a higher probability of having moles. While they are harmless in majority of the cases, moles may turn cancerous, requiring immediate medical attention. Signs of melanoma or malignant moles are change in moles such as increased size and shape, pain, ulceration and at times, bleeding. These symptoms are not observed for harmless moles. Consequently, removing them is not at all necessary.

While some prefer removal of mole for therapeutic reasons, most people get it removed for cosmetic purpose. Mole removal at home can be considered or it can be done under the guidance of a doctor. Of course, the cost will be higher if it is performed by a medical specialist. However, for safety purpose, it is better to get it done by a surgeon. If it is to be conducted as a part of a cosmetic surgery procedure, a prospective candidate should gather mole removal information, like effectiveness, cost and complications, before finalizing the procedure.

How much does Mole Removal Cost?

As with any cosmetic or therapeutic procedure, the total cost of skin mole removal vary based on certain aspects. To mention a few, geographical location, reputation of the clinic, type of procedure and the consulting doctor matter a lot in determining the cost of mole removal. Also, the size of the mole, number of moles and medical risks (if any) are taken into account. Say for example, the fees for taking off a larger congenital mole will be higher. Similarly, the procedure for removing a single mole costs less, in comparison to multiple mole removal charges.

Removing a mole is covered by insurance, under the condition that the procedure is conducted for medical reason. On the contrary, taking off a skin mole just for beautification is not covered by insurance policies. Usually, the charges for getting a mole removed due to medical requirements are lower than those performed for cosmetic purposes. In other words, the cost of getting rid of a mole without insurance is way higher than with insurance. For the insurance company to cover the cost, it requires proof indicating that the mole is causing problematic symptoms to the patient.

Another reason for high cosmetic mole removal cost is the technique used in the process. Laser method costs more than cutting and shaving methods. In maximum cases, laser method is followed for cosmetic mole removal, so as to ensure minimal skin injury and less scarring. The typical cost for mole removal falls somewhere between USD 125-150. Nevertheless, it may be as high as USD 400, depending on the method used for removing mole and additional tests performed before the procedure.

If more than one mole is removed at a time, the cost per mole may be low (starting from USD 50). Extra charges may be added for additional tests. If the concerned doctor suspects a mole to be a cancerous mole, cells from the area are collected for malignancy test. Known as punch biopsy test, the cells are sent to laboratories to check, whether they are cancerous or not. If the result comes positive, mole removal is done as soon as possible, with certain precautionary measures.

As you see, there is no standard mole removal cost as such. Nevertheless, do not settle for a low-cost quote that promises to give good results. Despite the cost, there are certain factors that one should consider before finalizing the procedure. First of all, inquire about the after effects and risks. As it involves scarring the skin, chances are high that the treated area will develop a scar afterward. Others complications include nerve damage, excess bleeding and regrowth of moles. Last but not the least, getting the mole removed by a certified surgeon or dermatologist is important to reduce post surgery problems.