This page has been supervised and written by specialist physicians at IC Clinic.
A Complete Guide to Mole (Nevus) Treatment
“My mole has been gradually getting larger and I’m not sure what to do.” “Can moles on my face be removed cleanly?”
We receive many such inquiries from patients regarding mole treatment. This page provides a comprehensive overview of what moles are, how they can be treated, and which treatment options are available at IC Clinic. We hope you find it helpful.
What Is a Mole (Nevus)?
A mole (pigmented nevus) is generally an acquired condition. An acquired pigmented nevus is not present from birth; rather, it refers to a state in which nevus cells (which resemble pigment cells) have proliferated in or beneath the skin during the course of growth.
Acquired pigmented nevi are typically classified into four types:
① Unna nevus, ② Miescher nevus, ③ Spitz nevus, and ④ Clark nevus.
① Unna Nevus
These most commonly appear on the trunk of the body. They are typically around 1 cm in diameter and have a soft, nodular texture. The color is often black to dark brown.
② Miescher Nevus
These most commonly appear on the face and scalp. They are often dome-shaped, and may have hair growing from them. With age, they can fade and become closer to skin tone.
③ Spitz Nevus
These tend to develop in relatively younger individuals. The color is often red to black. In rare cases, they can enlarge rapidly, making it necessary to distinguish them from skin cancer (malignant melanoma).
④ Clark Nevus
These most commonly appear on the trunk and limbs. They are often oval in shape, with a slightly darker center that gradually fades toward the edges. They are generally less than 1 cm in diameter.
Symptoms Associated with Moles
Moles can sometimes cause problems that warrant medical attention, such as: obstructing the field of vision when located on the eyelid; catching on a razor during shaving; catching on clothing when dressing or undressing; bleeding when a fingernail catches on the area while washing the face; or the possibility of malignancy.
Mole Treatment May Be Covered by Health Insurance
When moles cause symptoms such as those described above, surgical treatment under the national health insurance system may be applicable.
*If the purpose is purely cosmetic, treatment will not be covered by insurance and will be an out-of-pocket expense.
Conditions That Can Resemble Moles
- Dermatofibroma (Skin Fibroma)
This condition can resemble a mole and commonly occurs on the hands and feet. It is a firm, nodule-like skin tumor that is black to brown in color. It may develop following an insect bite or some form of skin injury.
- Neurofibroma
This is a benign skin tumor arising from peripheral nerves. It is also known to occur in multiple numbers in neurofibromatosis type 1 (von Recklinghausen disease). It can also occur as a solitary lesion and may need to be differentiated from a Miescher nevus.
- Soft Fibroma (Acrochordon / Skin Tag)
Commonly found in areas prone to friction, such as the neck, underarms, and groin. It is a skin-colored, wart-like raised lesion that gradually increases with age and friction. Small ones that develop around the neck are sometimes called acrochordons.
- Seborrheic Keratosis (Senile Wart)
This condition commonly develops in middle age and beyond, and is seen in almost all individuals aged 60 and older. Caused by UV exposure and aging, it involves the hardening of the skin surface, forming raised, brownish, spot-like lesions. It often appears on the face, temples, and around the neck, as it commonly develops on areas exposed to sunlight.
- Basal Cell Carcinoma
This is one of the most frequently occurring skin cancers, commonly developing on the face. As it can resemble a mole, careful differentiation—including consideration of skin biopsy—is important. Complete surgical excision is necessary, and in some cases, referral to a general hospital or university hospital may be required.
- Malignant Melanoma
This is a form of skin cancer that is prone to metastasis and can be life-threatening. It is important to begin treatment promptly upon diagnosis. It frequently develops on the soles of the feet. If this condition is diagnosed, we will arrange a prompt referral to a university hospital or cancer center.
Treatment Options for Moles
Based on the size and location of the mole, the most appropriate treatment method is selected under the guidance of a physician certified by the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
For surgical treatment at our clinic, we follow a plastic surgery approach: incisions are made along the natural skin creases, followed by dermal suturing (deep layer closure using absorbable sutures beneath the skin) and epidermal suturing.
Mole Treatment at IC Clinic
At IC Clinic, we are committed to achieving aesthetically refined, inconspicuous scarring in all of our treatments.
Our clinic offers the following features to help achieve minimal, clean scarring.
We use sutures finer than a strand of hair to perform precise and meticulous closures.
The most appropriate technique is selected from a wide range of surgical methods under the guidance of a physician certified by the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Mole surgery performed by physicians with extensive clinical experience.
※ Patients travel from across Japan—including Tohoku and Okinawa—to receive treatment at our clinic.
We aim to minimize discomfort as well as achieve clean scarring throughout the treatment process.
Mole Surgery Process at IC Clinic
We begin with a consultation.
A physician examines the mole to assess for any signs of malignancy.
Local anesthesia is administered before the procedure begins.
Ointment is applied and the wound is protected with gauze or a bandage.
Our physician and nursing staff will provide detailed instructions on post-operative wound care.
Suture removal is scheduled approximately 1–2 weeks after surgery.
FAQ: Mole Surgery and Treatment
The risk of a common mole becoming cancerous is generally the same as for other areas of skin. Proper diagnosis of any mole is important.
Warts and moles can typically be removed in a single surgical procedure. Suture removal is required approximately 1–2 weeks afterward.
Insurance coverage may apply when the mole is causing symptoms, such as:
· Obstructing the field of vision when located on the eyelid
· Catching on a razor during shaving
· Catching on clothing when dressing or undressing
· Bleeding when a fingernail catches the area while washing the face
In such cases, treatment may be covered by health insurance.
*If the purpose is purely cosmetic, insurance does not apply and costs will be an out-of-pocket expense.
Removal is possible in many cases. Please consult with our physician at your first visit for an assessment.
Local anesthesia is used, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. There may be some mild discomfort when the anesthetic is injected. We use ultra-fine needles and aim to minimize discomfort throughout.
After mole treatment, a minor scar will remain. Eliminating scarring entirely is not possible; our focus is on minimizing the appearance of scars as much as we can.
Insurance coverage is determined by the physician’s judgment (such as functional issues or medical necessity). As a result, insurance-covered surgery is generally limited to one site per treatment session. CO2 laser treatment (self-pay), however, may allow multiple sites to be treated at once, subject to the physician’s assessment.
It is advisable to avoid both for at least 3 days after surgery. If possible, refraining for approximately one week is preferable.
Showering is permitted from the day after surgery. Soaking in a bathtub is best avoided until after suture removal.
It is important to keep the wound clean, use taping to reduce tension on the wound, and protect the area from UV exposure.
We aim to excise the mole so that it does not recur; however, as we perform minimal excision, recurrence is possible in rare cases. If you suspect the mole may have recurred, please return for a follow-up consultation with one of our physicians.
Mole Treatment Fees
| Approximate Guide to Mole Surgery Costs | ||
| Exposed areas | Approx. ¥5,000–¥15,000 (at 30% patient co-payment) ※Consultation and examination fees are charged separately. | |
| Non-exposed areas | Approx. ¥4,000–¥13,000 (at 30% patient co-payment) ※Consultation and examination fees are charged separately. | |
| ※Pathological examination is performed as a general rule at the physician’s discretion, as malignant tumors arising from moles have been reported in the literature. ※Fees vary within the ranges above depending on the location and size of the mole. ※Non-exposed areas such as the trunk, upper arms, and thighs are priced lower than exposed areas. ※In cases of multiple moles, simultaneous surgery on adjacent sites may be possible in some cases, subject to the physician’s assessment. ※In addition to the surgery fees listed above, approximate additional costs include: consultation and prescription fees of around ¥1,000, examination fees of around ¥1,000, and pathological examination fees of around ¥3,000. | ||
Surgical Insurance Benefits
If you are enrolled in a private medical insurance plan or mutual aid association, you may be eligible to claim a surgical benefit if you receive surgery under the national health insurance system following a physician’s diagnosis.
Please note that even if you hold a life insurance policy, benefits will not be paid unless you submit a claim yourself.
If a physician’s written diagnosis is required, please be sure to inform us at the time of your consultation.
Please check with your life insurance company or mutual aid association for details.
(The procedure name will typically be listed as “Excision of Skin and Subcutaneous Tumor” or similar.)
6 Features of IC Clinic That Our Patients Appreciate
1. Team-Based Care
Surgery is performed as a team by dermatologists and plastic surgeons under the guidance of a physician certified by the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
2. Attention to Discomfort
The most appropriate method is selected from a wide range of surgical techniques under the guidance of a certified plastic surgeon, with the aim of keeping discomfort to a minimum.
3. Minimally Visible Scarring
We pay close attention to suturing technique and thread selection, aiming to minimize the appearance of scars.
4. National Health Insurance Accepted
Mole surgery at our clinic may be covered under the national health insurance system, helping to keep costs manageable.
5. Same-Day Surgery Available
We aim to complete procedures within 20 minutes. For smaller moles, surgery can often be completed in around 5 minutes.
6. Convenient Location
Our clinics are located just a short walk from major terminal stations in central Tokyo.
Many patients visit us with the following concerns.
Do any of these sound familiar?
- Those who want moles in visible areas—such as the face or neck—treated as cleanly as possible
- Busy professionals who have difficulty setting aside extended time for treatment
- Women who place a high priority on the quality of post-treatment results
Moles can be removed cleanly under the national health insurance system.
Self-Pay Treatment Options for Moles
Based on the size and location of the mole, the most appropriate treatment method is selected under the guidance of a physician certified by the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. At our clinic, we offer:
Treatment using CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser or high-frequency electrosurgery (radiofrequency scalpel).
What Is CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Laser Treatment? A Treatment Option for Removing Moles and Warts
CO2 laser treatment is used to remove moles, skin tags (acrochordons), raised pigmented spots, and similar lesions. It has minimal impact on the surrounding skin, and because the dermis is preserved at the treated site, scarring tends to be less noticeable. It may also be helpful for acne and acne scarring.
Although a laser is used, discomfort during treatment is typically mild, and the post-treatment impact on daily life is generally small, making it a relatively straightforward procedure. Recovery also tends to be faster than with surgical excision using a scalpel.
Treatment can be applied not only to the face, but also to the décolletage (neck to chest), the back, and other areas of the body.
Who May Benefit from CO2 Laser Treatment
CO2 laser treatment may be suitable for those with the following concerns:
- Those bothered by moles, warts, or pigmented spots
- Those who wish to minimize the impact on surrounding skin
- Those who find treatments involving significant discomfort difficult
CO2 laser treatment can address a wide range of skin concerns, including moles, warts, pigmented spots, acne, and acne scars. As it tends to have minimal impact on surrounding skin and leaves less noticeable scarring, it may be a suitable option for those concerned about the effect of treatment on their skin.
At our clinic, local anesthesia is administered before CO2 laser treatment, helping to reduce discomfort during the procedure.
*For insurance-covered treatment, we follow a plastic surgery approach: incisions are made along the natural skin creases, followed by dermal suturing (deep layer closure using absorbable sutures beneath the skin) and epidermal suturing.
