Laser Mole/Lesion Treatment
What Is It?
In this treatment we remove moles and benign surface lesions from the skin with a laser, one at a time. Each lesion is a separate target, and we don’t sweep across the whole area.
With light and laser treatments that cover an area, the aim is to reduce scattered colour. Here we want to remove one particular lesion. So the first step is assessment. I look at how the lesion looks, at its borders and at whether it has changed over time; if there is any doubt, I ask for a dermatology assessment before doing anything.
More detail: BBL — light covering a wide area, Pigmentation Treatment — typing the pigmentation
How Is It Done?
After looking at the lesion, we apply a topical anaesthetic cream to the area. We place the laser pulses along the border of the lesion. The procedure takes 15-30 minutes on average, depending on how many lesions there are. A crust forms afterwards, and we wait for it to come off on its own. We usually plan 1-2 sessions.
Who Is It For?
It suits benign lesions that catch on clothing, get nicked when you shave, or whose look bothers you. We decide on each lesion separately. In the same person I may find one lesion suitable and send another for assessment first.
Lesions with irregular borders, or that change colour, grow or bleed, are outside the scope of this treatment; I refer those to dermatology first. A tendency to keloid, uncontrolled immune disease, active infection in the area, pregnancy and breastfeeding change the plan. On tanned skin, I decide the timing.
Results & Duration
The crust stays for a few days. Once it comes off you will see a pinkish patch underneath, which blends in with the surrounding skin within a few weeks. Protecting it from the sun during this time decides how the colour of the mark settles. The effect is reported to be long-lasting. Some lesions can reappear over time, and then we plan a second session.
What Is Not Promised
This treatment is not a diagnostic method, so it can’t stand in for the assessment of a suspicious lesion. A mark may remain on the skin afterwards; no one can promise that it won’t. It doesn’t correct scattered colour and doesn’t do the work of treatments that cover an area. It doesn’t stop new lesions from appearing either. I make no promises about the number of sessions or the result.
Key Benefits
- Lesion removal
- Clean appearance
- Short procedure time
“With moles I don’t rush. When a patient of mine says “can you take this one off too?”, I look at it first: are the borders regular, has it changed? If there is any doubt, the laser waits; a proper assessment comes first.”
— Dr. Sinan Akyürek
Frequently Asked Questions
Can every mole be removed with a laser?
No. We decide on each lesion separately; I refer lesions with irregular borders, changing colour or growth for a dermatology assessment first.
Will a mark remain?
It can. Healing depends on your skin type, the area and how closely you follow the aftercare; no one can promise that no mark will remain.
What is recovery like?
A few days with a crust. We wait for it to come off on its own, and you leave it alone. After that you keep protecting the area from the sun.
How does it differ from BBL?
BBL covers a wide area and goes after scattered colour. Here we target lesions one by one, and we always assess them first.