Mole removal using radiowaves – a summary
| When to do it | For the selected lesions that the dermatologist assesses as suitable for this method following a clinical and dermoscopic examination |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | Local anaesthetic or anaesthetic cream |
| Duration | The removal itself takes just a few minutes; the whole appointment, including the consultation and anaesthetic, takes longer |
| Stitches | Not required |
| Analysis | The removed tissue is sent for histopathological analysis |
| Procedure performed by | Consultant Dermatologist |
What are moles?
Moles are mostly harmless skin changes caused by the accumulation of melanocytes, pigment-producing cells. Most people have between 10 and 50 moles; they can be flat or raised, light to dark brown, black, pink or skin-coloured. Some are barely noticeable, while others are an aesthetic nuisance or located in places where they are easily irritated. More about the types of moles, monitoring them and choosing a removal method can be found in the text Everything About Moles – Dr Marina Ćirović | Imedic.
Who is a candidate for radiowave removal?
The radiowave method is considered for moles that the dermatologist, after an examination, assesses as harmless and suitable for this procedure. Most commonly, these are raised moles, pedunculated moles, and smaller growths that cause functional or aesthetic issues – they catch on clothing or jewellery, get irritated during shaving, or the patient dislikes their appearance.
Not every mole is suitable for this method. The choice depends on the type of lesion, its depth, size and location, as well as the doctor's assessment. Before making a decision, a dermoscopic mole check, and when there is any doubt or the lesion needs to be removed in its entirety for analysis, priority is given to surgical removal of a mole. Laser ablation leaves no sample for analysis, so it is not used when the alteration needs to be examined.
Examination and preparation before removal
Removal is preceded by dermatologist appointment, during which the lesion is assessed clinically and dermoscopically and the most suitable method is chosen. For lesions that have been previously monitored digital dermoscopy, previous scans help with the assessment.
It is important to tell the doctor:
- which medicines and supplements do you take, and in particular blood thinners;
- Do you have an allergy to local anaesthetics or plasters?;
- do you have an implanted pacemaker, defibrillator or other electronic medical device;
- have you previously had problems with wound healing or prominent scars;
- are you pregnant or do you have any chronic illnesses?.
Bring your previous findings, if you have them. The prescribed therapy should not be stopped independently; any changes will be decided by the doctor.
What does mole removal using radiowaves look like?
1. Examination and choice of method
The dermatologist examines the lesion with a dermatoscope and confirms that it is suitable for radiowave removal. If not, they suggest another method. Radiowaves are also used for certain other benign lesions, including papillomas and soft fibromas, and the choice of method depends on the diagnosis.
2. Anaesthesia
The treatment site is disinfected, and then an anaesthetic cream is applied or a local anaesthetic is given via needle, depending on the size and location of the lesion.
3. Removal and sample
Using a radiowave knife, the lesion is precisely removed with minimal damage to the surrounding skin. The waves simultaneously seal tiny blood vessels, so the wound practically does not bleed. The removed tissue is kept as a sample for analysis.
4. Wound protection
Stitches are not required. The wound is covered with a protective plaster, if necessary, and heals on its own.
5. Instructions and control
The patient receives wound care instructions and information on when the test results will arrive, which the dermatologist will interpret at the follow-up appointment.
Is the removed tissue sent for analysis?
Yes. And when a mole is removed for aesthetic reasons, the removed tissue is sent for histopathological analysis – an examination under a microscope which is the only way to provide final confirmation of the nature of the lesion. For this reason, the lesion is removed in such a way that it reaches the pathologist in a form suitable for analysis.
The test result is usually available in a few working days to two weeks, depending on the laboratory and the type of lesion. The result is interpreted by a dermatologist, who explains what has been found and whether further steps are needed.
Care and recovery
The return to daily routines is usually immediate, but complete healing takes longer. The wound typically heals in 7 to 10 days, and a thin scab forms in its place first, which falls off on its own.
- washing – the wound can be washed normally, with gentle drying;
- covering and products – plaster and skincare preparation are used according to the doctor's instructions; a local antibiotic is not routinely needed for every small wound;
- make-up and shaving – across the treated area only once the wound has healed;
- workout, swimming pool and sauna – are avoided until the wound heals;
- sun – the treated area is protected from the sun for several months, so that the skin does not darken.
You should contact a doctor if the wound bleeds and the bleeding does not stop after applying pressure, if increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus appear, or if the wound does not heal within the expected timeframe.
Scar and skin discolouration
After healing, the site of the removed mole usually leaves a small, flat, round mark, initially pink and becoming lighter over time. In some people, the skin at that spot may remain lighter or darker than the surrounding area. The final appearance depends on the size and depth of the lesion, its location, skin type, and sun protection during healing.
If the scar remains more pronounced or uneven, it can be treated with a CO2 laser, what the dermatologist decides after the scar matures.
Radiowave mole removal price
Current prices are listed in dermatology price list. The price depends on the number, size and localisation of the lesions, and the removal plan is determined after an examination.
Who performs radiowave mole removal?
Frequently asked questions about radiowave mole removal
Is the radiowave method suitable for every mole?
No. Suitability depends on the type, depth, size and localisation of the lesion. A dermatologist assesses this during the consultation and, if the radiowave method is not the best choice, suggests an alternative procedure.
Does the removal of a mole with radiowaves hurt?
Pain is not felt during the procedure, as an anesthetic cream is applied beforehand or a local anaesthetic is administered. The injection when administering the anaesthetic can be unpleasant, and the area may be temporarily sensitive after the procedure.
When can makeup and shaving be used over the treated area?
Only when the wound has completely healed and the scab falls off on its own, usually after 7 to 10 days. Until then, that area must not be shaved, and make-up must not be applied directly to the wound.
When are training, the swimming pool and sun exposure possible?
Heavy sweating workouts, swimming pools and saunas should be avoided until the wound has healed. The treated area should be protected from the sun for a few months in order to reduce the risk of skin darkening.
Can a mole reappear?
That's fine, because the radiowave method, unlike the surgical one, does not guarantee the removal of all mole cells in the deeper layers of the skin. If pigment reappears in the same place, the lesion should be shown to a dermatologist, along with the report from the previous histopathological analysis, in order to decide on the further course of action.
When should one consult a doctor after the procedure?
If the wound bleeds and the bleeding does not stop after applying pressure, if increased redness, swelling, warmth or pus appear, if you have a high temperature, or if the wound does not heal within the expected timeframe.
Can multiple moles be removed in a single appointment?
Certainly, when the doctor assesses that it is safe. The number of changes depends on their size, localisation and the overall scope of the procedure.
When is the procedure postponed?
The procedure is postponed in the event of a skin infection or inflammation at the site of removal, and in cases of acute illness. If a pacemaker, defibrillator or other electronic medical device is fitted, a special assessment is required, as this depends on the type of device and the method of radio wave application. Chronic conditions, such as diabetes or epilepsy, are evaluated individually by the physician. During pregnancy, removal for cosmetic reasons is postponed until after pregnancy.
Book radio-wave mole removal in Belgrade
The Imedic Polyclinic is located at Kneza Miloša 23 street, 2nd floor, Belgrade. Opening hours: Monday–Sunday, 9:00–21:00.
Appointments are made by phone: 064 237 0707. If you contact us from abroad, we are also available via Viber and WhatsApp on the same number.
Author: Dr Ivica Jeremić
Doctor of Medical Sciences (Molecular Medicine and Immunology), subspecialist in rheumatology, dermatology resident.
Updated:
Expert sources
- Curley RK, Cook MG, Fallowfield ME, Marsden RA. Accuracy in clinically evaluating pigmented lesions. BMJ. 1989;299(6690):16–18.
- Use of antibiotic-containing ointment versus plain petrolatum during and after clean cutaneous surgery. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (PubMed 17052511).
- Management of cardiac implantable electronic devices around the time of dermatological procedures requiring electrosurgery: an important guidance update (PubMed 38038380).
