How much does mole removal cost?
How much does mole removal cost?
$150 – $500 average cost
Average cost of mole removal
Mole removal costs $150 to $500 per mole on average, depending on mole size and location, removal method, and whether the procedure is covered by insurance or not. Insurance typically covers the cost of mole removal for medical reasons. Out-of-pocket costs for uninsured patients or cosmetic mole removal can exceed $1,000.
| National Average Cost | $300 |
| Minimum Cost | $80 |
| Maximum Cost | $2,000 |
| Average Range | $150 to $500 |
Mole removal cost factors
The cost of mole removal depends primarily on insurance coverage and the reason for the removal. Insurance typically covers the removal cost if the mole shows signs of cancer or poses a health risk. Most insurance plans do not cover cosmetic removal. If you're uninsured, you'll be responsible for the full cost.
Other factors that impact the cost include:
Mole size – Moles vary significantly in size, with some as small as 1 to 2 mm—about the size of a freckle—and others larger than the size of a pencil eraser. The mole's size can impact the removal method.
Number of moles – The more moles that need removing, the longer the procedure will take and the higher the cost. Removing several moles may require multiple visits.
Mole location – Removing a mole from a delicate or harder-to-access area requires more precision and extra caution, which may increase costs.
Removal method – The removal method can also impact the cost. Cryotherapy to freeze off flat moles typically costs less than surgical excision. Laser mole removal for cosmetic purposes often costs less than surgical methods used for medical removal.
Pathology fee – A pathology exam costs $50 to $200+, depending on if you're insured or paying out of pocket. Your dermatologist may need to biopsy the mole before removal or send the tissue to a pathologist for examination after removal to confirm it is benign.
Geographic location – Dermatology prices are typically higher in major metropolitan cities. However, prices can also be high in rural areas with fewer dermatologists and limited competition.
What is a mole?
Moles are a common type of skin growth and can be benign (non-cancerous), cancerous, or borderline. Suspicious moles should be examined to ensure a correct diagnosis and treatment. Non-cancerous moles do not require removal, but some people prefer to have them removed for cosmetic reasons.
Types of moles
The most common types of moles include:
Common / acquired mole – These harmless and benign moles, also called common acquired nevi, often appear later in childhood. Most adults have 10 to 40 common moles. Adults with 50 or more common moles are at higher risk for melanoma.
Congenital mole – Also called congenital nevi, these moles are present at birth and occur in about one in 100 people. Congenital moles are more likely to develop into melanoma than common moles, especially if the moles are larger than 8 mm.
Atypical mole – Atypical moles, also called dysplastic nevi, are irregularly shaped, larger than 5 mm in diameter, and may have uneven coloring and borders. These moles can appear anywhere on the body but often appear on areas frequently exposed to the sun.
Spitz mole – Spitz nevi are benign moles that usually appear during childhood and are often mistaken for melanoma. They typically look like round, pink bumps but can also be flat, rough, or appear in other colors.
Consult a dermatologist about any mole that is asymmetrical or irregular in shape, painful, itchy, bleeding, or uneven in color.
Can moles be removed?
Yes, moles can be removed. Mole removal is a quick and simple procedure that is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Your healthcare provider may recommend removing a suspicious or abnormal mole to examine it for cancer cells. Moles can also be removed for cosmetic reasons.
How do dermatologists remove moles?
Dermatologists remove moles through surgical excision, punch excision, shave removal, freezing, or laser removal. The most effective removal method depends on the mole's size and depth, location, and whether the dermatologist suspects the mole is cancerous.
Surgical excision – Cutting out the mole with a scalpel and stitching the skin closed
Punch excision – Cutting out the mole with a special circular tool and suturing the skin afterward if needed
Shave removal – Slicing the mole off the skin's surface with a scalpel or surgical blade
Cryotherapy – Freezing the mole off using a small amount of liquid nitrogen
Laser – Using bursts of focused light to break down the mole tissue
Before removing the mole, your dermatologist will examine it to determine if it is benign or cancerous and select the best removal method. Your dermatologist may biopsy the mole and send tissue to a pathologist for testing before removal or may send the removed mole to the lab for testing after the procedure.
Your dermatologist may refer you to a Mohs surgeon, a dermatologist who specializes in performing Mohs micrographic surgery to carefully remove cancer cells while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
Does mole removal hurt?
A mole removal procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia to minimize pain. However, you might feel a slight pinch or discomfort during the injection of the anesthesia or the actual removal process.
How long does it take for mole removal to heal?
The healing time after mole removal can vary depending on the method used. Shave excisions typically heal within a few weeks, while surgical excisions may take several weeks longer for the skin to fully heal.
Does mole removal leave a scar?
Any mole removal method can potentially leave a scar, but the extent depends on the method used, the size and depth of the mole, and individual healing characteristics. Dermatologists strive to minimize scarring.
Can removing a mole cause cancer?
No, removing a mole does not cause cancer. However, your dermatologist may biopsy the mole before removal or send the excised mole for a pathology exam to check for cancer cells. If a mole shows signs of cancer, removing it is crucial.
Can you remove a mole yourself?
Never try to remove a mole yourself. Self-removal methods—like cutting or using over-the-counter products—can lead to infection, scarring, and incomplete removal, increasing the risk of complications and overlooking potential signs of skin cancer. Always seek professional help from a dermatologist for safe and effective removal.
How to find a dermatologist for mole removal
Follow these tips to help you find the best dermatologist near you:
Ask your primary care doctor for recommendations.
Look for a dermatologist who specializes in mole removal.
Read reviews from other dermatology clients on BetterCare and Google.
Confirm the dermatologist is board-certified.
Verify the dermatologist accepts your health insurance. If you are uninsured, ask about payment options and discounts.
Ask about the costs for the visit, procedure, and any tests that might be necessary.
Questions to ask your dermatologist
Ask your dermatologist these questions to help you make informed decisions about the mole removal procedure:
Does this mole need to be removed?
Is the mole cancerous? Will it require a biopsy before removal?
Which mole removal method do you recommend, and why?
Will removing the mole leave a scar?
Are there any potential risks involved?
How long will it take for the area to heal after the procedure?
Should I return for a follow-up visit? If yes, when?
Will insurance cover the cost of the procedure and any required tests?
What characteristics should I watch out for in a mole?
What other steps can I take to reduce my risk of skin cancer?
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