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Removal of moles

Professionally updated: March 9, 2026

Moles are very common and occur in most people. In many cases, they are completely harmless, but some moles can change over time or cause cosmetic discomfort. In such cases, it may be appropriate to have them assessed and possibly removed by a dermatologist.

At Lægerne Danmark, our dermatologists offer professional assessment and safe removal of moles. The procedure is performed under sterile conditions with a focus on both medical safety and a neat cosmetic result.

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Jakob Fraes
Specialist in General Medicine, Ph.D.
Read more about Mole Removal. Everything you need to know.

What is a birthmark?

A mole (also called a nevus) is a collection of pigment cells in the skin. Moles can vary in color, size, and shape, and can be either flat or raised. Most people have between 10 and 40 moles on their body.

Moles can appear both in childhood and later in life. In the vast majority of cases, they are completely benign and require no treatment. However, some moles can change appearance over time, and in rare cases, they can develop into skin cancer.

Therefore, it is important to be aware of changes in existing moles or the appearance of new ones.

When should a mole be evaluated?

It may be a good idea to have a mole checked by a dermatologist if it:

  • changes in size, shape, or color
  • begin to itch, bleed, or form sores
  • gets uneven edges or multiple colors
  • growing rapidly
  • clearly different from your other moles

In such cases, a mole examination can help determine whether further assessment or treatment is needed.

These signs do not necessarily mean that the mole is dangerous, but it should be assessed by a specialist.

Consultation with the dermatologist

During a consultation with our dermatologist, the mole will be examined thoroughly. The examination will often be part of a mole check-up, during which the dermatologist will systematically examine your skin.

The dermatologist assesses, among other things:

  • the size and shape of the birthmark
  • color and texture
  • any changes over time
  • your skin type and medical history

If the mole is considered suspicious or bothersome, the dermatologist may recommend removing it. In some cases, the removed tissue is sent for microscopic examination to ensure that there are no signs of disease.

How is mole removal performed?

Removing moles is a minor surgical procedure that's usually done with local anesthesia. The treatment itself typically takes 15–30 minutes, depending on the size and location of the mole.

1. Local anesthesia

The skin around the mole is numbed with a local anesthetic so that the treatment can be performed without pain.

2. Removal of the birthmark

The dermatologist removes the mole by means of a minor surgical procedure.

3. Closing the wound

After removal, the skin may be closed with small stitches to ensure proper healing.

4. Protection of the area

The area is covered with a plaster, which protects the wound during the first part of the healing process.

After treatment, there may be slight tenderness or redness in the area for a few days.

Healing and follow-up

After removing a mole, the skin will take some time to heal. In most cases, any stitches will be removed after 7–14 days, depending on the location on the body.

It is important to:

  • keep the area clean and dry
  • Follow the dermatologist's instructions for wound care.
  • avoid exposing the scar to sunlight during the healing period

Scars will almost always be present to some degree, but they often become less visible over time.

Advantages of choosing a private dermatologist

When you choose a private dermatologist, you get quick access to specialized assessment and treatment without long waiting times. This allows you to quickly address any concerns you may have about your skin.

At Lægerne Danmark, we emphasize high professional standards and ample time for each individual patient. You will receive a thorough assessment of your moles and a professional recommendation on whether they should be monitored or removed.

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Book an appointment with our dermatologists today if you would like a professional assessment of your moles or are considering having a mole removed.

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Frequently asked questions about mole removal

Does it hurt to have a mole removed?

Mole removal is usually performed under local anesthesia. This means that the area around the mole is numbed before the procedure is performed. The treatment itself is therefore usually painless. Afterwards, there may be slight tenderness in the area for a few days.

Do you get scars after removing moles?

When a mole is surgically removed, a small scar will almost always form. The dermatologist will try to

Should the mole be examined after removal?

If the dermatologist considers it necessary, the removed mole may be sent for microscopic examination. This is done to ensure that there are no signs of disease in the tissue.

When should stitches be removed?

If stitches have been applied, they are usually removed after 7–14 days. This depends on where on the body the mole has been removed.

Can moles be removed for cosmetic reasons?

Yes, moles can in some cases be removed if they cause cosmetic discomfort or are located in a place where they are often irritated. A dermatologist will always first assess the mole and advise on whether removal is appropriate.

When should you have a mole checked?

It is recommended that you have a mole checked if it changes size, shape, or color, starts to itch or bleed, or looks different from your other moles. A dermatologist can perform a thorough assessment and determine whether further examination or treatment is necessary.