Moles & Blemishes.
About the procedure
What is Moles & Blemishes
A spectrums of lesions with different sizes, shapes and colours that are non cancerous and usually do not cause any symptoms.
If lesions are located in areas near bra straps or clothing, they can irritate.
Who is Moles & Blemishes Surgery for
Procedure Overview.
PROCEDURE TIME
45-60 min.
HOSPITAL TIME
Daycare.
WORK OFF TIME
1-2 days.
NO gym FOR
1 week.
NO DRIVING
24 hours.
GARMENT
None.
FOLLOW UP
1,4 weeks.
The Consultation.
This will be a full medical history followed by a clinical examination and photography. We will then discuss surgical options including: shave excision, formal excision, and biopsy if appropriate. Most patients need to book another appointment should they wish to proceed with surgery.
The Planning.
We will discus what is your best surgical option. Occasionally, your lesion may warrant referral to the NHS or a private dermatologist. If we agree that surgery is a good option we will discuss scar location and the techniques to make sure your scar is as inconspicuous as possible.
The Procedure.
The surgery is performed in either the specialist treatment room beside my consultation room, or in main theatre. This will depend on the size, position and number of lesion we are treating.The surgery is performed under local anaesthetic and you go home the same day. You will need someone to collect you as you won’t be able to drive.
The Aftercare.
Most patients will be seen at one week to have their stitches removed. You will then be seen in a few weeks to ensure your scar is settling well and we will discuss aftercare to help you get the best scar possible.
Patient reviews
Patient Reviews
5.0
from 88 verified reviews
iWantGreatCare Certificate of Excellence 2025
Ready to take the next step?
Join hundreds of patients who’ve trusted Mr Holmes with their care. Consultations in York and Leeds.
Patient Reviews
Absolutely amazing from start to finish. I could not fault anything at all.
My approach
Procedure risks.
Immediate Risks.
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Poor, ugly, stretched scarring
Early Risks.
- Lumpy scarring
- Numbness
- Tightness
- Surprise diagnosis requiring further surgery
Late Risks.
- Recurrence
- New similar lesions
Interested in a consultation?
If you are interested to learn more, and would like to come for a face-to-face or virtual chat, please send me and my team a message, and we can get in touch to arrange your consultation.
Mole Removal: What to Expect.
Most people ask about mole removal for one of two reasons: a mole has changed in size, shape or colour, or it is one the NHS will not fund removing because it is not clinically concerning. Mr Holmes sees both, and the consultation is where the right approach for each lesion is decided.
Shave excision or formal excision
A raised mole can often be removed by shave excision, which takes the lesion level with the surrounding skin. Formal excision removes the full thickness of the skin around the lesion and closes the wound with stitches. Where there is any doubt about what a lesion is, a biopsy may be taken first. Mr Holmes will explain which technique suits each mole and where the scar will sit.
On the day
Removal is carried out under local anaesthetic, in a treatment room or in main theatre depending on the size, position and number of lesions. It takes 45–60 minutes and you go home the same day. You will need someone to collect you.
Results and aftercare
Removed tissue is sent for histology, and the result is discussed with you at follow-up. Stitches are removed at around one week. If the result means further treatment is needed, Mr Holmes may refer you to an NHS service or a dermatologist.
Mole Removal FAQs.
Can I get a mole removed on the NHS?.
The NHS will generally only fund removal of a skin lesion that is clinically concerning. Moles removed because they are unsightly or catch on clothing are not usually funded. Many of Mr Holmes's patients have already been seen on the NHS and told their lesion will not be removed.
Does Mr Holmes use laser mole removal?.
No — moles are removed surgically, by shave excision or formal excision. Surgical removal means the lesion can be sent for histology to confirm what it is, which is not possible if a mole is destroyed by laser.
Is the mole checked for skin cancer after removal?.
Yes — removed lesions are sent for histology as standard, and the result is discussed with you at your follow-up appointment.
How long does mole removal take?.
Most mole removals take 45–60 minutes under local anaesthetic. It is a day case, so you go home the same day, though you will need someone to collect you as you cannot drive for 24 hours.
What is the recovery time after mole removal?.
Most patients take 1–2 days off work and avoid the gym for 1 week. Sutures are removed at around 1 week, with a further review a few weeks later to check the scar is settling well.
Will mole removal leave a scar?.
Any removal leaves some mark. Mr Holmes discusses scar position and technique before surgery to keep the scar as inconspicuous as possible, and reviews healing at your follow-up appointments.
Can a mole that catches on my bra strap be removed?.
Yes. Lesions sitting under bra straps or waistbands are frequently irritated by clothing, and this is one of the most common reasons patients ask to have them removed.
Where does Mr Holmes remove moles in Leeds and York?.
Mole and skin lesion removal is carried out at Spire Methley Park Hospital, Methley Lane, Leeds, LS26 9HG. Mr Holmes also consults at Coppergate Clinic, 8 Coppergate, York, YO1 9NR.
Mole Removal in Leeds, York & Yorkshire.
Mr Will JM Holmes performs mole and skin lesion removal surgery at Spire Methley Park Hospital, Leeds (LS26 9HG) and consults at Coppergate Clinic, York (YO1 9NR). Patients travel from across Yorkshire — including Harrogate, Wakefield, Bradford, Hull and Sheffield — to consult with Mr Holmes.
As a full-time NHS Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust and a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS Plast), Mr Holmes brings a level of training and experience rarely found in private-only practice. He is registered with BAPRAS, BAAPS and PHIN, and holds a 5.0★ rating across 88 patient reviews on iWantGreatCare.
- Skin surgery Leeds — Spire Methley Park Hospital, LS26 9HG
- Skin surgery York — Coppergate Clinic, YO1 9NR
- Patients from Harrogate, Wakefield, Bradford, Hull & Sheffield welcome
To book a consultation, call 01134 601796 or use the contact form below.
