The purpose of this informed consent form is to provide written information regarding the risks and potential adverse outcomes relating to the procedure named above. This material serves as a supplement to the discussion you have with your doctor. It is important that you fully understand this information, so please read this document thoroughly. If you have any questions regarding the procedure, please address your concerns with your doctor at the time of your consultation.

What is Mole/Skin Lesion Removal? This procedure involves utilisation of either lasers or radiofrequency devices to carefully remove moles and lesions from the skin.

The most important consideration when undertaking mole/skin lesion removal is to make sure that the lesion is not suspicious or cancerous. If the treating doctor considers the lesion to be suspicious in any way, you will be referred to a skin cancer clinic for lesion biopsy and or excision. Suspicious, dysplastic or cancerous lesions are not suitable for laser. Histology is required, so either part of the lesion, or the entire lesion need to be cut out and sent to pathology for examination

It should be understood that all procedures carry certain risks. The potential risks and complications from this type of procedure unclude but are not limited to:

Pain: This procedure is virtually painless, dependant on the device utilised our doctors may opt for local anaesthesia injections to minimise any discomfort discomfort.

Bleeding: Bleeding is quite common within the first 12 hours post procedure. The use of direct pressure on the wound will help control this should it occur.

Redness: Redness in treated area is typical for 2 – 4 weeks following the treatment but could last longer.

Skin Darkening/Lightening: Darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation) rarely occurs in the treated areas and will usually fade within 1 to 6 months. This reaction is more common when treated areas are exposed to the sun. Hypopigmentation or light spots can appear as a delayed response to treatment. Pale areas can darken or re-pigment in several months, but it could be permanent. It is extremely important to protect the treated area from sun exposure with a hat and sunscreen for 6 weeks after treatment and carefully adhere to all post-treatment instructions.

Blisters and burns: Blistering and/or burns are uncommon but can develop with the treatment. Blisters and or burns will go away within 2 to 5 days and may be followed by a scar. During this time, the area should not be manipulated or picked, which can increase your risk scarring.

Infection: Bacterial, viral or fungal infections can occur post procedure. Infections can cause redness and swelling and resolve or progress into cellulitis requiring treatment. Dependant on the area treated, mole removal could trigger a recurrence of cold sores (Herpes simplex infections) which may require treatment. These problems may resolve in time, but medical intervention may be required in some cases, and long-term effects may persist in rare cases.

Scarring: There is a risk of skin scarring, including abnormal raised and/or depressed scars with any minimally invasive procedure. Careful adherence to all advised postoperative instructions will help reduce the possibility of this occurrence.

Recurrence: Recurrence of moles after removal is quite common, and often the patient will require top up treatments every few years.

Incomplete Removal: Dependant on the pathology and depth of any given lesion, your doctor may require one to two sessions to achieve complete clearance

Dissatisfaction: As with all treatments, the precise degree of improvement cannot be guaranteed. The outcome’s subjective nature also means dissatisfaction is a possible outcome regardless of effectiveness of treatment. It should be understood that the effect of all treatments may gradually wear off and additional treatments may be necessary to acquire the desired effect, and further charges will apply if more treatments are required.

 

POST CARE – Mole/Skin Lesion Removal

While there are limited side effects from Mole/Skin Lesion Removal, there are a few post-treatment instructions you should be aware of. 

Post-Procedural Instructions:

• Immediately after the procedure your doctor will apply a topical antibiotic ointment and adhesive dressing.
• Keep the area clean and dry for the first 48 hours.
• After the treatment, you may experience some soreness and pain over the treated areas. Over the counter analgesic medication can be taken in case of discomfort.
• Mild swelling redness and bleeding can occasionally occur and may be noticeable for a few days.
• Should you experience increased pain or swelling in the treated area, contact us immediately.
• Keep wound covered with adhesive dressings for four days
• Apply wound gel (stratamed) for a total of 14 days following the procedure
• Expect 10-14 days for the skin to fully recover its natural aspect. However, you may notice some ongoing redness for up to one month.
• Follow-up appointments to ensure the skin is responding and healing as it should are made with your treating doctor at 2-4 weeks after procedure.
• Strict sun protection is advised for a few days after the procedure to avoid any adverse effects of the treatment.

What to do/not do after the Procedure:

• Wash and dry your face gently, without rubbing or massaging (2 weeks).
• Avoid active skin care ingredients to treates area for four weeks post treatment.
• Avoid direct sunlight and do not use tanning beds (4 weeks).

 

If you have any issues or concerns following your procedure, please call the clinic and your treating doctor will get back to you as soon as possible.