Do you need a referral for mole removal?

Mole removal may involve a shave technique, excision, or another approach chosen after examination. The clinician needs to consider the mole’s appearance, depth, position, symptoms, and whether tissue should be sent for laboratory examination. A cosmetic removal request and a mole that has changed are not managed in exactly the same way.

Some clinics accept direct enquiries, while others require a referral from a general doctor or dermatologist. Even when a referral is not needed, an in-person assessment helps confirm the planned procedure and makes sure a suspicious lesion is not treated as a cosmetic concern without appropriate review.

Ask the clinic whether self-booking is available, which clinician will examine you, and whether a referral or previous test result is required. Describe any recent change in size, shape, colour, bleeding, crusting, itching, or pain. If the mole has changed, request a diagnostic assessment rather than asking only for cosmetic removal.

Tell the clinician about allergies, medicines that affect bleeding or healing, immune conditions, previous scars, and earlier procedures on the same area. Ask whether the removed tissue will be examined and how the wound will be closed and cared for. Do not cut, burn, or tie off a mole at home.

Arrange prompt review for a mole that is changing, bleeding, crusting, ulcerating, or persistently itchy or painful. After removal, contact the treating service for bleeding that does not settle with pressure, worsening pain, spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever, or a wound that opens. Seek urgent help for a severe allergic reaction or heavy uncontrolled bleeding.

Ask which removal method is being considered and why, whether the mole needs examination before booking, and whether the specimen will be sent for analysis. Ask about scarring, bleeding, infection, local anaesthetic, activity restrictions, wound care, and the result pathway. Confirm whether a referral is required by your chosen clinic.