mole removal cost

Cost To Remove a Mole

Last Updated on September 23, 2022 | Written by CPA Alec Pow
First Published on November 21, 2014 | Content Reviewed by Certified CFA CFA Alexander Popivker

Before-after-mole removalIn this article, you’ll find out exactly how much it costs to remove one mole and if it is worth the hassle.

Usually, you won’t have any problem with a small, cute mole on your cheek or on a body part that you cover with clothes, but when it comes to big ones that are highly visible, it is a reason for concern.

This will not only take away your natural beauty, but it might even draw attention away from you during normal conversations.

This could be a big hit on your self-esteem and decrease your effectiveness while working.

The mole removal cost depends on several factors, like:

  • the place where you’ll go to get the mole removed (surgical theatre, hospital, or doctor’s office),
  • the type of specialist/surgeon/physician that will remove the mole,
  • whether the mole is cancerous or not,
  • the number of moles that you need to have removed,
  • method of removal.

Expect to pay around $100 to $800 for every mole.

Cost of Mole Removal Creams

You can try to fix the issue yourself, with a mole removal cream, especially if you have a very limited budget. This practice is not recommended for big moles, but small ones will usually be removed with ease, by using one of the many ointments or creams available on the market.

As an example, Dermatend, a big name in the mole removal business, will only cost around $40 and can be used without prior consultation from a specialist or in a hospital, and without any additional fees.

Laser Mole Removal

In the last few years, laser mole removal has become very popular, especially because it is done by a specialist, it’s almost painless and very effective.

The full procedure will have a maximum final price of around $1,200, with a minimum of $500. To have all of the unwanted moles removed, you won’t need more than 2 to 5 sessions.

Extra Costs for Mole Removal

If you have an unusual mole, with a suspicious pattern or shape, you might need to do a lab test before the procedure. After the laser treatment, if you are in pain, the specialist may prescribe you some painkillers.

The test alone may cost you around $200 – $400, and in extreme cases even more. Another part of the treatment that may increase the final price is the post-procedure checkup, which may even be followed by additional checkups in some cases if the physician feels like he needs to keep you under observation. Expect this especially if your doctor used the shaving method to remove your mole. In this case, additional checkups are required to ensure that the mole won’t grow back in the same spot in the future.

If you got rid of a big mole and you end up with stitches or even scars, you will need extra funds for micro cosmetic surgery. Don’t rely on your medical insurance to cover the costs, because these types of cosmetic surgeries will most likely not be included in your insurance plan.

How to Save Money on Mole Removal

A small mole can be removed right in your doctor’s office, using the shaving method, for around $60 – $300, especially if the mole isn’t in a highly visible area of your body.

If your mole cannot be removed by your physician, then you will be referred to a professional dermatologist. If for any reason you feel like your doctor won’t be able to remove it, then you can seek the help of a cosmetic surgeon or a dermatologist directly.

Usually, mole removal isn’t covered by medical insurance plans, but there is an easy way around this. Ask your doctor to list it as pre-cancer treatment and not cosmetic surgery, and this way it will most likely get covered by any type of insurance.

Will the average working Joe afford mole removal?

Most moles are small and easily removed using one of the creams available on the market, so getting rid of them won’t be a big hit on your budget. If you have a big mole you should at least get a consultation from a specialist, to be sure that it won’t put your life in danger, if you don’t have enough money to remove it.

Alec Pow
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