FAQ

Not all moles need to be removed. However, if you notice changes such as rapid growth, an irregular shape, uneven coloring, or bleeding, it is important to see a specialist promptly, as these may require differentiation from malignant melanoma. Moles that are bothersome in appearance may also be candidates for removal.

The key criteria for distinguishing moles from melanoma are known as the ABCDE rule: A (Asymmetry) – the lesion is asymmetrical; B (Border) – the border is irregular or poorly defined; C (Color) – the color is uneven; D (Diameter) – the lesion is 6 mm or larger; E (Evolution) – the size or shape is changing. If your mole shows any of these features, please visit a specialist promptly. Note that a definitive diagnosis requires an in-person examination and dermoscopy by a specialist.

The primary cause of new moles is UV radiation. Repeated sun exposure activates melanocytes (pigment-producing cells), making it easier for moles to develop. Hormonal changes (such as during puberty or pregnancy) and genetic predisposition also play a role. It is also a natural phenomenon for moles to increase in number with age.

For mole removal, please consult a dermatology or plastic surgery clinic. Dermatologists diagnose and treat both benign and malignant lesions, while plastic surgeons have particular expertise in minimizing the appearance of scarring. At our clinic, specialists assess whether a lesion is benign or malignant and provide treatment with careful attention to scarring.

Recurrence after mole removal depends on the treatment method. Laser treatment leaves less noticeable scarring, but if deeper cells remain, the mole may recur. Surgical excision carries a lower recurrence rate, though a suture scar will remain. If a mole does recur, retreatment is possible. At our clinic, we propose the most suitable treatment approach after taking recurrence risk into consideration.

Scarring from facial mole removal varies considerably depending on the treatment method and post-treatment care. Laser treatment is well suited for smaller moles and generally leaves minimal scarring. In the case of surgical excision, a board-certified plastic surgeon sutures along the natural lines of the skin to help minimize the appearance of the scar. Redness tends to settle over a period of several months in many cases.

Raised moles can also be removed. Medically referred to as compound nevi or intradermal nevi, they can be treated with either laser therapy or surgical excision. The most appropriate treatment method varies depending on the degree of elevation and the size of the mole, so please discuss this with us at your consultation.

Large moles present from birth (congenital melanocytic nevi) can also be treated. However, depending on the size, multiple surgical procedures or even skin grafting may be required. Because large congenital moles carry a potential risk of malignant transformation in the future, we recommend regular monitoring or treatment by a specialist.

Warts can be broadly categorized as viral and non-viral. The most common viral wart is verruca vulgaris (common wart), caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and it frequently appears on the hands and feet. Non-viral types include seborrheic keratosis, which develops with aging, and soft fibromas (skin tags), which commonly appear on the neck. Treatment approaches differ depending on the type.

This depends on the type of wart. Viral warts may resolve on their own through the body’s immune response, but this can take several years, during which they may spread to other areas of the body or to other people. Age-related warts such as seborrheic keratosis do not disappear on their own. Early treatment can improve appearance and help prevent further spread.

Viral warts can be contagious. Human papillomavirus (HPV) enters through small breaks in the skin and can spread through direct contact or via shared items such as towels and slippers. Transmission in swimming pools or public baths has also been reported. Age-related warts such as seborrheic keratosis, on the other hand, are not contagious.

We do not recommend attempting to remove a wart on your own. In the case of viral warts, incomplete removal can spread the virus to surrounding skin. There is also a risk of bacterial infection through self-inflicted wounds, as well as potential scarring. Furthermore, what appears to be a wart may occasionally turn out to be a form of skin cancer, so please always seek a professional diagnosis at a medical facility.

The small warts that appear on the neck are most commonly soft fibromas (skin tags, or acrochordon). These are benign skin growths caused by aging, friction, obesity, and similar factors. As they are not viral, they are not contagious. Many people choose to have them removed due to their appearance or the discomfort of them catching on clothing, and they can be easily removed with laser or electrocautery.

We recommend treating warts in children as well. If left untreated, viral warts can increase in number, grow larger, and potentially spread to family members or friends. Because children’s immune systems are still developing, warts in children can sometimes be more difficult to resolve than in adults. There are treatment options suitable for children, such as cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen.

Seborrheic keratosis is a benign skin tumor that develops with aging, also known as “senile warts” or “age warts.” It appears as raised, rough-surfaced lesions ranging in color from brown to black. It most commonly occurs on the face, scalp, and trunk, and becomes more prevalent after the age of 40. Accumulated UV exposure is considered one of the contributing factors.

Seborrheic keratosis is a benign tumor and does not generally become malignant. However, certain malignant tumors—such as basal cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma—can resemble seborrheic keratosis in appearance, making a diagnosis by a specialist important. If lesions increase suddenly, grow rapidly, or begin to bleed, please visit a clinic promptly.

Unlike age spots, seborrheic keratosis has a raised profile. It is characterized by a rough surface texture and elevation above the surrounding skin. Age spots (senile lentigines), on the other hand, are flat and level with the surrounding skin. Early-stage seborrheic keratosis may be flat and difficult to distinguish from age spots, but it tends to become more raised over time.

Treatment of seborrheic keratosis may be covered by health insurance when deemed medically necessary. Cases where the lesion catches on things and bleeds, or where inflammation is present, are often eligible for insurance coverage. Treatment for purely cosmetic improvement may be classified as self-pay. We will explain the details at your consultation.

UV protection is important for helping to prevent seborrheic keratosis. Please make a habit of using sunscreen, wearing a hat or using a parasol for shade, and wearing long sleeves. However, since aging also plays a role, complete prevention is difficult in practice. If you develop a lesion of concern, we recommend consulting a specialist promptly.

The main treatment options for moles and warts include CO2 laser treatment, surgical excision, and cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. Laser treatment tends to leave less noticeable scarring, while surgical excision is associated with a lower recurrence rate. Cryotherapy is primarily used for viral warts. We will suggest the most appropriate method based on the type, size, and location of the lesion.

When covered by health insurance (30% patient co-pay), the cost of mole removal is approximately 5,000 to 15,000 yen as a general guide. Moles with suspected malignancy or those causing symptoms are typically eligible for insurance coverage. When treatment is for cosmetic purposes only, it is classified as self-pay, and costs vary depending on the size and number of moles. We will provide an accurate cost estimate at your consultation.

Mole removal may be covered by health insurance depending on the circumstances. Coverage is typically applicable when there is suspicion of malignancy, when the mole catches on clothing and bleeds, or when inflammation is present. Treatment for purely cosmetic purposes is classified as self-pay. At our clinic, we assess insurance eligibility at your consultation and explain the details.

Both laser treatment and surgical excision have their respective advantages. Laser treatment leaves a smaller wound and requires less treatment time, but there is a possibility of recurrence for deeper moles. Surgical excision is associated with a lower recurrence rate and allows for a definitive histopathological diagnosis, though a suture scar will remain. At our clinic, we suggest the most appropriate option taking into account the nature of the lesion and your individual preferences.

Treatment time varies depending on the size and number of lesions. Laser treatment takes approximately a few minutes per lesion. Surgical excision takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes per lesion. It is also possible to treat multiple lesions in a single visit. Both procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day.

After laser treatment, redness and crusting may develop at the treated area, which typically peels off naturally within about one to two weeks. During this period, the area should be protected with ointment and a dressing. After surgical excision, suture removal is required approximately 7 to 10 days later. Showering is generally possible from the day of treatment in both cases, though care should be taken to keep the treated area dry. Redness tends to gradually fade over a period of several months.

It is possible to remove multiple moles or warts in a single treatment session. However, when the number of lesions is large, we may recommend dividing treatment into multiple sessions. This is to facilitate post-operative wound management and to help distribute risk in the unlikely event of a complication. We will propose a treatment plan suited to the number and location of your lesions at your consultation.

IC Clinic Ikebukuro is open from 10:00 to 19:00 (closed 14:00–15:00; last reception at 18:30). We are open on Saturdays and Sundays as well, so patients with busy weekday schedules are welcome. Please note that we may be closed on certain days such as the year-end and New Year holidays; for details, please check by phone or on our website.

IC Clinic Ikebukuro is located a 6-minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Station. Our address is 9F Maeda Building, 2-15-3 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo. Exit from the East Exit of Ikebukuro Station, head toward Meiji-dori Avenue, and the clinic is along Sunshine 60-dori Street.

Our clinic operates on an appointment basis. Please make a reservation by phone (0120-226-002) or through our website. Walk-in patients are welcome, but as appointments are given priority, you may be asked to wait. If you would like treatment on the day of your visit, please let us know when booking.

IC Clinic Ikebukuro handles a range of plastic surgery conditions, with a particular focus on moles, warts, and seborrheic keratosis, as well as epidermoid cysts, lipomas, and earlobe repair (split earlobe). We have board-certified plastic surgeons of the Japan Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery on staff, providing integrated care from diagnosis through to treatment.

Dermoscopy is an examination that uses a specialized magnifying instrument (dermoscope) to observe skin lesions in detail. It allows the physician to examine structures and pigment patterns in the skin that are not visible to the naked eye, and is an important tool for determining whether a mole is benign or malignant. The procedure is painless and takes only a few minutes.