Laser mole removal is a minimally invasive method of getting rid of benign pigmented skin lesions with a fractional CO2 laser — without a scalpel and without stitches.
At MM Clinic in Wrocław the treatment is performed by Michał Marciniak, MD. We first assess every mole with dermoscopy — safety depends on correct assessment of suitability, not on the technique alone.
What does laser mole removal involve?
Naevi (commonly known as “moles”) are the most common skin lesions — clusters of pigment cells (melanocytes). The vast majority are benign and require no treatment; patients choose to have them removed for aesthetic reasons or when a mole is irritated by clothing, a belt or a razor.
The treatment involves precise, layer-by-layer vaporisation of the lesion with a fractional CO2 laser beam. The laser acts only on the altered tissue without damaging the surrounding healthy skin, while sealing small blood vessels — which is why the procedure is precise, involves little bleeding and the risk of scarring is minimal [1][2]. Small, single lesions such as moles are removed using the same method.
Important: we use the laser to remove only moles that are clearly benign and have been assessed as suitable during the consultation. The treatment vaporises the tissue, so it does not allow a histopathological examination — which remains the gold standard for diagnosing pigmented lesions [3]. If there are any worrying features, we refer the patient for surgical excision of the mole with histopathological examination — the only safe option in such cases.
Types of pigmented moles
Pigmented (melanocytic) naevi are divided mainly into:
- junctional naevus — usually flat and evenly coloured,
- dermal (intradermal) naevus — raised, often lighter, typical in adults,
- compound naevus — combines features of the two above,
- congenital naevus — present from birth,
- atypical (dysplastic) naevus — requires regular dermoscopic monitoring and is not suitable for laser removal.
The method is always chosen by the doctor after assessing the lesion — not every type is suitable for the laser. We also use the same CO2 method to remove other benign skin lesions that are not moles (e.g. warts, seborrhoeic warts, fibromas) — we treat these as separate treatments.
When should a mole concern you? (the ABCDE rule)
Before the treatment, the doctor assesses every mole with dermoscopy. For self-examination, the ABCDE rule is helpful — a lesion needs an urgent consultation if any of the following features appear:
- A — asymmetry (one half differs from the other),
- B — borders that are irregular, ragged or blurred,
- C — colour that is uneven, with several shades of brown, black or red,
- D — diameter over 6 mm or enlargement of the lesion,
- E — evolution (change in shape, colour or size; itching, bleeding).
Such lesions are not removed with a laser — they require surgical excision and histopathological examination [3].
The treatment step by step
The doctor assesses the mole, rules out contraindications and qualifies it for the laser or surgical method.
Anaesthetic cream or a lidocaine injection — depending on the size and location of the lesion.
Preparing and protecting the area to be treated.
Precise targeting of the beam, layer by layer, only at the altered tissue.
Removal of residue and application of a protective dressing.
Instructions on wound care and sun protection.
If needed.
The whole treatment usually takes 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the number and size of the lesions.
CO2 laser or surgery? A comparison
| Criterion | Fractional CO2 laser | Surgical removal |
|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Very low | Medium / high |
| Risk of scarring | Very low | Higher |
| Healing time | 7–14 days | 10–21 days |
| Pain (with anaesthesia) | Low | Medium |
| Several lesions in one visit | Yes | Limited |
| Approximate cost | from 300 PLN per lesion | from 600 PLN per lesion |
| Histopathological examination | No (benign lesions only) | Possible |
Indications for laser mole removal
- benign pigmented moles after medical assessment,
- lesions in areas prone to irritation or difficult to treat surgically (face, neck, décolletage, eyelids),
- wish to achieve a good aesthetic result without stitches,
- several small lesions to be removed during one visit.
Contraindications
- suspected malignant lesion or diagnostic doubts (surgical excision with histopathology is indicated),
- pregnancy and breastfeeding,
- active skin infections in the treatment area, active cold sores,
- autoimmune diseases during a flare-up,
- a tendency to hypertrophic scars and keloids,
- taking photosensitising medicines (isotretinoin — an appropriate interval is required).
Recovery and aftercare
Typical post-treatment symptoms
- redness and swelling (1–3 days),
- formation of a scab,
- mild burning or itching.
Recommendations
- protect the wound from injury and contamination, use the recommended regenerating product,
- do not pick the scab (it falls off on its own after 7–14 days),
- avoid the sun and use SPF 50+ sunscreen for at least 4 weeks,
- avoid saunas, swimming pools and intense exercise until fully healed.
Full skin regeneration usually takes 2–4 weeks.
Treatment results
The mole is removed during the treatment; we assess the final appearance of the skin after complete healing. The result is individual and depends on the size and depth of the lesion, skin type and aftercare — we do not guarantee a specific result. When the treatment is performed correctly, the scar is minimal or invisible. Lesions that reach deeper into the skin may require a repeat treatment [3]. You can see example results in our results gallery.
Practical information
Treatment time
5–20 minutes
Anaesthesia
Local
Price
from 300 PLN per lesion
Number of lesions
Several lesions in one visit
Follow-up visits
If needed
Return to activities
After full healing (2–4 weeks)
Frequently asked questions
The price starts from 300 PLN per lesion and depends on its size and location. We give the final quote during the consultation.
No. We use the laser to remove only lesions that are clearly benign and have previously been assessed with dermoscopy. Suspicious moles or those requiring histopathological examination are referred for surgical excision.
The ABCDE rule helps: asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven colour, diameter over 6 mm and evolution (change over time). Any such lesion should be assessed by a doctor.
Thanks to local anaesthesia, the treatment is well tolerated. Most patients feel only mild warmth or tingling.
The scab usually falls off after 7–14 days. Full skin regeneration takes 2–4 weeks.
When the entire lesion is removed correctly, the risk of regrowth is low. Lesions that reach deeper into the skin may require a repeat treatment — we assess this during the suitability assessment.
Why have your moles removed with a laser at MM Clinic in Wrocław?
At our clinic in Ołtaszyn we use a modern fractional CO2 laser, which provides high precision and safety. The treatments are performed by Michał Marciniak, MD. We offer an individual approach, a short recovery and a natural aesthetic result.
Would you like to get rid of unwanted moles safely and effectively?
Book a consultation →Treatment performed by
Michał Marciniak, MD
Aesthetic medicine specialist with 10 years of experience (more than 8,000 botulinum toxin and dermal filler treatments performed). Member of the Polish Society of Aesthetic and Anti-Aging Medicine. He personally performs laser removal of skin lesions at MM Clinic in Wrocław.
MM Clinic · ul. Strachowskiego 32, 52-210 Wrocław · tel. +48 731 731 335
Sources
- Yumeen S, Khan T. Laser Carbon Dioxide Resurfacing. StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing; updated 2023. PMID 32809379. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560544
- Krupashankar DS. Standard guidelines of care: CO2 laser for removal of benign skin lesions and resurfacing. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2008;74(Suppl):61–67. PMID 18688106. ijdvl.com
- Muradia I, Khunger N, et al. A Clinical, Dermoscopic, and Histopathological Analysis of Common Acquired Melanocytic Nevi in Skin of Color. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2022;15(10):41–51. jcadonline.com
Article prepared by Michał Marciniak, MD (ZnanyLekarz). Last updated: August 2026.