Why is Mole Removal so Expensive in Australia?
Different factors affect the cost of mole removal in Australia, and the cost can vary depending on the type, location and size of the mole, the method used to remove it and whether the mole is cancerous or not.
The experience and qualifications of the practitioner can also determine the cost of the procedure. In Australia, mole removal can cost from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. It is expensive, but not always. Why?
Several factors lead to mole removal, and we will discuss some of them so that you won’t get misguided.
What Types of Moles need To Get Removed?
Moles are generally harmless; some individuals’ beauty is complemented, but certain kinds of moles need to be removed. Moles that are cancerous or potentially cancerous, or those that are causing cosmetic or functional issues, may need to be removed. Moles that have changed in size, shape, colour, or texture should be examined by a dermatologist. Here is some information that might be waiting for you:
- Suspicious Moles
In case your dermatologist finds any suspicious mole, like one that raises concerns needs to be removed. It can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, like skin cancer. Here are the characteristics of the suspicious mole:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other, indicating an uneven shape.
- Border Irregularity: The edges of the mole are not smooth and even but rather ragged or scalloped.
- Colour Variation: The mole has uneven colour with shades of brown, black, red, white or blue.
- Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimetres.
- Evolution: The mole is changing in size, shape, colour or height or is experiencing new symptoms like itching, bleeding or oozing.
This is called the ABCDE rule, which helps identify potentially dangerous moles. This kind of mole needs to be removed or examined at least.
- Dysplastic Nevi
It needs to be removed due to the increased risk of developing into melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer. While not all dysplastic nevi become cancerous, the more a person has, the greater their risk of melanoma. Regular monitoring and examination are necessary and recommended.
These moles are a risk factor for melanoma, and the more there are, the higher the risk becomes. One immediately needs to report to their skin specialist to get checked. They are different in appearance, and this is the reason they are called atypical moles.
- Cosmetic or Functional Concerns
Moles that appear on areas like the face, neck, or hands can harm the cosmetic appearance and cause confidence issues. Individuals often consider these moles as unattractive or disfiguring, leading to a desire for removal.
Functionally, moles can be removed for medical reasons, such as atypical moles. Atypical moles are moles that are not quite normal in appearance. Removing them can provide a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Moles That Bleed, Itch or Ooze
These are the symptoms indicating skin cancer, particularly melanoma. Melanoma can be treated if caught early, and the survival rates also increase. But the delay can cause complications. These symptoms can also indicate other skin conditions, but a dermatologist’s evaluation is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The question that comes up is, “Can a normal consultation be cheap?” or “Does everyone need mole removal?”
Why are Expert Mole Removal Services Expensive in Australia?
The procedure can be expensive because of the complexity, and whether it is medically needed or cosmetic. The technique used, like laser, surgical excision, or radiofrequency, can also influence the overall costs of the procedure. Medicare may cover medically necessary mole removals, while cosmetic procedures are generally not.
As discussed above, not all moles need to be removed, but some specific types. The costs of mole removal in Australia can range from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the factors.
Expert mole removal services can be affordable in Australia. While costs vary depending on the factors, options exist for budget-friendly procedures. Here are the expected cost ranges in Australia for mole removal:
- Laser Removal: Can start from $150 for a single mole, with costs varying based on size and location.
- Radiofrequency Removal: May range from $395 for the first mole on other body areas, with additional moles costing $150 each.
- Surgical Excision: The national average cost is $325, but can range from $251 to $583.
- Cryotherapy (Freezing): Some clinics offer cryotherapy for small moles at lower costs.
- Multiple Mole Packages: Some clinics offer discounted packages for removing multiple moles.
The factors that influence the cost of mole removal services in Australia are procedure type, number of moles, medicare coverage and location. An experienced practitioner might charge more because of the precision of the procedure and their experience. Now you can decide with proper knowledge.
