One of the most common questions people ask during their consultation is:
“Will skin tag or mole removal leave a scar?”
The honest answer is yes and no — it largely depends on how the procedure is performed and how the skin heals after treatment. From my experience as a senior dermal clinician who has performed hundreds of skin tag and mole removals, I’ve found that three key factors play the biggest role in determining whether a scar forms or not.
1. The Removal Technique Used
The technique chosen has a significant impact on healing and the risk of scarring.
Precise and controlled removal methods target the skin tag or mole while protecting the surrounding skin. When a technique:
- Minimises trauma to nearby tissue
- Avoids unnecessary bleeding
- Does not create a large open wound
- Reduces inflammation and infection risk
…the skin can heal more smoothly and naturally.
Precision is crucial in delicate or visible areas, such as the face, neck, and décolletage, where the skin is thinner and more susceptible to scarring or pigmentation changes.
2. Aftercare and Skin Healing Support
Proper aftercare is just as important as the treatment itself. Following professional post-treatment instructions in Melbourne clinics helps to:
- Calm inflammation
- Prevent infection
- Support proper and timely skin healing after treatment
- Reduce the likelihood of pigmentation changes or scarring
3. Your Skin Type and Overall Health
How your skin heals after treatment depends on more than just the procedure itself. Factors such as skin type and condition, immune response, blood circulation, and underlying health conditions all influence the healing process. For example, olive and darker skin tones may be more prone to pigmentation changes, while conditions such as active diabetes or certain medications can slow down skin repair. Understanding these factors allows the treatment and aftercare to be carefully tailored to support proper and timely healing and achieve the best possible outcome.
How Skin Tag Removal Methods Impact Scarring
In general, the more precise and controlled the removal method, the lower the risk of inflammation, tissue damage, and post-treatment marks. To understand why some treatments heal better than others, let’s take a closer look at the most common skin tag and mole removal techniques.
1. Cutting or Snipping (Scissors or Scalpel)
Pros:
- Suitable for suspicious or cancerous lesions requiring testing
- Quick removal
- Often used for larger skin tags
Considerations:
- Creates an open wound
- Higher risk of bleeding, inflammation, and infection
- May require stitches
- Greater risk of scarring in delicate areas
This invasive technique is reserved for lesions that require medical investigation, with healing outcomes highly dependent on wound care and aftercare.
2. Cryotherapy (Freezing)
Pros:
- Non-invasive
- No cutting involved
Considerations:
- Less precise
- Can affect the surrounding tissue
- Risk of blistering
- Higher risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin types
- Healing can be unpredictable
Cryotherapy is not always ideal for sensitive or highly visible areas such as the face, neck, or underarms, where friction can interfere with healing.
3. Cautery (Heat-Based Removal)
Pros:
- Immediate removal
- Reduced bleeding
Considerations:
- Heat can affect the surrounding tissue
- Higher risk of pigmentation changes
- Increased inflammation if not controlled
- Risk of delayed healing
Cautery requires skilled Melbourne clinicians and is generally not recommended for darker skin types due to pigmentation risks.
4. Plasma Technology (Controlled Precision Removal)
Pros:
- Immediate removal
- Highly precise and targeted
- Minimal impact on surrounding tissue
- No cutting or open wounds
- Minimal bleeding
- Reduced inflammatory response
- Smoother, more predictable healing
Consideration: Rare scarring (higher if aftercare isn’t followed); results depend heavily on operator skill and experience.
Plasma-based removal is often preferred for the face, neck, eye area, and décolletage, especially for clients in Melbourne who are concerned about scarring or pigmentation changes.
Why Choosing the Right Skin Tag Removal Method Reduces Scarring
The skin heals best when trauma and inflammation are minimised. Techniques that allow controlled removal without affecting surrounding tissue are more likely to result in smooth healing with minimal scarring, particularly in visible or delicate areas.
Factors to Consider for Choosing the Right Skin Tag or Mole Removal Method
- Whether the lesion is benign or suspicious
- Size and location of the skin tag or mole
- Skin type and sensitivity
- Individual healing capacity
- Practitioner expertise
Expert Advice from a Melbourne Dermal Clinician on Scar-Free Skin Tag Removal
From my experience, fairer skin types tend to heal faster and more smoothly. When aftercare is followed correctly, and healing progresses without complications, the risk of scarring is very low to minimal.
For darker skin types, aftercare remains essential, but practitioner skill becomes even more critical. Careful control of trauma during treatment is key to reducing the risk of scarring and pigmentation changes, which is why technique, precision, and experience truly matter.
One thing I always emphasise to my clients is the importance of leaving the crust that forms after treatment completely untouched. It must be allowed to fall off naturally. Picking or removing it too early is one of the most common causes of scarring. When this step is respected, the risk of scarring is extremely low.
When it comes to mole removal, particularly for larger or deeper moles, I often take a staged approach rather than removing the entire mole in a single session. By avoiding excessive depth in one treatment, the skin can heal more efficiently, helping to minimise trauma and significantly reduce the risk of scarring and hypopigmentation.
Final Word
Always keep an eye on your moles and skin tags to ensure they are not suspicious. If you’re considering removal, it’s important to seek a referral from your medical doctor when needed. Take the time to do your research and book a consultation with a qualified professional to determine the safest and most suitable treatment for your skin and individual needs.
If you’re considering skin tag or mole removal in Melbourne, we offer a personalised, professional, and supportive approach at Medix Skincare & Laser Clinic, ensuring you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way. From your initial consultation through treatment, healing, and long-term skin care, your plan is carefully tailored to support safe healing and optimal results.
I’m here to guide you throughout the entire journey, ensuring your skin receives the attention and care it deserves.
Book your consultation today and take the next step towards clearer, healthier skin.
Elham Ghaedi
Founder & Senior Dermal Clinician at Medix Skincare – guiding you to smoother, healthier skin with expert care.
Contact Medix Clinic
For more information, feel free to contact us at 03 9686 0003.
You can also visit our clinic at 1/367A Centre Road, Bentleigh, Victoria 3204.
Click here to view our location on Google Maps.
