Moles and pigmented spots on the neck and shoulder

Belgian Beauty Clinic · Skin & surgery

Moles & skin lesionsCareful assessment.
Precise removal.

Does a mole or benign skin lesion bother you or become irritated? The right approach starts with a medical assessment. Surgery and laser each have their place — with one important difference when tissue analysis is required.

The key difference

Two treatments.
A different approach.

The choice depends on the type and location of the lesion and whether further analysis is needed. A benign mole does not have to be removed, but it may cause discomfort or be an aesthetic concern.

Surgical removal

The doctor removes the mole, usually under local anaesthesia. The tissue remains available and can be sent to a laboratory. This analysis is performed by a hospital laboratory and invoiced separately by that laboratory; these costs are not charged by Belgian Beauty Clinic. Any reimbursement depends on the terms of your health insurance fund.

  • Tissue analysis can determine whether malignant cells are present and help rule out or confirm malignancy.
  • For a suspicious lesion, the doctor determines the appropriate removal method and analysis.
  • The wound is usually closed with stitches. A scar remains and generally fades gradually.
Tissue analysis is possible.
A pathologist examines the removed tissue under a microscope.

Laser removal

Laser may be suitable for selected benign moles and other skin lesions. Prior assessment and approval by a dermatologist are required.

  • Even after approval, we assess whether laser is appropriate for the specific lesion.
  • When tissue is vaporised, it is destroyed and can no longer be sent for reliable laboratory analysis.
  • Laser is not a treatment for suspicious lesions and cannot guarantee a scar-free result.
Dermatological assessment first.
If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, we do not treat the lesion with laser.

Possible laser indications

Which benign skin lesions
may be suitable?

Not every skin lesion can or should be treated with laser. Once a dermatologist has confirmed the diagnosis, laser may be considered for:

Soft fibromas · acrochordons

Skin tags

Soft, skin-coloured growths on a small stalk, often found on the neck, underarms, groin or beneath the breasts.

Seborrhoeic keratoses

Seborrhoeic keratoses

Benign, often rough or waxy growths that can look as though they are stuck onto the skin.

Xanthelasma palpebrarum

Xanthelasma

Yellowish cholesterol deposits around the eyelids. Their location and depth, as well as skin type, help determine whether laser is suitable.

The most appropriate treatment differs for each lesion. Removal with fine scissors, curettage, electrocoagulation or surgery may sometimes be a better option than laser.

Your skin deserves attention

Has a spot changed?
Have it examined.

Not every skin growth is a mole. Skin tags and seborrhoeic keratoses can also become noticeable or irritated. A doctor determines what type of lesion it is and which approach is appropriate.

Arrange a timely appointment with your GP or dermatologist if a spot:

  • changes in shape, colour or size;
  • bleeds spontaneously, develops a sore or does not heal;
  • is new and clearly looks different from your other spots;
  • continues to itch, becomes painful or grows quickly.

These signs do not automatically mean skin cancer, but they do require medical assessment. A small lesion can also be suspicious. If a lesion changes, do not wait for a cosmetic treatment appointment.

Examples of different raised skin lesions on the face and neck
Skin lesions can vary considerably. These examples should not be used for self-diagnosis or to decide whether laser treatment is possible.

From assessment to follow-up

What to expect from treatment.

  1. Assessment and preparation

    We discuss your concerns, expectations, medication and previous skin problems. Before laser treatment, have the lesion assessed by a dermatologist and bring any report with you. Never stop taking medication on your own initiative.

  2. Targeted treatment

    For surgery, the skin is numbed locally and the lesion is removed, usually followed by stitches. During laser treatment, the approved lesion is treated precisely; anaesthesia and settings are tailored to the area and lesion.

  3. Aftercare & follow-up

    You receive wound-care and follow-up instructions. If tissue has been sent for analysis, agree how and when you will receive the result. Contact the clinic if the result is not available by the agreed time.

Has your dermatologist already examined the lesion and would you like it removed? We will discuss which method suits your situation.

Book an appointment

Allow time to heal

Care for your skin.
After treatment too.

Healing depends on the location, size and depth of the lesion, your skin and the chosen treatment. Always follow your personal aftercare instructions.

After surgery

  • Wound careClean and protect the wound as instructed. Avoid tension on the wound and strenuous activities for as long as advised.
  • StitchesNon-dissolvable stitches are often removed after approximately 7 to 14 days, depending on the location and healing process.
  • ScarA scar may initially be red or firm and can take months to settle. Discuss scar care once the skin has closed.

After laser treatment

  • A superficial woundRedness, tenderness and a small crust may occur. Do not pick at crusts and follow the recommended wound-care routine.
  • Skin recoveryHealing often takes one to several weeks. Redness or lighter or darker pigmentation may remain visible for longer.
  • Reviewing the resultPart of the lesion may remain or recur. Have any recurring or changing spot assessed again before scheduling another treatment.

Clear information beforehand

What else would you
like to know?

From scarring to costs: we explain what you can expect and what matters for your skin.

View our current price list →

Can every mole be removed with laser?

No. Laser is only an option for selected lesions that a dermatologist has assessed as benign and approved for laser treatment. Laser is not appropriate if there is any doubt, change or need for tissue analysis. A raised appearance alone says nothing about safety or suitability.

Can a mole still be analysed after laser treatment?

Tissue vaporised by laser is no longer available for reliable microscopic analysis. If analysis is required, an appropriate tissue sample must be taken before any laser treatment. The doctor determines the correct diagnostic approach; investigation takes priority for a suspicious lesion.

Will there be a scar?

Surgical removal leaves a scar. When closing the wound, the surgeon considers the natural skin lines and location. Laser can also cause scarring, a small indentation or pigmentation changes. Neither method guarantees an invisible result.

What are the possible risks?

Both treatments can cause infection, delayed healing, scarring and colour changes. Surgery can also involve bleeding, wound separation and altered sensation. After laser treatment, part of the lesion may remain or recur. Your doctor will discuss the risks relevant to you.

How much does removal cost?

The price depends on the method, number, size and location of the lesions. You will receive a personal cost estimate beforehand. Ask whether any laboratory fees and follow-up appointments are included. Current fees are listed in our price list.

Where are treatments performed?

Surgical removal and laser treatments are performed in Diest. A prior assessment by a dermatologist is required for laser treatment. Please contact us when booking if you already have a report or referral.

An informed choice

Discuss your options.

We determine which approach is suitable for your lesion, with careful attention to assessment, outcome and aftercare.

Close to you

Our locations

Consultations at three locations. Procedures take place at our clinic in Diest.

More about our locations
Belgian Beauty Clinic in Diest
ConsultationsProceduresInjectablesLaser treatment

Diest

Schaluinstraat 5
3290 Diest

Ample free parking at the clinic

Get directions
Belgian Beauty Clinic in Willebroek
ConsultationsAftercareBotox™

Willebroek

Schoolweg 28
2830 Willebroek

Paid parking next to the clinic

Get directions
Belgian Beauty Clinic in Blankenberge
ConsultationsAftercareBotox™

Blankenberge

Langestraat 41
8370 Blankenberge

Parking at the station, a short walk away

Get directions

Not every treatment is available at every location. View available appointments.

arrow-quotes

Ervaringen

Ik ben enorm tevreden over mijn recente MACS facelift en ooglidcorrectie, uitgevoerd door Dr. Vanschoonbeeck in Beauty Clinic Diest. Het team is zeer professioneel en vriendelijk. De kliniek is uiterst proper en heeft een moderne uitstraling. Ik waardeerde vooral de uitgebreide uitleg vooraf en dat de operatie in een geruststellende sfeer verliep. De opvolging is zeer goed en nauwkeurig. Het resultaat overtreft mijn verwachtingen; ik ben zeer tevreden!

Frank