Private Mole Assessment and Removal in Chichester
Consultation-led mole assessment and surgical removal by Dr Etienne Raffner — Specialist Grade Surgeon and core member of the Kent & Sussex Skin Cancer MDT. Not every mole needs to be removed.
"I've had several appointments with Dr Etienne Raffner now. He's a great doctor as he always listens to my concerns and gives plenty of advice and encouragement."
— Google Review"Dr Raffner is an incredibly skilled and knowledgeable surgeon. His attention to detail and care for his patients is second to none."
— Google Review"Absolutely fantastic experience with Dr Raffner. He made me feel completely at ease and the results are beautiful and natural."
— Google Review"Dr Etienne is so professional and reassuring. He took the time to explain everything in detail. I couldn't be happier with the results."
— Google Review"Outstanding care from Dr Raffner. You can really tell he has a surgical background — so precise and thorough. Highly recommend."
— Google Review"The most natural-looking results I've ever had. Dr Raffner's medical expertise really shows. He has a wonderful, calming manner."
— Google Review"I felt completely confident in Dr Raffner's hands. His knowledge as a maxillofacial surgeon makes such a difference to the quality of results."
— Google Review"I've had several appointments with Dr Etienne Raffner now. He's a great doctor as he always listens to my concerns and gives plenty of advice and encouragement."
— Google Review"Dr Raffner is an incredibly skilled and knowledgeable surgeon. His attention to detail and care for his patients is second to none."
— Google Review"Absolutely fantastic experience with Dr Raffner. He made me feel completely at ease and the results are beautiful and natural."
— Google Review"Dr Etienne is so professional and reassuring. He took the time to explain everything in detail. I couldn't be happier with the results."
— Google Review"Outstanding care from Dr Raffner. You can really tell he has a surgical background — so precise and thorough. Highly recommend."
— Google Review"The most natural-looking results I've ever had. Dr Raffner's medical expertise really shows. He has a wonderful, calming manner."
— Google Review"I felt completely confident in Dr Raffner's hands. His knowledge as a maxillofacial surgeon makes such a difference to the quality of results."
— Google ReviewInitial Assessment
Every appointment begins with a clinical assessment — not with removal. Dr Raffner examines the mole, takes a history of any changes you have noticed, and uses dermoscopy (a specialised magnifying tool) where appropriate. He then advises whether removal is necessary, whether monitoring is preferable, or whether referral is the most appropriate pathway.
Not every mole that is assessed is removed. Some moles are entirely benign and require no treatment. Others may warrant investigation rather than cosmetic removal. The assessment comes first; the decision to remove is a clinical one, made with you.
Suitability for Removal
Mole removal may be appropriate when a mole is:
- Cosmetically bothersome
- Catching on clothing, jewellery or razors
- Changed in size, shape or colour and has been assessed as suitable for excision
- Causing irritation or discomfort
Removal may not be appropriate where a mole has features that warrant NHS referral, or where an alternative approach would be more suitable. Dr Raffner will advise honestly at your consultation.
Removal Methods
Shave excision
The mole is removed at skin level using a surgical blade. Suitable for raised, pedunculated lesions. No sutures are usually required.
Surgical excision
The mole and a small margin of surrounding skin are removed, with fine sutures placed to close the wound. Typically used for flatter moles or where histology is planned.
The most appropriate method is agreed at your consultation based on the mole's characteristics and your preferences.
Histology
For clearly benign lesions, histological analysis is usually not necessary. Where a mole has unusual features, has changed, or where there is clinical uncertainty, the excised tissue is sent to a dermatopathology laboratory for analysis. This confirms the diagnosis and rules out any abnormality.
Whether histology is recommended in your case is discussed and agreed at your consultation. Results are communicated promptly once available.
Scarring
All surgical removal leaves some degree of scarring. Dr Raffner uses meticulous surgical technique and precise suturing to minimise this. In most cases, scars fade significantly over 6–12 months and become far less visible than the original mole.
The appearance of the final scar depends on factors including the mole's size, location, your skin type and how the wound heals. Realistic expectations are discussed at your consultation.
Aftercare
Most patients return to normal daily activities within 24–48 hours. Written aftercare instructions are provided after every procedure, including guidance on keeping the wound clean and protected from the sun. Sun protection is particularly important while the area heals, as UV exposure can affect pigmentation of the scar.
If sutures have been placed, these are removed at a follow-up appointment 7–14 days after the procedure.
When a Different Referral May Be Needed
If assessment suggests a mole may be malignant, or if the lesion requires specialist NHS management, Dr Raffner will advise referral to the appropriate NHS pathway rather than private removal.
As a core member of the Kent & Sussex Skin Cancer Multidisciplinary Team, Dr Raffner is well placed to identify when an NHS referral is the right course of action. He will be clear about his recommendation and, where appropriate, can provide a referral letter to support onward care.
Mole Check and Assessment
If you are concerned about a mole but are not seeking removal, a standalone mole assessment appointment is available. Dr Raffner will examine the mole using dermoscopy, advise whether any action is needed, and discuss monitoring or referral where appropriate.
A full body screening and mole mapping appointment with dermoscopy is also available for patients who would like multiple lesions reviewed. This is a clinical assessment service — if you have a specific lesion you are worried about, it will be assessed and discussed in detail.
Pricing
Full pricing for mole assessment and removal is confirmed at your consultation.
View Full PricingFollow-Up
If sutures have been placed, a follow-up appointment is arranged 7–14 days after the procedure for suture removal and wound review. Any histology results are communicated promptly. If you have any concerns in the days following your procedure, Dr Raffner is available to advise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Services
Book a mole assessment
Concerned about a mole or considering removal? Book a consultation with Dr Raffner for an honest clinical assessment.
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