Skin treatments
Single Mole Check in Knightsbridge: When One Lesion Needs a Look
When a focused single-lesion assessment is the right choice, what the appointment involves, how dermoscopy guides the decision, the possible outcomes from reassurance to removal, the two-week-wait pathway, and what mole removal costs.
By Fatemeh, Founder & Lead Practitioner, Levirgo Aesthetics Clinic 13 min read
Reviewed December 2025 
Single check or full-body check?
| Single mole check | Full-body check |
|---|---|
| One specific lesion is worrying you | You want your whole skin surveyed |
| Rest of your skin is unremarkable and you self-check | You have 50+ moles or several atypical moles |
| No strong personal or family skin-cancer history | Personal/family history of melanoma, or immunosuppression |
| You want a fast, focused answer | You want a documented baseline and mole mapping |
If a single check reveals wider concerns, the clinician will recommend upgrading to a full examination.
What the appointment involves
- Focused history
How long the lesion has been there, what’s changed, any itch or bleeding, your sun and sunbed history, and any personal or family history of skin cancer.
- Naked-eye examination
Size, shape, border, colour and comparison with your other moles (the “ugly duckling” check).
- Dermoscopy
The lesion is examined with a dermatoscope, revealing pigment and vessel patterns that guide whether it looks benign, borderline or suspicious.
- Photograph
A clinical and a dermoscopic image are stored so any future change can be measured.
- Decision & plan
You leave with one of three outcomes and a clear explanation of the reasoning.
The three possible outcomes
1. Reassurance
The lesion has clearly benign features on dermoscopy — for example a typical mole, a seborrhoeic keratosis, a freckle or a haemangioma. You’re advised to keep an eye on it and return if it changes.
2. Photograph and review
The lesion is borderline but not suspicious. It’s documented at high magnification and you return in about three months. If it is unchanged, that’s reassuring; if it has changed, it’s removed. This is a standard, safe approach used worldwide.
3. Remove and test
The lesion has features that warrant removal. It’s excised in full under local anaesthetic and sent for histology, with results in one to two weeks. If melanoma is strongly suspected, you’re referred urgently rather than treated privately.
The two-week-wait pathway
If a clinician suspects skin cancer, NHS rules mean you should be seen by a specialist within two weeks. A private clinic can and should make this referral for you — a suspicious mole is not something to “monitor and see”.
Illustrative only — the mix depends heavily on why people present. Most focused checks end in reassurance.
If the mole needs removing
| Method | Used for | Histology possible? |
|---|---|---|
| Excision biopsy (ellipse, stitched) | Any mole where diagnosis matters; suspicious lesions | Yes — whole lesion examined |
| Shave excision | Raised, clearly benign moles for cosmetic reasons | Yes — but base not sampled |
| Cryotherapy / cautery / laser | Never appropriate for a true mole | No — diagnosis destroyed |
A pigmented lesion should never be removed by a method that leaves nothing to send to the lab.
Worried about one mole? Get it checked.
A focused, dermoscopy-led assessment with a doctor and a clear answer — reassurance, review, or removal with a plan.
Recovery after excision
- Keep the wound clean and dry as directed; sutures out at 7–14 days depending on the site.
- Avoid stretching the area, heavy exercise, swimming and saunas until healed.
- Support the scar with silicone gel or tape for a few weeks if advised.
- Protect the scar from the sun for several months to limit pigment change.
- Expect a fine line scar; on the back, chest and shoulders scars tend to be wider.
What it costs in London
| Service | Typical London price |
|---|---|
| Single mole check with dermoscopy | £90–£200 |
| Digital photograph & 3-month review | £60–£150 |
| Excision biopsy of a mole (incl. histology) | £350–£700 |
| Shave removal of a benign mole (incl. histology) | £250–£500 |
The check fee is often redeemable against removal if that’s the outcome. Prices are confirmed in writing.
How Levirgo handles a single mole check
- A doctor examines the lesion with dermoscopy and explains the reasoning behind the outcome.
- Clinical and dermoscopic photographs stored so any future change is measurable.
- Excision biopsy with histology for anything that needs removing — never destructive removal of a pigmented lesion.
- Urgent two-week-wait referral when skin cancer is suspected.
- Honest advice on the likely scar before any cosmetic removal.
- CQC-registered clinic in Knightsbridge with transparent pricing.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a single mole check cost in Knightsbridge?
A focused single-lesion check with dermoscopy is roughly £90–£200 in London. If the outcome is removal, an excision biopsy with histology is about £350–£700, and the check fee is often redeemable against it.
Should I book a single check or a full-body check?
Book a single check if one specific lesion is worrying you and the rest of your skin is unremarkable. Choose a full-body check if you have many moles, atypical moles, or a personal or family history of skin cancer, or if you want a documented baseline.
What are the possible outcomes?
Three: reassurance that the lesion is benign; photograph it and review in about three months if it’s borderline; or remove it and send it to the lab if it has concerning features. If skin cancer is strongly suspected, you’re referred urgently.
What is the two-week-wait pathway?
An NHS urgent-referral route: if a clinician suspects skin cancer, you should be seen by a specialist within two weeks. A private clinic can make this referral for you — a suspicious mole should not simply be monitored.
How is a mole removed?
Usually by excision biopsy under local anaesthetic — the whole lesion is cut out and stitched, then sent to a pathologist. Clearly benign raised moles can sometimes be shaved for cosmetic reasons. A true mole should never be frozen, burnt or lasered, as that destroys the diagnosis.
Will removal leave a scar?
Yes — an excision leaves a fine line scar, usually a bit longer than the mole itself. Scars on the back, chest and shoulders tend to stretch and be more visible. Your clinician will show you the likely direction and length beforehand.
How long do results take?
Histology results are typically back within one to two weeks. You’ll be contacted with the result and any follow-up plan.
My mole is itching — is that serious?
Itching, bleeding, crusting, oozing or a mole that won’t heal are all changes worth getting checked promptly. They don’t always mean something serious, but they’re exactly the features an assessment is designed to evaluate.
Can I have a harmless mole removed just for cosmetic reasons?
Yes, privately. It’s still sent for histology to confirm it’s benign, and you should expect a small scar. The NHS generally only removes moles that are medically problematic.
How often should I check my own moles?
Once a month, using the ABCDE guide (asymmetry, border, colour, diameter, evolving) and looking for any mole that stands out from your others. Photograph anything you’re unsure about so you can compare over time.
Levirgo Aesthetics Clinic · Knightsbridge
A clear answer on that one mole
Dermoscopy, documentation, and a proper pathway if it needs removing — doctor-led, in Knightsbridge. No obligation to proceed.
Sources & further reading
This article is general information and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a substitute for assessment of a specific lesion. If you are worried about a mole or a skin change, seek a clinical assessment promptly. Prices are indicative London ranges for 2026 and are confirmed in writing after assessment.