Mole Removal in Glasgow: NHS vs Private — What You Need to Know

Moles, or melanocytic naevi, are common skin lesions caused by a local overgrowth of pigment cells and, in most cases, are completely harmless. Many people live with them without any issues, but there are times when a mole becomes a source of worry, discomfort, or self-consciousness. If you are considering mole removal in Glasgow or in central Scotland, it can be confusing to know where to start — should you go through the NHS, or consider private treatment? 

This guide explains the key differences, so you can make an informed choice. 

When the NHS Will Remove a Mole 

The NHS provides expert care for patients who may have skin cancer. If your GP is concerned about a mole — for example, if it has changed shape, colour, or size — you will be referred to a Dermatologist for a review.  Usually this will involve submitting a photograph for remote vetting, and then an appointment will be issued based on the GP referral and the appearances of the lesion on the photograph.   At the appointment, your lesion will be examined and you will be offered a biopsy if indicated. 

However, the reality is that NHS Dermatology services are under significant pressure. Even urgent suspected melanoma referrals can take a couple of weeks or more before you are seen, and for less urgent cases the wait will usually be a few months. This can feel particularly stressful if you are already worried about a mole. 

The NHS does not routinely offer removal of moles that look benign (non-cancerous), but in some cases you may be offered mole removal if a lesion is: 

• Repeatedly catching on clothing or jewellery. 

• Causing bleeding or pain. 

• Interfering with daily life. 

When the NHS May Not Offer Mole Removal 

Because the NHS must prioritise urgent and medically necessary cases, it does not provide mole removal for purely cosmetic reasons. For example: 

• If you dislike the appearance of a mole. 

• If it is in a visible place, such as your face or neck, but is otherwise harmless. 

In these situations, your GP or Dermatologist may reassure you that the mole looks safe but will not be able to arrange removal. Patients sometimes find this frustrating — especially if the mole is causing day-to-day embarrassment or anxiety. 

Private Mole Removal in Glasgow 

For people who would still like a mole removed, private treatment is an option. In a private setting, you can: 

• Access care quickly, often within a week, without needing a GP referral. 

• Choose removal for any reason – cosmetic, comfort, or peace of mind. 

• See a skin specialist directly – with expertise in skin surgery and mole assessment. 

Private mole removal can be carried out using varying surgical techniques, which your surgeon will discuss with you at your consultation, and recommend an option that best suits you and the mole in question.  These include: 

• Excision – cutting out the skin in which the mole out is growing and closing the skin with stitches.  This will leave a permanent scar but is the most reliable way of removing a mole without risk of it growing back.  For concerning moles, this is the best option. 

• Shave excision / curettage – removing the mole within the skin, but leaving the underlying skin intact.  This leaves a graze-like wound that often heals without a permanent scar.  For cosmetic mole removal, this is usually a better option. 

• LASER removal – destroying the mole with high-energy light, which usually has a low risk of scarring.  There is a higher risk of recurrence or incomplete treatment with LASER therapy, and it may not be suitable for patients with darker skin tones.  Due to the destruction of the mole, no testing is possible and it is not suitable for concerning moles.  LASER treatment is not currently offered at Glasgow Skin Specialists. 

If there is any doubt about the mole, a sample is usually sent for histology (laboratory testing) to provide reassurance. 

Questions Patients Often Ask:

How much does it cost? Prices for mole removal in Glasgow vary widely. Some clinics advertise low fees, but these often do not include histology (microscopic lab testing). 

At Glasgow Skin Specialists, our philosophy is that every mole removed should be tested under the microscope. This is the gold standard for patient safety, and it provides complete reassurance. When comparing costs, it’s important to check whether histology is included — because peace of mind should never be optional. 

Will there be a scar? Any surgery on the skin carries a risk of scarring, and this should be considered before you opt for mole removal. Our experienced surgeons will use techniques to keep scarring to a minimum, and scars usually fade well over time. 

Is it safe? When carried out in a properly regulated clinic by a trained surgeon, mole removal is a very safe procedure. You should always check that your clinic is registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland. 

How to Decide What’s Right for You 

 If you are concerned about a mole, it is important to have it assessed promptly. While the NHS provides care for suspicious moles, waiting times can feel stressful — particularly if you are anxious or if the mole is not considered urgent.  Private mole removal offers an alternative. It provides: 

• Fast access without long waiting lists. 

• Comprehensive reassurance, with histology testing included as standard in safe, regulated clinics. 

• The option to choose treatment even when the NHS may not offer removal. 

Private care and NHS care both play important and complimentary roles. Private treatment fills a gap that the NHS is sometimes unable to provide, and allows you to take control of when and how your mole is dealt with. 

Glasgow Skin Specialists — Coming Soon 

At Glasgow Skin Specialists, we are in the process of setting up a new expert-led clinic in Glasgow city centre. Our service will focus on minor skin surgery, mole checks, and dermatology care for adults and adolescent children across the West Coast and Central Belt of Scotland.  Our aim is to provide: 

• Fast access to mole checks and removals. 

• Experienced, consultant-led care. 

• Safe procedures with histology testing for reassurance. 

We are not open yet, but we are working hard to create a trusted, patient-focused service. By sharing information like this blog, we hope to support patients who are currently navigating their options — and to explain how our clinic will fit into the wider healthcare landscape in the near future.