SKIN SURGERY

Mole, cyst and skin tag removal

As we age, irregularities in the skin cells can cause a mole, tag or lump to develop. These are usually benign but require removal for cosmetic purposes and diagnosis by analysis under a microscope.

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Mole, cyst and skin tag removal — facial skin close-up

Quick answer about this procedure

QUICK ANSWER

Surgical excision of moles, sebaceous cysts and skin tags on the face and surrounding areas. Each excised specimen is sent for histopathology to confirm the diagnosis, and reconstruction uses facial plastic surgical techniques to optimise the cosmetic result.

Procedure
Excision of mole / cyst / skin tag
Anaesthesia
Local · Sedation (rarely)
Duration
15–45 min
Stay
Day-stay
Recovery
Sutures out 5–10 days

IS THIS FOR YOU?

Specialist removal is appropriate when:

  • A mole, cyst or skin tag is in a cosmetically sensitive area of the face
  • The lesion has changed in size, colour or texture
  • Histopathology is required to confirm the diagnosis
  • Reconstruction with facial plastic surgical technique will optimise the result
  • The lesion is difficult to access or close to important structures
WHO PERFORMS THIS

The surgeons who perform this procedure

Both surgeons listed below perform this procedure at OMS Specialists. Each carries dual qualifications in medicine and dentistry plus Fellowship from the Royal Australasian or English College.

Mr Richard Cobb, Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Mr Richard Cobb

Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

BDS · MBBS · MFDS(Eng) · MRCS(Eng) · DHMSA · FRCS(OMFS)

  • Oral Surgery
  • Jaw Surgery
  • Facial Surgery
  • Skin Surgery
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Mr Ryan Smit, Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Mr Ryan Smit

Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

BDS · MBChB · MRACDS(PDS) · FRACDS(OMS)

  • Oral Surgery
  • Jaw Surgery
  • Facial Surgery
  • Skin Surgery
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RECOVERY TIMELINE

Recovery timeline

  • 0–1 day

    First 24 hours

    Local discomfort at the surgical site, dressings and simple analgesia. Most patients return to normal activity within a day.

    Red flags · Heavy bleeding not slowed by gentle pressure, or rapid swelling.

  • 5–10 days

    Day 5–10

    Sutures are removed at 5 to 10 days depending on site. Histopathology results are usually available within 1 to 2 weeks.

  • 6–12 months

    Month 6–12

    Scar maturation occurs over 6 to 12 months. Sun protection of the scar during this window optimises the final result.

RISKS & HONESTY

Risks we discuss before consent

  • Scarring

    All excision leaves a scar, which usually fades over 6 to 12 months. Facial plastic surgical technique is used to place incisions in skin creases wherever possible.

  • Recurrence

    Sebaceous cysts can recur if the cyst lining is not fully removed. Complete enucleation reduces but does not eliminate this risk.

  • Bleeding and infection

    Some bleeding is normal for the first day; prolonged or heavy bleeding warrants review. Infection is uncommon and is managed with prescribed antibiotics.

  • Diagnostic outcome

    Every excised specimen is sent for histopathology. Where the result identifies an unexpected finding (such as atypia or malignancy), further treatment may be required.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Common questions about mole, cyst and skin tag removal

Why see an OMFS surgeon instead of my GP or a dermatologist?

For lesions on the face, particularly in cosmetically sensitive areas, the reconstructive technique matters as much as the excision. As maxillofacial surgeons trained in facial plastic surgical techniques, our surgeons are particularly well placed to optimise the cosmetic outcome of facial excision. Suspicious melanocytic lesions are usually best managed by a dermatologist and we coordinate that pathway where appropriate.

Will the lesion be sent for analysis?

Yes. Every excised lesion is sent for histopathology to confirm the diagnosis. As we age, irregularities in the skin cells can cause a mole, tag or lump to develop. These are usually benign but require removal for cosmetic purposes and diagnosis by analysis under a microscope.

How long until I see the final cosmetic result?

Sutures are removed at 5 to 10 days depending on the site. Scar maturation continues over 6 to 12 months, with sun protection during this window helping the final result. The scar will continue to soften and fade well beyond the first year.

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