💡 What You’ll Learn from This Article

• ✅ Types and characteristics of moles
• ✅ Conditions for insurance-covered treatment
• ✅ Our treatment options and fees
• ✅ About pain and scarring
• ✅ Post-operative precautions

⚠️ If Left Untreated…

• ❌ The mole may grow larger, making treatment more complex
• ❌ It may become harder to distinguish from a malignant tumor
• ❌ Risk of the mole catching on something in daily life and bleeding

This page has been supervised and written by specialist physicians at IC Clinic Omiya, located just a 1-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Omiya Station.

✨ A Complete Guide to Mole (Nevus) Treatment in Saitama (Omiya)

😟 “My mole has been gradually getting larger and I’m not sure what to do.”
😟 “Can moles on my face be removed cleanly?”

👨‍⚕️ Do any of these concerns sound familiar? We receive many inquiries from patients every day regarding mole treatment at our clinic.

📖 On this page, we have compiled all the information you may want to know—what moles are, how they can be treated, and whether insurance coverage applies.

🔍 What Is a Mole (Nevus)?

A mole (pigmented nevus) is generally an acquired condition. Rather than being present from birth, it refers to a state in which nevus cells (which resemble pigment cells) have proliferated in or beneath the skin during the course of growth.

📚 Acquired pigmented nevi are typically classified into the following four types.

① 📌 Unna Nevus

• 📍 Most commonly appear on the trunk of the body
• 📏 Often around 1 cm in diameter
• 🤚 Soft, nodular texture
• 🎨 Color is often black to dark brown

② 📌 Miescher Nevus

• 📍 Most commonly appear on the face and scalp
• 🏔️ Often dome-shaped
• 💇 May have hair growing from them
• ⏰ With age, they can fade and become closer to skin tone

③ 📌 Spitz Nevus

• 👶 Tend to develop in relatively younger individuals
• 🎨 Color is often red to black
• ⚠️ In rare cases, they can enlarge rapidly, making it necessary to distinguish them from skin cancer (malignant melanoma)

④ 📌 Clark Nevus

• 📍 Most commonly appear on the trunk and limbs
• 🥚 Often oval in shape
• 🎨 The center is slightly darker, gradually fading toward the edges
• 📏 Generally less than 1 cm in diameter

😰 Symptoms Associated with Moles

Moles can sometimes cause problems that interfere with daily life, such as:

• 👁️ Obstructing the field of vision when located on the eyelid
• 🪒 Catching on a razor during shaving
• 👕 Catching on clothing when dressing or undressing
• 🩸 Bleeding when a fingernail catches the area while washing the face
• ⚠️ Possibility of malignancy

💰 Mole Treatment May Be Covered by Health Insurance

✨ When moles cause symptoms such as those described above, surgical treatment under the national health insurance system may be applicable.
⚠️ If the purpose is purely cosmetic, treatment will not be covered by insurance and will be an out-of-pocket expense.

⚠️ Conditions That Can Resemble Moles

🔸 Dermatofibroma (Skin Fibroma)

This condition can resemble a mole and commonly occurs on the hands and feet. It is a firm, nodule-like skin tumor that is black to brown in color. 🦟 It may develop following an insect bite or some form of skin injury.

🔸 Neurofibroma

This is a benign skin tumor arising from peripheral nerves. It is also known to occur in multiple numbers in neurofibromatosis type 1 (von Recklinghausen disease). It can also occur as a solitary lesion and may need to be differentiated from a Miescher nevus.

🔸 Soft Fibroma (Acrochordon / Skin Tag)

Commonly found in areas prone to friction, such as the neck, underarms, and groin. It is a skin-colored, wart-like raised lesion. ⏰ It gradually increases with age and friction. Small ones that develop around the neck are sometimes called acrochordons.

🔸 Seborrheic Keratosis (Senile Wart)

This condition commonly develops in middle age and beyond, and is seen in almost all individuals aged 60 and older. ☀️ Caused by UV exposure and aging, it involves the hardening of the skin surface, forming raised, brownish, spot-like lesions. It often appears on the face, temples, and around the neck.

🔸 Basal Cell Carcinoma

This is one of the most frequently occurring skin cancers, commonly developing on the face. As it can resemble a mole, careful differentiation—including consideration of skin biopsy—is important. ⚠️ Complete surgical excision is necessary, and in some cases, referral to a general hospital or university hospital may be required.

🔸 Malignant Melanoma

⚠️ This is a form of skin cancer that is prone to metastasis and can be life-threatening. It is important to begin treatment promptly upon diagnosis. 👣 It frequently develops on the soles of the feet. If this condition is diagnosed, we will arrange a prompt referral to a university hospital or cancer center.

✨ Treatment Options for Moles

Based on the size and location of the mole, the most appropriate treatment method is selected under the guidance of a physician certified by the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

For surgical treatment at our clinic, we follow a plastic surgery approach: incisions are made along the natural skin creases, followed by dermal suturing (deep layer closure using absorbable sutures beneath the skin) and epidermal suturing.

🏥 Mole Treatment at IC Clinic Omiya

At IC Clinic Omiya, we are committed to achieving aesthetically refined, inconspicuous scarring in all of our treatments.

💎 Our clinic offers the following features to help achieve minimal, clean scarring:

• ✨ We use sutures finer than a strand of hair to perform precise and meticulous closures
• ✨ The most appropriate technique is selected from a wide range of surgical methods under the guidance of a physician certified by the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• ✨ Mole surgery performed by physicians with extensive clinical experience
  ※ 🌏 Patients travel from across Japan—including Tohoku and Okinawa—to receive treatment at our clinic
• ✨ We aim not only for clean scarring, but also to minimize discomfort throughout the treatment process

📋 Mole Surgery Process at IC Clinic Omiya

🗣️ STEP 1: We begin with a consultation.

🔍 STEP 2: A physician examines the mole to assess for any signs of malignancy.

💉 STEP 3: Local anesthesia is administered before the procedure begins.

🩹 STEP 4: Ointment is applied and the wound is protected with gauze or a bandage.

📝 STEP 5: Our physician and nursing staff will provide detailed instructions on post-operative wound care.

📅 STEP 6: Suture removal is scheduled approximately 1–2 weeks after surgery.

❓ FAQ: Mole Surgery and Treatment

Q1. Can moles become cancerous?

💡 The risk of a common mole becoming cancerous is generally the same as for other areas of skin. Proper diagnosis of any mole is important.

Q2. How many visits are needed for wart or mole treatment?

💡 Warts and moles can typically be removed in a single surgical procedure. Suture removal is required approximately 1–2 weeks afterward.

Q3. Is mole treatment covered by health insurance?

💡 Insurance coverage may apply when the mole is causing symptoms, such as:

• ✅ Obstructing the field of vision when located on the eyelid
• ✅ Catching on a razor during shaving
• ✅ Catching on clothing when dressing or undressing
• ✅ Bleeding when a fingernail catches the area while washing the face

⚠️ If the purpose is purely cosmetic, insurance does not apply and costs will be an out-of-pocket expense.

Q4. I have a mole near my eye—can it be removed?

💡 Removal is possible in many cases. Please consult with our physician at your first visit for an assessment.

Q5. Will it be painful?

💡 Local anesthesia is used, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. 💉 There may be some mild discomfort when the anesthetic is injected, but we use ultra-fine needles and aim to minimize discomfort throughout.

Q6. Will there be a scar?

💡 After mole treatment, a minor scar will remain. Eliminating scarring entirely is not possible; our focus is on minimizing the appearance of scars as much as we can.

Q7. Can multiple moles be removed in a single session?

💡 Insurance coverage is determined by the physician’s judgment (such as functional issues or medical necessity). As a result, insurance-covered surgery is generally limited to one site per treatment session. CO2 laser treatment (self-pay), however, may allow multiple sites to be treated at once, subject to the physician’s assessment.

Q8. Can I drink alcohol or exercise after surgery?

💡 It is advisable to avoid both for at least 3 days after surgery. If possible, refraining for approximately one week is preferable.

Q9. Can I bathe after surgery?

💡 After surgery, showering is permitted from the day after surgery. 🛁 Soaking in a bathtub is best avoided until after suture removal.

Q10. Are there any precautions to take after surgery?

💡 It is important to keep the wound clean and use taping to reduce tension on the wound, as well as to protect the area from UV exposure.

Q11. Can the mole come back after treatment?

💡 We aim to excise the mole so that it does not recur; however, as we perform minimal excision, recurrence is possible in rare cases. If you suspect the mole may have recurred, please return for a follow-up consultation with one of our physicians.

💰 Mole Treatment Fees

Approximate Guide to Mole Surgery Costs
💵 Exposed areas	Approx. ¥5,000–¥15,000 (at 30% patient co-payment) ※Consultation and examination fees are charged separately.
💵 Non-exposed areas	Approx. ¥4,000–¥13,000 (at 30% patient co-payment) ※Consultation and examination fees are charged separately.
⚠️ Pathological examination is performed as a general rule at the physician’s discretion, as malignant tumors arising from moles have been reported in the literature. 📌 Fees vary within the ranges above depending on the location and size of the mole. 📌 Non-exposed areas such as the trunk, upper arms, and thighs are priced lower than exposed areas. 📌 In cases of multiple moles, simultaneous surgery on adjacent sites may be possible in some cases, subject to the physician’s assessment. 📌 In addition to the surgery fees listed above, approximate additional costs include: consultation and prescription fees of around ¥1,000, examination fees of around ¥1,000, and pathological examination fees of around ¥3,000.

💳 Surgical Insurance Benefits

💰 If you are enrolled in a private medical insurance plan or mutual aid association, you may be eligible to claim a surgical benefit if you receive surgery under the national health insurance system following a physician’s diagnosis.

⚠️ Please note that even if you hold a life insurance policy, benefits will not be paid unless you submit a claim yourself.

📄 If a physician’s written diagnosis is required, please be sure to inform us at the time of your consultation.

Please check with your life insurance company or mutual aid association for details.
（The procedure name will typically be listed as “Excision of Skin and Subcutaneous Tumor” or similar.）

🌟 6 Features of IC Clinic Omiya That Our Patients Appreciate

1️⃣ Team-Based Care

Surgery is performed as a team by dermatologists and plastic surgeons under the guidance of a physician certified by the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

2️⃣ Attention to Discomfort

The most appropriate method is selected from a wide range of surgical techniques under the guidance of a certified plastic surgeon, with the aim of keeping discomfort to a minimum.

3️⃣ Minimally Visible Scarring

We pay close attention to suturing technique and thread selection, aiming to minimize the appearance of scars.

4️⃣ National Health Insurance Accepted

💰 Mole surgery at our clinic may be covered under the national health insurance system, helping to keep costs manageable.

5️⃣ Same-Day Surgery Available

⏱️ We aim to complete procedures within 20 minutes. For smaller moles, surgery can often be completed in around 5 minutes.

6️⃣ Convenient Location

🚉 Our clinic is located just a 1-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Omiya Station.

👥 Many patients visit us with the following concerns.
Do any of these sound familiar?

• 😊 Those who want moles in visible areas—such as the face or neck—treated as cleanly as possible
• 💼 Busy professionals who have difficulty setting aside extended time for treatment
• ✨ Women who place a high priority on the quality of post-treatment results

🌟 Moles can be removed cleanly under the national health insurance system!

💎 Self-Pay Treatment Options for Moles

Based on the size and location of the mole, the most appropriate treatment method is selected under the guidance of a physician certified by the Japanese Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. At our clinic, we offer:

Treatment using CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser or high-frequency electrosurgery (radiofrequency scalpel).

✨ What Is CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) Laser Treatment? A Treatment Option for Removing Moles and Warts

CO2 laser treatment is used to remove moles, skin tags (acrochordons), raised pigmented spots, and similar lesions. It has minimal impact on the surrounding skin, and because the dermis is preserved at the treated site, scarring tends to be less noticeable. It may also be helpful for acne and acne scarring.

Although a laser is used, discomfort during treatment is typically mild, and the post-treatment impact on daily life is generally small, making it a relatively straightforward procedure. Recovery also tends to be faster than with surgical excision using a scalpel.

Treatment can be applied not only to the face, but also to the décolletage (neck to chest), the back, and other areas of the body.

🎯 Who May Benefit from CO2 Laser Treatment

CO2 laser treatment may be suitable for those with the following concerns:

• ✅ Those bothered by moles, warts, or pigmented spots
• ✅ Those who wish to minimize the impact on surrounding skin
• ✅ Those who find treatments involving significant discomfort difficult

CO2 laser treatment can address a wide range of skin concerns, including moles, warts, pigmented spots, acne, and acne scars. As it tends to have minimal impact on surrounding skin and leaves less noticeable scarring, it may be a suitable option for those concerned about the effect of treatment on their skin.

💉 At our clinic, local anesthesia is administered before CO2 laser treatment, helping to reduce discomfort during the procedure.

⚠️ For insurance-covered treatment, we follow a plastic surgery approach: incisions are made along the natural skin creases, followed by dermal suturing (deep layer closure using absorbable sutures beneath the skin) and epidermal suturing.