What Private Mole and Skin Tag Removal Really Costs in the UK (2026)
Last updated 29 September 2026
The NHS generally won't remove a mole, skin tag, lipoma or cyst for cosmetic reasons alone, so if one bothers you but isn't clinically concerning, going private is usually the only route. Most removals happen in a single short visit under local anaesthetic, by excision, shave removal, cryotherapy or laser depending on the lesion.
Quick answer: based on clinics currently listed on Keystone, mole and skin tag removal runs from £50 to £650, with most clinics charging £125 to £350. Skin tags sit at the cheaper end of that range, skin clinic chains tend to be cheaper than average, and consultant dermatologists in central London sit at the top.
How much does skin tag removal cost
Skin tags are usually priced lower than moles, since there's rarely anything to send off for lab testing once it's removed. Several clinics on Keystone quote small-lesion removal from around £50 to £125, covering a single tag taken off by shave removal, cryotherapy (freezing) or laser, whichever the clinic uses for that type of lesion.
The number of tags changes the price. Most clinics charge per lesion or per small batch rather than a flat fee, so removing five or six tags in one visit costs more than removing one, even though it's still a single appointment. If you have several tags in different spots, ask whether the clinic quotes per lesion or offers a package price for multiple removals, since that difference can add up quickly.
What actually drives the price difference
- The method. Excision, shave removal, cryotherapy and laser all carry different costs, and not every clinic offers every method.
- Size, position and number. A single small skin tag costs less than removing several lesions, or a larger or awkwardly placed mole, in one visit.
- Histology. If the lesion is sent to a lab for analysis, that's sometimes included in the quote and sometimes billed separately. Always check.
- Consultation vs. removal. Some clinics bundle the initial assessment into the removal price; others charge for the consultation first and quote the removal separately once they've seen you.
- Who performs it. A consultant dermatologist typically charges more than a specialist nurse-led skin clinic, partly because they're better placed to judge whether a lesion needs a closer look before anything is removed.
What we know about current pricing
Based on clinics listed on Keystone (checked 2026-08-28):
On 2026-09-03, 18 clinic listings had a separate skin-tag price or named the removal method in their published price list.
| Removal type | Published price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin tag removal | £50 to £350 | The standard skin-tag listings sit in this range. One specialist anal skin-tag excision with histology is listed at £1,180. |
| Shave excision | £175 to £1,100 | The highest quote is for a day surgery package. Other clinics publish per-lesion or standalone shave prices. |
| Surgical or elliptical excision | £275 to £1,000 | The source price lists describe these as full, ellipse or minor skin excision. |
| Cryotherapy | £50 to £350 | Most of these prices cover one lesion or a small batch of lesions. |
| Laser lesion removal | £165 to £387 | Three clinics publish a separate laser lesion removal price. |
These figures only use prices where the clinic names the method or lists skin tags separately. A general "mole removal from £X" price stays in the broader comparison below rather than being assigned to a method.
| Price | Notes |
|---|---|
| £50 to £125 | Lower end, typically skin clinic chains quoting a single small lesion |
| £125 to £350 | Where most clinics sit for a standard removal |
| £400 to £650 | Higher end, consultant dermatologists, often central London |
That's from 28 clinics with a published removal price, so the range now reflects a real cross-section of the market rather than a handful of quotes. If you're comparing a skin tag removal quote against a mole removal quote, don't assume they're priced the same, they usually aren't.
NHS vs private mole and skin tag removal
| NHS | Private | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free, but only if clinically necessary | Roughly £50 to £650, most clinics £125 to £350 |
| Cosmetic-only removal | Not normally available | Available on request |
| Speed | Can involve a wait for assessment | Usually arranged within days |
If a mole has changed shape, size or colour, don't wait for cosmetic reasons to decide, book a dermatology appointment promptly so it can be properly assessed. Anything suspicious should always be checked by a doctor before removal, private or NHS.
Cheapest clinics for mole removal
The lowest published prices we list. Check what each price includes before you book.
| Clinic | Area | Mole removal |
|---|---|---|
| LivingCare - Leeds Private Scanning & Medical Services | LS15 | £50 |
| Sk:n South Woodford | London E18 | £125 |
| Sk:n Clapham | London SW11 | £125 |
| THMG / sk:n Harley Street Clinic | London W1G | £125 |
| Sk:n - London Canary Wharf | London E14 | £125 |
| Sk:n Chiswick | London W4 | £125 |
| Sk:n - London Procter Street | London WC1V | £125 |
| Sk:n Hampstead | London NW3 | £125 |
Best rated clinics for mole removal
Highest Google ratings among clinics with at least 20 reviews.
| Clinic | Area | Mole removal | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Skin Surgery | London KT6 | £200 | 5.0 (96) |
| Greenwich Private Doctors | London SE10 | £250 | 5.0 (60) |
| Dermal Health | London EC4R | £325 | 5.0 (27) |
| Eve Clinics , London (Harley Street) | London W1G | £150 | 5.0 (20) |
| Cosmedics City | London EC2M | £200 | 4.9 (96) |
| Skinhorizon Clinic | London W9 | £500 | 4.9 (87) |
Compare private skin lesion removal clinics near you
Search your postcode on Keystone to see clinics offering mole, skin tag, lipoma and cyst removal near you, ranked by distance, price and patient rating, and request an appointment directly.
Curious what clinics near you actually charge? Compare real prices, distances and ratings.
Compare private mole removal clinics near you →Frequently asked questions
How much does private mole removal cost in the UK?
Based on clinics currently listed on Keystone, mole removal costs roughly £50 to £650, with most clinics charging £125 to £350. Pricing varies with the method used and the size of the lesion, so ask for a specific quote once it has been assessed.
How much does skin tag removal cost?
Skin tags are usually priced lower than mole removal, and several clinics quote small-lesion removal from around £50 to £125. Ask for a specific quote, since the price depends on the size and number of lesions.
Will the NHS remove a mole or skin tag for free?
Only if it's clinically necessary, for example if it's suspicious or causing pain. Cosmetic-only removal isn't available on the NHS, which is why most skin tag and mole removal happens privately.
Is mole removal painful?
Most removal methods use a local anaesthetic, so the area is numbed first. You might feel some pressure during the procedure and mild discomfort for a few days afterwards while it heals.
