Mr. Onur Gilleard
Qualifications & Experience
Mr Onur Gilleard is a distinguished consultant plastic surgeon on the GMC specialist register. He previously held an NHS consultant post at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, specialising in skin cancer and microsurgical reconstruction. In 2021, Mr Gilleard transitioned from the NHS to dedicate himself fully to private practice, allowing him to focus exclusively on providing personalised, high-quality care to his patients. He is recognised as an expert in laser treatments, having conducted research and developed advanced treatment protocols using cutting-edge laser technology to optimise both clinical outcomes and cosmetic results.
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A normal mole is symmetrical, one even colour, smooth-edged, small (under 6 mm) and unchanging.
A mole that could be melanoma breaks those rules: asymmetry, an irregular border, more than one colour, a larger
or growing size, and — above all — change over time. It may also itch or bleed, or simply look
different from your other moles. This guide puts the two side by side so you know what a reassuring mole looks
like and which features mean “get it checked”.
A Normal Mole
Ordinary moles are round or oval, a single uniform shade of brown or tan, with a smooth, clearly defined edge,
typically smaller than a pencil-end (6 mm), and stable for years. They can be flat or raised. Having 10–40 is
entirely normal — read more in understanding moles.
A Suspicious Mole
Apply the ABCDE rule — any one feature is reason to have a mole assessed:
- Asymmetry · Border irregular · Colour uneven · Diameter >6 mm · Evolving (the most important).
Also note the “ugly duckling” — a mole that simply looks unlike your others — and any itching, bleeding or
crusting. The full detail is in our cornerstone guide, spotting a suspicious mole.
Side by Side
| Feature | Normal mole | Could be melanoma |
|---|---|---|
| Symmetry | Symmetrical | Asymmetrical |
| Border | Smooth | Irregular/blurred |
| Colour | One even shade | Mixed shades |
| Size | Usually <6 mm, stable | >6 mm or growing |
| Over time | Unchanged | Evolving |
If your mole sits in the right-hand column on any row, have it checked — see the broader mole vs skin cancer comparison. Book a mole check.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a normal mole look like?
- Round or oval, a single even shade of brown or tan, with a smooth well-defined border, usually under 6 mm, and stable over time. Flat or raised can both be normal. The reassuring signs are symmetry, even colour and no change.
- Does the size of a mole matter?
- Larger moles (over about 6 mm) draw more attention, but size alone isn’t decisive — melanomas can be small. A small mole that is changing, asymmetric or differently coloured still warrants a check, while a large stable mole is often harmless.
- Should I photograph a mole I’m watching?
- Yes — a dated photo from a consistent distance helps you and your clinician judge real change objectively. If you have many moles, professional mole mapping creates a precise baseline for the same purpose.
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