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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Mole removal works just as well on richly pigmented skin — but two risks need managing more carefully:
post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (a dark mark where the skin healed) and
keloid or hypertrophic scarring (a raised, overgrown scar), both of which are more common in
skin of colour. The way to minimise them is an experienced surgeon, the right technique for the lesion, gentle
tension-free closure, and disciplined sun protection afterwards. This guide explains what changes for darker skin
and how a good result is achieved.
Why Darker Skin Needs a Tailored Approach
Melanin-rich skin (Fitzpatrick types IV–VI) responds to injury more reactively: the same wound that heals
invisibly on pale skin may leave a darker mark or a thicker scar. This is not a barrier to mole removal — it
simply means the method, the closure and the aftercare are chosen with these tendencies in mind. The diagnosis
step is identical: any suspicious mole is still excised and analysed.
Managing Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH)
PIH is a temporary (sometimes long-lasting) darkening at the healing site, triggered by inflammation and worsened
by sun. It is minimised by gentle, precise technique that limits trauma, by avoiding unnecessary heat-based
methods, and above all by rigorous sun protection — SPF 50 and covering the area — while the skin
settles. Most PIH fades over months; a clinician can advise on topical agents if it persists.
Reducing Keloid and Hypertrophic Scarring
Keloids — raised scars that grow beyond the original wound — are more common in darker skin and at certain sites
(chest, shoulders, earlobes). Risk is reduced by tension-free closure, careful site selection, and, where a
patient has a known keloid tendency, measures such as silicone therapy or, occasionally, steroid treatment. Tell
your surgeon if you have ever formed a keloid; it directly shapes the plan.
Technique and Surgeon Experience
The most important variable is who performs the procedure. At London Skin Clinic, removal is carried out by
GMC-registered consultant plastic surgeons experienced in operating on all skin tones — not technicians. Method
is matched to the mole (see the mole removal guide),
with closure planned to keep tension and pigment disturbance to a minimum.
Aftercare That Protects the Result
Aftercare matters even more on darker skin. Protect the wound from sun for at least a year, keep it moist rather
than scabbed, avoid stretching the area, and follow the full aftercare guide.
Timing the procedure for cooler months also helps — see timing considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is mole removal safe on dark skin?
- Yes. Mole removal is safe and effective on all skin tones. Darker skin simply has a higher tendency to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and keloid scarring, which an experienced surgeon manages through careful technique, closure and aftercare.
- Will I be left with a dark mark?
- A temporary darkening (PIH) can occur and usually fades over months, especially with strict sun protection. Gentle technique and avoiding unnecessary heat-based methods reduce the risk. Persistent marks can be treated, so discuss any concern with your surgeon.
- I form keloids — can I still have a mole removed?
- Usually yes, but it must be planned. Tell your surgeon about any keloid history so the site, technique and scar-prevention measures (such as silicone or steroid therapy) are tailored to lower the risk. In some high-risk sites, the pros and cons are weighed carefully first.
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