Having a mole removed is a common dermatological procedure, but it’s important to take proper care of the skin afterwards to ensure proper healing and reduce scarring. Here are some tips on caring for your skin after getting a mole removed.
What is the process for removing a mole?
Moles are removed either by shaving them off with a scalpel, scooping them out with a surgical spoon curette, or excising them with scissors. The method used depends on factors like the size of the mole, whether it’s raised or flat, and the location on the body. After the mole is removed, the area is cauterized to stop bleeding and stitched closed if needed.
There are a few different methods your doctor might use to remove a mole:
- Shave excision – Using a sharp blade to shave off the raised portion of a mole. This may not remove all of the roots and the mole can grow back.
- Punch excision – Using a cookie-cutter like device to scoop out the mole, roots and all. This prevents regrowth of the mole.
- Surgical excision – Cutting out the mole and some surrounding normal skin using a scalpel. This also removes it fully so that regrowth is unlikely.
- Laser ablation – Using a laser to vaporize the mole.
- Cryotherapy – Freezing the mole with liquid nitrogen to destroy it.
After the mole has been removed, the area is cleansed and an antibiotic ointment and bandage are applied. Your doctor will also advise you on how to care for the wound.
How do I care for the wound after mole removal?
Proper wound care is important for optimal healing after your mole is excised. Here are some tips:
- Keep the area clean. Cleanse the wound daily with mild soap and water, and pat dry. Don’t soak the wound in water.
- Apply antibiotic ointment. Apply a thin layer of antibacterial ointment like polysporin to the wound once or twice a day.
- Cover with a bandage. Use a sterile gauze bandage to keep the wound covered until healed. Change the bandage daily.
- Watch for signs of infection. Look for increased swelling, redness, pain, warmth, or pus-like drainage. Call your doctor immediately if you notice any of these.
- Avoid picking at scabs. This can disrupt healing and cause scarring. Let scabs naturally fall off.
- Stay out of the sun. Protect the incision site with clothing or sunscreen to prevent sun damage. UV rays can darken scars.
Follow your doctor’s instructions on caring for the wound. Stitches may need to be removed 3-7 days after the excision. Avoid swimming or activities that can get the wound dirty until it’s fully closed up.
What can I expect during the healing process?
Healing time for a mole removal site is around 2-4 weeks depending on its size and depth. Here’s what to expect:
- Bleeding: Oozing and spot bleeding is normal the first few days.
- Stinging/soreness: Mild stinging and soreness may persist for 1-2 weeks.
- Bruising: Bruising around the site usually fades within 7-14 days.
- Numbness: Numbness or tingling can occur if nerves were affected. This should resolve over several weeks.
- Itching: Itching is common as the wound heals. Avoid scratching the area.
- Scabbing: A protective scab will form over the incision. Let it naturally fall off.
- Scarring: The new skin covering the wound may be pinkish. This will gradually fade over several months.
See your doctor if you have increased bleeding, signs of infection, or if the wound has not closed in 2 weeks. Most people heal well with minimal scarring.
What are the best ways to minimize scarring?
Although scarring is natural after any incision, there are things you can do to minimize its appearance:
- Follow doctor’s wound care instructions carefully.
- Avoid picking scabs or re-injuring the area.
- After stitches are removed, massage the scar using moisturizer to improve the skin’s flexibility and quality.
- Use over-the-counter scar treatment gels containing silicone or extracts like onion, aloe or rose hip oil.
- Once the scar matures, consider applying a scar-minimizing treatment like laser resurfacing or dermabrasion.
- Use sun protection regularly on the scar to prevent it from darkening.
- Consider makeup/skin camouflage if needed to conceal the scar.
Early, gentle wound care limits inflammation and development of thick, raised scars. With time, the scar will continue to fade in color and flatten out.
When can I resume my usual activities after mole removal?
Your doctor will advise you when you can resume regular activities. Here are some general guidelines:
- Bathing: Sponge bathe for the first 24 hours, then shower gently after. Avoid soaking for 1-2 weeks until the wound seals.
- Exercise: Avoid strenuous exercise for at least a week to allow proper healing.
- Work/school: You can return right away unless your work involves heavy physical activity.
- Driving: You can drive once you finished taking prescription pain medications, if given.
- Sun exposure: Avoid sun exposure until the skin is fully healed as UV rays can damage the sensitive new skin.
- Swimming/hot tubs: Stay out until the wound is closed – about 2 weeks. Chlorine and bacteria in the water can cause infection.
Use common sense – if an activity could potentially disrupt the wound, avoid doing it until you’ve fully healed. Check with your doctor about any specific restrictions.
What signs and symptoms should I watch out for after mole removal?
Call your doctor promptly if you notice any of the following:
- Fever over 101 F
- Increasing pain or swelling
- Expanded redness around the incision
- Pus-like discharge from the wound
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure
- Loss of feeling around the incision site
- The wound edges separate or the incision opens
These could be signs of an infection or other complication that needs medical treatment. Some clear or bloody drainage and mild discomfort are expected, but worsening symptoms should be evaluated.
When should I follow up with my doctor after getting a mole removed?
Your doctor will advise you when to come back for follow up visits. Typical follow up includes:
- 3 to 7 days: To remove any stitches and check healing
- 2 weeks: To ensure the wound has closed properly
- 6 to 12 weeks: To evaluate the scar and address any issues
You may also need periodic skin checks every 3-12 months if the mole was removed due to concerns about melanoma. It’s important to monitor the area and ensure no new abnormal moles develop.
See your doctor sooner than scheduled if you have any healing concerns between visits. Promptly report the development of any new moles near the site that are changing shape or color.
When should I consider getting a mole checked by a doctor?
See your dermatologist if you notice the following signs in an existing mole or spot:
- Asymmetry – the shape is uneven
- Irregular or fuzzy borders
- Varied colors in the same mole
- Large size – greater than 6mm
- Rapid increase in size
- Changes in shape, color or height
- New itching, tenderness or bleeding
These can indicate abnormal changes that may require a biopsy. Catching melanoma early is key to successful treatment and preventing serious progression.
Can a mole grow back after being removed? What should I look out for?
There is a chance that a mole can recur after being shaved off, especially if the roots were not completely removed. Warning signs of regrowth include:
- The area looks thickened or raised
- A dark spot reappears
- The spot slowly enlarges over weeks to months
- Itching, tenderness or bleeding at the removal site
Any tissue left under the skin can potentially lead to regrowth. Catching recurrences early allows for quick retreatment. Report any concerns promptly, as moles should not grow back after proper excisional removal.
Options if a mole starts growing back
Treatment options for recurring moles include:
- Surgical re-excision to remove remaining roots
- Laser therapy to destroy leftover pigment cells
- Cryosurgery using liquid nitrogen to freeze regrowth
- Topical chemotherapy creams to kill precancerous cells
- In some cases, no further treatment is needed other than monitoring if biopsy results are benign
Discuss the best approach at your follow-up visits. Recurring moles may need more aggressive treatment to prevent continuous regrowth.
What are some best practices for mole removal aftercare?
Here is a quick summary of the key aftercare tips for healed, scar-free results:
- Cleanse the wound daily and apply antibiotic ointment and fresh bandages.
- Avoid picking scabs or re-injuring the healing skin.
- Follow activity restrictions until the wound has fully closed.
- Use sun protection on the site to prevent scar darkening.
- Massage the area once healed to minimize scar tissue.
- See your doctor promptly for any signs of complications.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up visits for evaluation.
- Use silicone sheets or gels to flatten and fade scars.
- Protect the area from future sun damage with clothing or SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Proper aftercare minimizes the risks and ensures the best cosmetic results. With time and diligent wound care, your removal site should heal beautifully.
Conclusion
Caring for skin after mole removal requires keeping the area clean, protected, and moisturized during the healing process. Allow several weeks for the wound to close and use techniques like silicone sheeting or massaging to minimize scarring. Avoid sun exposure and vigorous activity initially. Report any worsening symptoms or signs of recurrence to your doctor promptly. With proper aftercare, your skin should heal well and regain a smooth, healthy appearance.
