Information and Treatments for Mole Scars

How to get your mole removed

A scar will form when a mole is surgically removed, whether for cosmetic reasons or to remove cancerous cells. The following factors may influence the outcome of the scarring procedure.

• Your age
• The type of surgery
• The location of the mole

It may not be easy to pinpoint exactly where the procedure was performed. You may find the scarring more obvious than you would like.

Many products and methods can be used to reduce the scarring from a mole. It may help to learn a bit about moles and the healing process.

Surgery and scarring following mole removal

How to remove moles

A dermatologist can usually remove a mole in a single visit. Sometimes, a second appointment may be necessary.

Two primary methods are used to remove moles:

• Shave removal. Your dermatologist will use a razor-like tool to remove the mole. An electrosurgical device may be used for feathering by attaching a small electrode to the end.

By blending the wound edges with the surrounding skin, feathering reduces the appearance of an excision. After a shave, no stitches are required. The mole is often examined under a microscope to check for skin cancer.

• Surgical Excision. This is a more complex procedure than a shave. It’s also more traditional. The incision is closed by your dermatologist, who will remove the entire mole and the subcutaneous fat layer. The mole will be examined for any cancer cells.

You should not attempt mole removal. There are too many risks of infection and scarring. You may also leave behind cancer cells if the mole is malignant.

Scarring

All wounds can leave scarring, regardless of whether they are from surgery or scraped skin. Scarring is your body’s natural method of healing and closing wounds.

Sometimes scarring can result in raised, large scars. A hypertrophic scar is caused by too much collagen production during healing.

Hypertrophic scarring can occur from any wound, including serious burns and other severe skin injuries.

A Keloid scar is an abnormally high level of scar tissue growth. This scare is more common among people with darker skin.

Hypertrophic scars are more common than keloid scars. These scars may require laser treatment, corticosteroid injections or any other treatment to stop or reduce their size. Unlike hypertrophic scars that cause excessively thick skin, Keloids grow beyond the original wound area.

Healing time after mole removal

The individual will determine the healing time. Older adults heal more quickly than younger people. It is not surprising that a larger incision takes longer to close than one with a smaller size. A mole removal scar should take 2 to 3 weeks to heal.

After the wound has healed, you can begin to reduce scarring. Initial care for the wound will be essential to prevent infection and minimize scarring.

Listen carefully to your doctor and nurse about how to treat the wounds and change the dressing while you are under their care.