Mole can develop anywhere on the body, including scalp, armpits, under the nails, and between the fingers and toes. Since moles are made up of naevus cells, which extend right through the skin, surgical mole removal would leave a scar, including laser mole removal, derma blade removal, and surgery. However, worry no more since there are available treatments today that minimize its scar.
Mole Removal In A Nutshell
Several factors will determine whether facial mole removal surgery may leave a scar or will it be evident. Hence, these are the primary factors to consider:
- Size of the Mole – The smaller the mole, the less risk of scarring. Any scar with a small mole should be thin and not be as readily evident as the mole. Even a larger mole may leave a thin scar over an extensive area.
- Elevation of the Mole – If moles are elevated, they are easier to be removed; however, if a mole is flushed to the skin, it will leave more of a scar. This is somewhat true for precancerous moles. Hence, the area around the mole needs to be punched out to ensure that cancer is totally eliminated.
Also, there is a likelihood of scarring after facial mole removal in some cases, but the good catch is that it shouldn’t be evident. The scar will not be more visible than the mole was, especially in the hands of a talented surgeon. However, those flat moles, or moles suspected of being cancerous, may require an excision biopsy, and the risk of leaving the mole is just too significant to justify avoiding the surgery.
More importantly, it’s crucial to choose the right surgeon to minimize scarring by the skilled hands of the one performing the procedure since the entire mole is taken out, and the remaining opening is stitched shut. After removing the mole, a sample is sent to a lab to determine cancerous. This procedure also leaves a scar, usually a fine line, which in most cases, a mole removal requires one office visit plus a follow-up visit.
What Are The Types Of Moles?
Accordingly, there are several types of moles, and some carry more significant risks of developing melanoma.
- A congenital mole is an in-born mole, which about 1 in 100 people is born with one or more moles. In addition, congenital moles can range in color, shape, and size. This type of mole is considered large or giant and is more extensive than 20 centimeters, carries significant risk leading to melanoma.
- An atypical mole is known medically as dysplastic nevi, atypical moles are usually larger than average (more than inches), and the shape is irregular. It contains uneven colors or colors not typical of moles. This type of mole tends to run in families, and they carry the greatest risk of developing melanoma.
- Acquired mole develops after birth; however they are generally harmless, however people who have this mole that is more than 50-100 moles are at greater risk for melanoma.
What Is The Process of Mole Removal?
A dermatologist can usually remove a mole in one visit. On some occasions, a second appointment is necessary and suggested. Hence, there are two primary procedures used to remove moles are:
- Shave excision. The dermatologist uses a thin, razor-like tool to slice away the mole for this procedure carefully. The device used has a tiny electrode at the end to perform electrosurgical feathering.
The electrosurgical feathering helps diminish the excision appearance by blending the wound’s edges with the surrounding skin. In fact, stitches are no longer needed after a shave excision. Hence, the mole is typically examined under a microscope afterward to check for signs of skin cancer.
- Surgical excision. This procedure is more profound than a shave excision and more like traditional surgery. The dermatologist cuts out the entire mole below the subcutaneous fat layer and stitches the incision closed. Afterwhich, the mole will be examined for cancer cells and decided for any post-treatments.
It is crucial never to try removing the mole yourself as the risks of infection, and bad scarring may become extensive. In case the mole is cancerous, cancer cells may be left behind.
What’s The Treatment For Mole Removal Scar?
The treatment of a mole removal scar is best administered by dermatologists or medical specialists who know the full range of options for scar treatment. They are the ones who can recommend the best course of action for patients. On the other hand, some medical options to aid the healing of a mole removal scar include:
- injections
- laser treatment
- polyurethane wound coverings
- pressure treatment
- silicone gel
- surgery
Other alternative healthcare practitioners recommend using ointments or creams that contain vitamin E to treat the scars.
However, there is no great scientific evidence yet to support these methods. Still, medical practitioners highly recommend using moisturizer for the scar tissue to keep it soft and flexible.
Cosmetic treatments are often the most effective way to remove scars, which provides the fastest results among others. To reduce mole scars naturally, it is best to keep the wound clean, bandaged, and hydrated through the use of over-the-counter ointments such as petroleum jelly. Putting and changing the bandage should also be done once or twice a week, depending on the location scar and its size after mole removal.
Note that patients should refrain from using alcohol on wound scars because it can interfere with healing. As the wound healed, it is best to continue massaging it to increase blood flow to the area. Gently massaging the spot can promote healing and make the area less stiff post-treatment.
Will It Take Long For Scars To Fade?
For scars to fade, it can take years for them to disappear completely, but this process can be sped up with a cosmetic procedure. The help of light therapy sessions at regular intervals can reduce the size of the mole scar within months and provide reliable, long-lasting results for all individuals.
After mole excision, a mole is very unlikely to grow back, assuming the lesion is completely excised, with precise margins. If it starts to return, notify the dermatologist or providers immediately. Hair in the area of the mole once may begin to return.
What Is The Recovery of Mole Removal?
The healing time after a mole removal will depend on the individual as those young people may tend to heal faster. Also, note that a larger incision may take longer to close up than those with smaller incisions. Generally, it is expected that a mole removal scar could take at least two to three weeks for it to heal.
Subsequently, some reduction methods for scarring usually start once the wound is healed already. But during the initial care for the wound, prevention of infection while giving the best chance at minimal scarring are adequately set. So it is crucial to listen to what the doctor or medical specialist says about taking care of the wound, such as proper dressing.
Final Thoughts
Moles, medically known as nevi, are growths on the skin, usually brown or black, appearing anywhere on the body, maybe alone or in groups. It occurs when the cells in the skin grow in clusters instead of spreading evenly. If you plan to have your moles removed for cosmetic purposes, Utah Facial Surgical Arts offers painless mole removal for all clients who wish to do so.
Utah Surgical Arts believe that you deserve the highest quality of care possible. That is why they became the first joint commission accredited facial cosmetic surgery and oral surgery practice in the state of Utah.
