How long does it take to heal completely from mole removal treatment?
Dr. Vi Sharma has worked in the field of cosmetic surgery
He has a Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery, Monash University; and former member of the Australasian College of Aesthetic Medicine and the Royal Australian College of General Practice.
Almost everyone has a mole; it is a small pigmented spot on the skin that resembles a large freckle and is usually harmless. Melanocytes is an element or the cells that give your skin its color or pigment, create moles, which are clumps of skin cells. A mole is usually round or oval and may have a rough or smooth edge. A mole can be removed (results may vary for every person and its not guarenteed) a by a Cosmetic Doctor in one clinical visit.
If you’ve had your moles removed or are planning to have one mole removal, then you should know about the aftercare tips and the healing process you will go through.
The healing time after mole removal depends on the individual. Young people tend to heal faster than older adults. And not surprisingly, a larger incision will take longer to close than a smaller one. In general, expect it to take at least two to three weeks for the scar to heal after mole removal.
Stages of mole healing
After the mole is removed or mole removal surgery, the scar healing process is divided into three stages:
The inflammatory phase:
This stage begins approximately 12 hours after the procedure and lasts approximately 5 days.
Proliferation Phase:
This phase begins within 24 hours of removal and lasts approximately 7 days. It overlaps with the inflammatory phase.
Maturation phase:
This last step can take up to a year after mole removal in Sydney.
Stitches from surgical excision of a mole are usually removed 1-2 weeks after treatment. During the whole healing process you will able to do your daily activities but with extra
For at least a year, the body will continue to work to repair the scar. Some methods to reduce scarring should be started after the wound has healed. However, initial wound care is essential to prevent infection and for ethical chance of minimal scarring.
Pay close attention to what your doctor or nurse says about wound care and dressing changes while you are in their care.
For the first 1-4 days after the removal of the mole, you may experience slight sensitivity in the treated area. This is normal and usually goes away as the skin begins to heal. You should plan to keep the treatment site clean and covered with a bandage for 1-2 days to protect the site. After this time, you can remove the bandage and continue to keep the area clean and moist. Your doctor will check the area 1-2 weeks after your visit to check your healing progress.
Scar minimization
Removing a mole, especially a cancerous or precancerous mole that may require a deeper excision, comes with the possibility of scarring. However, there are several ways you can help your skin heal and minimise scarring. First, you should avoid touching or stretching the treated area as much as possible. That will keep the skin taut and undisturbed as it heals. You should also avoid the sun, which can damage the healing area. Always use sunscreen when you spend time outside.
Once about 2 weeks have passed and all the stitches have been removed, you can gently massage the scar, being careful not to disturb the scab that has formed. Using gentle pressure and a nourishing lotion can help revitalize the skin and promote collagen production to aid healing. Finally, once your skin has fully healed – which can take up to 1 year after treatment.
Most treated areas heal completely in less than a month, although a larger or deeper incision may take 4-6 weeks to heal. After this time, you should continue to protect the area from the sun, and you may want to explore treatments for scar fading. However, the vast majority of our patients find that any scarring from the removal will naturally fade within the first year as the skin heals. Once your final results are visible, you should not see any signs of your mole. In most cases, you will be able to enjoy your newly smooth skin permanently (results may vary for every person and its not guarenteed).
