Orange County Dermatologists

Dark Scar from Mole Removal on Buttocks, How Can It Be Treated? (photo)

About four months ago, I had a mole from my left buttock removed by a dermatologist. Now there's a purplish scar after it has healed. At first it was much darker but it has faded a little bit but it is still there. Will that ever go away? If not, what are my options to improve its appearance or get rid of it? Thank you.

Whether or not the dark scar persists is dependent upon what is causing it.

From your description it might be the dilated blood vessels in the scar causing it. If this is the case, it will likely improve with time. The pinkness (or purple color in this case) is generally the last thing to improve on the scar. It tends to gradually fade out. Since you say it seems to have improved, there is a good chance that it will improve with time.If it doesn't, the pulsed dye laser is sometimes used to improve the scar. It takes about 6-12 months to get the final cosmetic result from any surgical procedure so it's still early.

If the color is caused by pigment (i.e. some of the mole left behind), it may not resolve completely, but could benenfit from certain procedures such as cryotherapy or laser treatment.

Best option is to return to the doctor who performed the surgery and figure out which of the above is causing it and what can be expected. Best of luck.

Andrew Kaufman, MD

Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon

Normal To Have Severe Pain Post CoolSculpt? How Long Will It Last?

I had Cool Sculpt of abdomen, 5 months post lipo, as well as flanks. My flanks was mildly sore. I am two weeks post Cool Sculpt and am wearing Lidoderm patches for severe nerve pain in the ab area. Seems to be radiating out from near the belly button. I have tried Steroid Shot, 3 days neurotin 300mg 3x day, Toradol - on day 3/5. I have a rx to pick up in the am for Dose Pack steroids. Any idea how long to resolve? My dr has not seen this in other patients. Will this resolve?

Although less common than other side effects, significant pain, including cutaneous pain or skin sensitivity has been reported after CoolSculpting.  It seems that this is more common in the abdominal area than in other areas.  This pain is described as pins and needles, tingling, sharp, burning, stabbing, shooting and/or cramping. The onset of pain may commence either immediately after treatment or up to 1 week after treatment.  The pain usually resolves in severak weeks.  The steroids, pain medication and neurontin may help it to resolve sooner.  However, since this is relatively rare complication, it is hard to be an exact time frame on it. 

Karyn Grossman, MD

Santa Monica Dermatologist

Ok to Wait 48hrs Between Mohs for a BCC on my Eyelid and Reconstructive Surgery?

Due to scheduling, I have my Mohs procedure scheduled on a Wed at 2PM with reconstructive surgery scheduled the following Friday at 11am (almost 48 hrs later). Is that to long of a wait? Thanks very much, George

The key thing is to have the reconstruction performed by the physician that you or your Mohs surgeon feels is most capable of performing the repair. Waiting 24-48 hours shouldn't be an issue, but it would probably be best to be taking antibiotics during that time to decrease the possibility of infection. Also, it should be clear who you should contact in that period if you have any problems or questions (i.e. the Mohs surgeon or the surgeon performing the repair). Talk to your doctors about this. Best of luck.

Andrew Kaufman, MD

Los Angeles Dermatologic Surgeon