Mole Removal: Q&A

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Dark Pigmentation Remaining After Mole Removal, WIll It Lighten?

I've had a mole removed only two days ago, and aside from parts of it that are slightly scabby there is dark pigmentation left over in the shape of the original mole. I know the area will likely always be pigmented darker than my skin tone, but should I expect the current pigmentation to lighten more during the healing process, or is this simply what I am permanently left with?

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by lissah11

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What to do about hyperpigmentation after mole removal

It appears from your photo that the mole was removed by shaving it off the surface of the skin. Several things to mention here: 1. to minimize the pigmentation, make sure you keep the area out of the sun. Sun exposure will darken the post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. 2. If the area is still crusted, you would want to use an antibiotic ointment on the wound because a dry wound heals slower and worse than a moist wound. Make sure you don't have any allergies to... more

Controlling hyperpigmentation of a scar from mole removal

This scar is still in the active phase of healing. There is still a potential for hyperpigmentation. Once the skin heals, I would recommend topical Melarase to minimize the risk of pigmentation of the scar.

Mole removal

It appears that the mole was shaved off. It is very important to take some precautions as it heals. First, stay out of the sun. Also, do not let the area scab over. Apply some antibiotic ointment on the area for the first 2-3 days and then transition to vaseline for another 2 days.

Sam Naficy, MD

85 reviews

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattleface.com

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Residual pigment after shave biopsy

The wound is still quite red as you have only recently had surgery. There may be residual pigment after a shave biopsy and this is one of the limitations of the procedure. It would be best to leave it to settle for several months and if there is still pigment in the scar and you do not like the look of it, you could always have excison of the scar.

Removing Moles by Shave Excision

I frequently remove moles using a "shave excision" method, typically with excellent cosmetic results. The mole is actually "shaved off" at a level just below the surface of the skin. This method is quite effective for mole removal and typically leaves a minimal scar. The procedure takes less than a minute and is fairly painless. Moles that are removed in this fashion will rarely recur enough to be bothersome. If the pigmentation within the mole is quite deep, it may heal... more