What is the estimated healing time for an 8mm mole removed from cheek by excision?

Question

I have an appointment to have a mole removed by excision. It’s on my face and approximately 8mm. I have a vacation coming up 7 days after the scheduled procedure. I would like a general estimate on healing time.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, typically the sutures are removed in 5-7 days and the scar that is left behind from the procedure is removed with a laser 3 weeks post procedure to diminish the appearance. I hope this was helpful. Best, Dr. Emer.

Farhad Ardesh, MD · Answer

When I shave moles It generally takes two weeks for the skins to completely heal. At this time you can begin wearing make up over it. There may still be some color mismatch which will correct over months. When I excise a mole it also generally takes about two weeks to completely heal. You may have absorbable sutures or non absorbable sutures that will have to be removed. In this case the mole will be replaced with a straight line scar. Again you can wear make up after two weeks over at this area. It will take several months for the color to improve.  It is best to keep this area of your skin out of the sun as it will affect the color . You will have to discuss this with your surgeon to know exactly how to plan for your trip. I hope this helps. Dr. Ardeshirpour

Jeremy S. Hurren, BSc, MBBS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

You should discuss this with your surgeon. For my patients having a shave excision I would usually advise them that healing would typically take  10 to 14 days but could take longer. Maturation of the scar will take longer and it may remain pink or red for several months occasionally longer. During this time it would be best to protect the area from the sun.Surgical excision, where an ellipse is cut out to include the mole and the wound is closed with stitches, will take longer. I usually advise patients that the wound will have 50% of the strength of normal skin by 1 month and 85% by 2 months which will be its final strength. This is an approximation but is a useful guide. Many additional factors will affect wound healing. For example age, medical problems like diabetes, drugs like steroids, smoking and complications such as haematoma or infection.In general I would advise my patients against having an excision 7 days before going on holiday. I would advise them to consider what will they do if we remove the stitches at 7 days and the wound opens up? Not a good start to the holiday!Best wishes

What is the estimated healing time for an 8mm mole removed from cheek by excision?

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What is the estimated healing time for an 8mm mole removed from cheek by excision?

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Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.