What is the Mole excision healing time?

Question

I had a 7mm x 7mm mole removed almost 4 weeks ago. I've been putting Vaseline or Neosporin on it and have kept it covered the entire time. It still hasn't started to scab and will get tender and a little gunky if I forget to change the bandage for one day. The air seems to irritate it If I leave it uncovered for more than a minute. Is this normal?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Mole removal begins with a comprehensive examination and consultation to determine the likelihood of a mole being worrisome. Excisional and incisional biopsies are reserved for suspicious moles. But it’s good news that most moles are not problematic and are only cosmetic, thus leading to the option of scarless or non-surgical mole removal with lasers and RF and plasma. Our office specializes in non-surgical mole removal.

Best,
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian
Realself 100 Surgeon

Best,
Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian
Realself 100 Surgeon

Damon B. Chandler, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question -- every patient and every mole is different. What did your surgeon tell you about caring for the mole after removal?? -- I always make sure to explain post-operative care to all of my patients. You included no photographs so its very difficult to comment on your particular case. Typically my patients are quite along the way to being healed by 4 weeks after mole removal. Also, I usually do not recommend covering mole excision sites beyond 5 or so days -- the wound often remains moist and "gunky" as you mentioned and this can impede healing. I would return to your surgeon right away and ask about the proper care for your wound. If you are not satisfied with the response, please find another expert to help you.I have removed thousands of moles from peoples faces/eyelids throughout my career and patients travel great distances to see me for my expertise in this particular area of facial plastic surgery. Best wishes in your healing.Best of luck in your search!
Damon B. Chandler, MD
Harvard-Penn Trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon

David Reinstadler, MD · Answer

The 'normal' healing time for the superficial layer of skin is about a week. It depends on if the surgeon removed the mole and then sutured the site closed, or performed a shave excision. Whenever you leave the skin open and do not close the edges, it takes a bit longer to heal because the body has to fill in the tissue that was removed. If you still have concerns at 4 weeks, I would recommend returning to your physician so they can see the area in person. Best of luck

Robert S. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Healing depends on many different factors. First, the part of your body really matters. The face heals fastest of any part of the body. In general, the farther away from your face you get, the slower your healing will be. Second, the way that it was closed matters. If you had the mole excised, and the area was repaired with stitches, the stitches can come out anywhere from 5 days afterwards to up to a week and a half later depending on where the lesion was on your body. If the lesion was shaved, it will have to heal by what we call "secondary intention." Depending on where it is on your body, this can take a bit of time. You're doing the right things by keeping vaseline on it. You don't want a scab because it slows your healing. Other factors about you, mainly your general health and whether or not you smoke, can also affect your healing time. If you're concerned, show the area to your doctor. Good luck, and I hope this helps.

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