What type of post operative care can ensure optimal healing and minimize scarring after facial mole removal?

Question

Is there anything a patient should do after mole removal to ensure optimal healing/minimize scarring? Especially if it's a deep shave excision with no stitches?

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

Edward Buckingham, MD · Answer

Aftercare following surgical removal should include keeping the wound environment covered with ointment and moist, not allowing the wound to dry. This will promote wound healing. Additionally use of silicone based product and sunscreen are also beneficial. Discuss with your treating provider on when to start these treatments.

Benjamin J. Cousins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Shave biopsies remove the epidermis and a portion of the dermis in order to remove the lesion in question. I have found (personally) that these can heal with great variability over time. Direct full thickness, excision with a scalpel and close careful closure provides excellent results. I'd suggest the best way to minimize scarring or a permanent depression is to keep the area clean and covered with a band-aid and an antibiotic ointment for 2-3 weeks after the procedure. Also use of a silicone based scar cream is recommended as well. Be sure to follow your physicians recommendations to ensure optimal healing and recovery.

Best Wishes,
Benjamin J. Cousins MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Best Wishes,
Benjamin J. Cousins MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Brooke Jeffy, MD · Answer

You want to follow immediate post procedure wound care perfectly. I usually recommended keeping a bandage on for 1 week taking off daily to cleanse with vasoline under the bandage. No peroxide or alcohol. Just soap and water. After that week I would use a silicone scar gel that contains SPF during the day and a silicone sheet at night for at least 3 months. Protect from sun strictly for 1 year. I like silagen scar gel with SPF.

What type of post operative care can ensure optimal healing and minimize scarring after facial mole removal?

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