Mole on ear. Can I let it granulate in? Cartilage involved. 1 week post op. (photos)

Had a mole removed on my ear. It looks like a bite was taken out of the cartilage from the side view. Bit painful to sleep. Question is can I just let it granulate in? Or is the cartilage an issue? If I can, when can I return to swimming in a pool (competitive swimmer). The problem is I had the surgery done in SC and moved to Cincinnati. Difficult to get back for the graft. Was done 1 week ago. From the front it isn't noticeable, but from the side a bit worse.