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

Question

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.

Aditya Sood, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. In general, it is not a good idea to left an area of ear cartilage remain open the the environment. Like all acute or chronic wounds, yes it may granulate in, but you run the risk of a severe ear infection to your cartilage, which is not something to take lightly. I would highly recommend soft tissue coverage over the open cartilage, whether a local flap or skin graft. Best of luck!

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

Answers (1)