I had a 6mm punch biopsy performed for a tiny mole on my ankle three weeks ago (came back benign). Three external sutures were put in. The nurse removed the stitches but I said it didn't look healed. She covered it with steristrips. It's been three weeks and the steristrips finally came off today and it looks like its not healing to me. The office won't be open until next week so I can't call or see them for a couple of days. It doesn't look like any biopsies I've had before.
1 photo
Answers (2)
From board-certified doctors and trusted medical professionals
MOST RECENT
March 21, 2016
Answer: Biopsy Healing Well or Not
Jason Emer, MDDermatologic Surgeon, Board Certified in Dermatology
This would have to be surgically removed to get full improvement, although lasers can be tried you will still be left with a spot in its place. Please see an expert. Best, Dr. Emer.
It is always difficult to tell from a photograph, so to be safe any new mole should be carefully evaluated. Please use the ABCDE's as
your guide for when to be concerned about moles: A for Asymmetry;
B for irregular Borders; C for black or
uneven Colors; D for Diameter
greater than a pencil...
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 o...
