When moles are removed, how long does it take for the skin to heal completely? Does it replace moles with dark scars?

Question

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  Unfortunately without photographs to help guide discussion as to the type of treatment required it is difficult to offer definite recommendations.  If the mole is surgically excised it will take 6 weeks or longer for the skin to fully heal and a year for the scar to mature.  If you are using a hyfrecator or electrocautery unit to remove the mole it may only take a week or two to fully heal.  Depending on a patient's pigmentation a darker scar may develop from a mole excision.  Hope this helps.

Damon B. Chandler, MD · Answer

A common procedure in my practice is the removal of moles from the face -- I can't speak about mole removals from other parts of the body and you did not mention where your mole(s) are and you did not include any photographs. For face mole removal, it takes 6 months to 1 year for the skin to heal completely. The artistry and challenge in removing moles from the face is to have them heal beautifully, and to avoid depressions, divots, thick scarring, or color changes. Color change in the region treated varies very widely depending on the skin type of the patient, the type and size of the mole that was removed, and the healing process after mole removal.  It is true that areas where moles are removed can become darker or lighter or have other pigment changes. In my experience with my own patients, this fades very well with time. I always discuss thoroughly with my patients that moles can be very challenging to remove with absolutely no scarring and no color changes. That being said, the vast majority of my patients have been absolutely thrilled to have unpleasant appearing moles removed from their faces. You can see on the link below some examples of healing after face mole removals.  I have had patients travel from great distances for this services, since many doctors remove moles, but few are experts in the complex challenges of beautiful removal of moles from the face.
Damon B. Chandler, MD
Harvard-Penn Trained Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon

When moles are removed, how long does it take for the skin to heal completely? Does it replace moles with dark scars?

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When moles are removed, how long does it take for the skin to heal completely? Does it replace moles with dark scars?

Answers (2)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.