What Treatments Will Address Red Scars After Shaving Moles?

Question

Hello, About three months ago I had a couple moles removed from my stomach via the shaving method (i.e., no stitches). I'm hoping to minimize the current redness as best as possible before summer comes and I'm at the beach. I'm guessing it's too soon to resort to excising the scars, so I'm wondering what some good workarounds might be (laser treatment/s?). I'll be visiting my dermatologist for an opinion, but I'm interested in your thoughts, too. Thanks,

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

Gary Goldenberg, MD · Answer

First, 3 months isn't enough time to let the scar heal on its own. It takes a year for the scar to look as good as it can. After, v-beam laser is the way to go to correct redness.

Miriam Hanson, MD · Answer

Any time a mole or growth is removed from the body, a scar develops. This is a natural part of the healing cycle. Unfortunately, scars occassionally heal and become red, bumpy or cosmetically unattractive. New advances with laser therapy allow many of these scars to be addressed. I find the best treatment for removing redness is with a pulse dye laser or an IPL system. These devices use wavelengths of light that penetrate the skin and heat the surrounding tissues. The treatment then leads to improved discoloration and promotion of new collagen and elastin around the scar site.

Dornechia George Carter, MD · Answer

I have also treated these with good results with IPL; and I often combine this treatment with Retin-A or a similar cream.  It can take up to a year for a scar to achieve its final appearance (which often results in a white flat scar); however, at this point, results from any intervention at that point are less effective, if at all.  I agree with seeing your dermatologist to evaluate the quality and size of your scar and to see which interventions would be most appropriate for you.

F. Victor Rueckl, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

A few flashes of IPL or Laser Genesis can be done after moles have been removed and there is light redness left. I do this on many, many patients after removals and it helps even out the skin tone, as well as soften any scarring that exists.

What Treatments Will Address Red Scars After Shaving Moles?

Answers (5)

Answer: Redness after biopsy

Answer: Redness after biopsy

Answer: Redness after mole removals

Answer: Redness after mole removals

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What Treatments Will Address Red Scars After Shaving Moles?

Answers (5)

Answer: Redness after biopsy

Answer: Redness after biopsy

Answer: Redness after mole removals

Answer: Redness after mole removals

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Everything you need to know about Mole Removal

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