POSTED UNDER Mole Removal REVIEWS
Facial Mole Excision Scar Healing Process
ORIGINAL POST
I had a large (thumb-sized), raised congenital...
WORTH IT$1,100
I had a large (thumb-sized), raised congenital mole on my cheek under my eye that was removed via surgical excision. The mole had dark, coarse hair and was protruding slightly, making it visible when viewed from the side or front profile. Although I'd had it my entire life, I felt like it was a distraction and was something that I was constantly trying to hide. Tired of hiding, I decided to move forward with removing it. I was 28 at the time of the procedure.
The procedure was done via local anaesthetic and took approximately an hour total - about 20 minutes to inject the anaesthetic and let it numb the area, another 10-15 to remove the mole, and the rest of the time was spent very carefully and artfully suturing the incision. The entire procedure was done by a facial plastic surgeon with incredible skill. A clinical staff member assisted with holding the skin taught as needed, and applying gauze and pressure to quell the bleeding. All I felt was the initial anaesthetic injections, and then some pulling and tugging during the procedure. The worst part was the overhead lights, which were blindingly bright! That only bothered me for a minute until the sterile towels were placed around the excision site, including over my eyes.
Now that the procedure is done, I am writing this post to document the healing process as the wound heals and scar fades. The incision scar I am left with is approximately 1 inch long.
The procedure was done via local anaesthetic and took approximately an hour total - about 20 minutes to inject the anaesthetic and let it numb the area, another 10-15 to remove the mole, and the rest of the time was spent very carefully and artfully suturing the incision. The entire procedure was done by a facial plastic surgeon with incredible skill. A clinical staff member assisted with holding the skin taught as needed, and applying gauze and pressure to quell the bleeding. All I felt was the initial anaesthetic injections, and then some pulling and tugging during the procedure. The worst part was the overhead lights, which were blindingly bright! That only bothered me for a minute until the sterile towels were placed around the excision site, including over my eyes.
Now that the procedure is done, I am writing this post to document the healing process as the wound heals and scar fades. The incision scar I am left with is approximately 1 inch long.
joyounden's provider
Replies (19)
May 31, 2017
Did your incision site bleed at all after? I just got one removed this morning above my knee and just noticed some blood coming from the incision site. Assuming it's normal but just curious
May 31, 2017
Yes, see the first photo that shows a little blood through the bandage. It was only on the first day. Totally normal. It also bled a tiny amount getting the stitches out (they were dissolvable stitches, so weren't fully removed, just cleaned up and the top parts taken out.)
May 31, 2017
Ok!! Thanks for the response! I was nervous the bleeding was caused from bending my knee and irritating that incision site
June 1, 2017
You'll have to be a bit more careful since it's near a joint and moving all the time. I didn't have that problem on my face! I'm sure you're doing this already but keep Vaseline on it 24/7 so that is doesn't dry out, scab, and crack.
June 23, 2017
I have a similar mole. I assumed it had to be removed by a dermatologist, but love the idea of a PS doing it. Was it covered by insurance?
June 23, 2017
Mine was mostly covered, but I still ended up paying a few hundred for copays and coinsurance. Have them check your insurance first. If it's on your face, definitely find a local facial plastic surgeon.
June 24, 2017
will the scar be permanent?
June 25, 2017
This is week 7 of a 6-12 month long healing process. There will always be at least a faint scar but I anticipate that it will still fade quite a bit as well.
June 25, 2017
thanks for the reply, you have no idea how thankful i am of you for sharing your scar healing process
April 11, 2018
Thanks for sharing your story. I had a mole removed about 10 years ago and it left a dent on the side of my nose. After trying to hide it with makeup i was vrave enough to have a surgical procedure where the surgern has cit and stictchrd the scar. He has said i will be left with a line scar like yoir which will heal gradually and fade to a less obvious line. I have had the surgery 2 days ago and i am so scared of what it will look like.
April 11, 2018
What have you used to help the healing. I cant thank you enough for sharing this
April 20, 2018
Vaseline until the incision healed, then silicone gel and sheets. Sunscreen at all times when outside and avoiding sun on the scar as much as possible. I had a small bump of scar tissue that was dissolved using a tiny injection of cortisone about 10 months post-op. Also looking into dual fraxel laser to fade the scar a bit more.
Thanks for getting back to me :)