If you’re considering having a mole removed, then you’re right to be contemplating what the healing process and aftercare entails and whether you need to rethink any of your normal activities.
The good news is, mole removal is relatively simple and most of our patients are able to return to normal activities the same day.
However, there are a few things to bear in mind, so we’ve prepared a quick summary of what to expect.
The guidelines do vary depending on what procedure you’ve had and whether or not you have stitches or dressings.
What To Expect After Shave Excision
No stitches
Most moles are removed using the ‘shave excision’ procedure, which is very quick to carry out and requires no stitches. Shave excision is suitable for the majority of raised moles.
If you have a dressing you will be told when it can be removed
Vaseline is normally then applied to keep the wound moist for 1 to 2 weeks until healed
The wound will be red for 2 to 3 weeks, which gradually settles over the next few months
Massaging with oils or moisturising/silicon (dermatix) creams is advisable after 2 to 3 weeks to help reduce any scarring
If there is any increasing pain or redness, consult your doctor
What To Expect After Ellipse Excision
With stitches
Larger, flat or more complex moles will be removed using ‘ellipse excision’, a surgical technique which usually does require stitches. For elliptical excisions we normally advise the following aftercare:
Keep the wound dry for 2 days
Dressings can be left for up to a week
You will be informed as to whether your stitches are dissolvable or need to be removed
Over 1 to 2 weeks, in areas where the skin is under tension such as the back and legs, it is advisable to reduce exercises which would possibly stretch the wound
Steri-strips can be applied over the wound for up to 3 weeks to help the wound heal
After 3 weeks the wound can be massaged with oils or moisturising creams
If there is any increasing pain or redness consult your doctor as it could be a sign of infection
The London Mole Removal Centre is a private company, offering private mole checks and mole removal treatment for unwanted moles. The experienced doctors and surgeons also offer removal treatment for a range of other skin lesions (e.g. cysts, skin tags, warts, verruca, lipoma, xanthelasma).
All consultations and treatments are carried out in person by doctors who are specially trained in the latest laser and skin surgery techniques and are highly experienced in the field.
Further advantages of private treatment at the London Mole Removal Centre include:
No waiting lists
Fully trained doctors, registered with GMC
Moles can often be removed in the same appointment as the consultation, saving the need for a repeat visit and allowing patients to get their skin lesions removed very quickly
