Surgery » Scarless Mole Removal

In the Australian climate moles are very common. Some moles are concerning and they then require excision (cutting out) and being sent to the laboratory for microscopic review. Many moles, however, are not of any medical concern but rather are a cosmetic concern. These moles are usually raised, leading to a contour deformity as well as possibly being pigmented.

The Removal

Under local anaesthetic in the Practice most of these cosmetic concern moles can be removed without stiches or blood loss. The process uses Radio-Surgery. Much like Laser Surgery, cutting can be done without creating bleeding. In "Scarless Mole Removal" the whole mole is not removed, rather it is shaved off flat with the skin. This removes the contour deformity and usually all of the pigment. Because the skin is not cut through full thickness there is no need for stitches. The skin is given the chance to heal with minimal to no scar. If there is any concern then the shaved mole can be sent for pathology examination.

Recovery

The wound is like a shallow graze. Initially it is covered with a small Band-aid type dressing. Later, just some ointment is all that is required. The skin heals over around one week. It will be slightly pink for a few weeks before settling down. Some moles will heal with virtually no scar at all, others may have a slight area of decreased pigmentation. There is said to be a slight recurrence rate of the mole in some people. These patients usually opt for the same treatment rather than having an excision with a scar.

NB: Aspirin, Nurofen, Vitamin E, Chinese herbal medication and blood thinning medications tend to significantly increase bruising and should not be taken for two weeks prior to and one week after facial plastic surgery.