MOLE & SCARS
Moles, are so common that most adults have at least a few. While some moles can be a sign of skin cancer, they are rarely a cause for concern. Even though moles are common and often harmless, many people still want to get them removed because they find their moles unattractive. In cases where moles are cancerous, removal is essential. Removing moles can cause a scar, however. Individuals considering mole removal should consult with their doctor and discuss the potential for scarring before having the procedure. In many cases, depending on the size of the mole and the technique the healthcare professional uses to remove it, scarring is minimal.
How long will it take to heal?

The time it takes for a mole removal scar to heal depends, in part, on the procedure the healthcare professional used. The different methods for removing moles include:

*All visual for illustration purpose only.
  • Shaving: One of the most common techniques for mole removal, it can leave the skin pink for a while, often with little scarring.
*All visual for illustration purpose only.
  • Surgical removal: When a mole is large enough, typically with a diameter greater than 8 millimeters, a surgeon must cut down to the fat below the skin to remove it completely. The wound can be circular or more football-shaped if it is larger. The surgeon will stitch the skin together.
*All visual for illustration purpose only.
  • Laser: This method is more effective with shallow moles and may not always be scar-free.
*All visual for illustration purpose only.
  • Radio wave: Some researchers say this technique causes a minimal amount of scarring.
After the mole removal, there are three phases to the process of scar healing:
  • Inflammatory stage: This first stage starts about 12 hours after the procedure and lasts for about 5 days.
  • Proliferation stage: Overlapping with the inflammatory phase, this stage begins within roughly 24 hours of the removal, and lasts for around 7 days.
  • Maturation stage: This final stage can continue for as much as a year after the surgery.
Doctors typically remove the stitches from a surgical mole removal within 1–2 weeks after a procedure. The entire recovery period for surgical removal of moles is typically around 4 weeks. On average, the body will continue to work on reshaping a scar for at least 1 year.