How to properly care for stitches after mole removal. What are the best practices for open wound care following skin lesion excision. When should you seek medical attention after a dermatological procedure.

Understanding Skin Lesion Removal Aftercare

Skin lesion removal is a common dermatological procedure that can involve various techniques, including shave excision, cryosurgery, and electrodesiccation. Whether you’ve had a mole, wart, skin tag, or other lesion removed, proper aftercare is crucial for optimal healing and minimal scarring. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps of post-procedure care, potential complications to watch for, and when to seek medical attention.

Caring for Stitches: A Step-by-Step Guide

Stitches, also known as sutures, are often used to close wounds after mole removal or other skin lesion excisions. Here’s how to care for them properly:

1. Keep the area covered for 24-48 hours post-procedure.
2. After this initial period, gently cleanse the site with cool water and mild soap.
3. Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel – avoid rubbing.
4. Apply petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment if recommended by your healthcare provider.
5. Replace the bandage with a clean one if instructed to do so.
6. Maintain cleanliness by washing the site 1-2 times daily.
7. Follow up with your provider for stitch removal as scheduled.

Can you shower with stitches?

Yes, you can generally shower with stitches after the first 24-48 hours. However, it’s important to be gentle when washing the area and to pat it dry afterward. Avoid soaking the wound in water for prolonged periods, such as in a bath or swimming pool, until your healthcare provider gives you the go-ahead.

Open Wound Care Following Skin Lesion Removal

In some cases, your wound may be left open to heal without sutures. This approach requires specific care to ensure proper healing:

• Clean the wound 1-2 times daily with gentle washing.
• Prevent crust formation by keeping the area moist.
• Apply petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment as directed.
• If using a dressing, change it regularly and be gentle when removing it.
• Avoid harsh chemicals like alcohol, peroxide, or antibacterial soaps on the wound.

How long does it take for an open wound to heal after skin lesion removal?

The healing time for an open wound can vary depending on its size and location, but generally, it takes about 2-4 weeks for complete healing. During this time, the wound will heal from the bottom up, gradually closing and forming new skin.

Post-Cryotherapy Care: What to Expect

Cryotherapy, often used for wart removal and treatment of actinic keratosis, involves freezing the skin lesion. After this procedure:

• Expect redness and possible blister formation within hours.
• Mild pain may persist for up to 3 days.
• Gentle washing once or twice daily is usually sufficient.
• A bandage is only necessary if the area is prone to friction or injury.
• A scab will form and naturally peel away within 1-3 weeks.

Is it normal for the skin to change color after cryotherapy?

Yes, it’s common for the treated area to change color after cryotherapy. Initially, you may see redness or a blister that can appear clear, red, or purple. As healing progresses, the area might darken before returning to your natural skin tone. In some cases, particularly in individuals with darker skin, the treated area may remain lighter than the surrounding skin.

Essential Tips for Optimal Wound Healing

Regardless of the type of skin lesion removal you’ve undergone, these tips can help ensure the best possible outcome:

1. Limit strenuous activity to prevent reopening the wound.
2. Always wash your hands before touching or caring for the wound.
3. Be gentle when cleaning the area, especially if it’s on your scalp.
4. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions meticulously to minimize scarring.
5. Use over-the-counter pain relievers as needed, but consult your provider about which ones are safe to use.
6. Attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.

How can you minimize scarring after skin lesion removal?

To minimize scarring, keep the wound moist with petroleum jelly or as directed by your healthcare provider. Avoid picking at scabs, and protect the area from sun exposure. Once the wound has healed, you can gently massage the area to help break down scar tissue. Some people find that silicone sheets or gels can also help reduce the appearance of scars.

Recognizing Signs of Complications

While most skin lesion removals heal without issues, it’s crucial to be aware of potential complications. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice:

• Increased pain, redness, or swelling around the wound
• Fever or chills
• Pus or foul-smelling discharge from the wound
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop with gentle pressure
• The wound reopening or the edges separating
• Signs of an allergic reaction to any medications or dressings used

What are the early signs of infection after skin lesion removal?

Early signs of infection can include increased redness, warmth, and swelling around the wound site. You might also experience increased pain or tenderness, and the area may feel hot to the touch. If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if accompanied by fever or pus-like discharge, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Long-Term Care and Sun Protection

After your wound has healed, it’s important to continue caring for the area to prevent complications and protect your skin health:

• Apply sunscreen with a high SPF to the healed area when exposed to sunlight.
• Consider using scar-minimizing products as recommended by your dermatologist.
• Monitor the site for any changes in appearance or sensation.
• Maintain regular skin checks to detect any new or changing lesions early.

How long should you protect a healed wound from sun exposure?

It’s advisable to protect the healed wound from sun exposure for at least 6-12 months after the procedure. UV rays can cause discoloration and may lead to more noticeable scarring. Even after this period, it’s a good practice to always apply sunscreen to areas that have undergone skin lesion removal, as these areas may remain more sensitive to sun damage.

Special Considerations for Different Types of Skin Lesions

Different skin lesions may require specific aftercare approaches:

Mole Removal

After mole removal, it’s crucial to keep the area clean and protected. Monitor the site for any signs of regrowth or changes in pigmentation, which should be reported to your dermatologist.

Wart Removal

Following wart removal, be vigilant about keeping the area clean to prevent reinfection. Some warts may require multiple treatments for complete eradication.

Skin Tag Removal

Skin tag removal sites usually heal quickly. Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid friction from clothing or jewelry during the healing process.

Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) Removal

After BCC removal, follow your oncologist’s or dermatologist’s instructions carefully. Regular follow-ups are essential to ensure complete removal and to monitor for recurrence.

How often should you have skin checks after removal of cancerous lesions?

The frequency of skin checks after removal of cancerous lesions depends on various factors, including the type of cancer, its stage, and your overall risk profile. Generally, it’s recommended to have a full-body skin exam every 3-6 months for the first few years after treatment, then annually thereafter. However, your healthcare provider will give you a personalized follow-up schedule based on your specific situation.

Understanding and following proper aftercare instructions is crucial for optimal healing and minimizing complications after skin lesion removal. By adhering to these guidelines and staying vigilant for any signs of problems, you can ensure the best possible outcome from your dermatological procedure. Remember, your healthcare provider is your best resource for personalized advice and care instructions tailored to your specific situation. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any concerns or questions during your recovery process.

Skin lesion removal-aftercare Information | Mount Sinai

Shave excision – skin aftercare; Excision of skin lesions – benign aftercare; Skin lesion removal – benign aftercare; Cryosurgery – skin aftercare; BCC – removal aftercare; Basal cell cancer – removal aftercare; Actinic keratosis – removal aftercare; Wart -removal aftercare; Squamous cell-removal aftercare; Mole – removal aftercare; Nevus – removal aftercare; Nevi – removal aftercare; Scissor excision aftercare; Skin tag removal aftercare; Mole removal aftercare; Skin cancer removal aftercare; Birthmark removal aftercare; Molluscum contagiosum – removal aftercare; Electrodesiccation – skin lesion removal aftercare

How to Care for Stitches

Stitches are special threads that are sewn through the skin at an injury site to bring the edges of a wound together. Care for your stitches and wound as follows:

• Keep the area covered for the first 24 to 48 hours after stitches have been placed.
• After 24 to 48 hours, gently wash the site with cool water and soap. Pat dry the site with a clean paper towel.
• Your health care provider may recommend the application of petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment on the wound.
• If there was a bandage over the stitches, replace it with a new clean bandage.
• Keep the site clean and dry by washing it 1 to 2 times daily.
• Your provider should tell you when to come back to get the stitches removed. If not, contact your provider.

How to Care for an Open Wound

If your provider does not close your wound again with sutures, you need to care for it at home. The wound will heal from the bottom up to the top.

You may be asked to keep a dressing over the wound, or your provider may suggest leaving the wound open to air.

Keep the site clean and dry by washing it 1 to 2 times a day. You will want to prevent a crust from forming or being pulled off. To do this:

• Your provider may suggest using petroleum jelly or an antibiotic ointment on the wound.
• If there is a dressing and it sticks to the wound, wet it and try again, unless your provider instructed you to pull it off dry.

Do not use skin cleansers, alcohol, peroxide, iodine, or soap with antibacterial chemicals. These can damage the wound tissue and slow healing.

After Cryotherapy

The treated area may look red afterwards. A blister will often form within a few hours. It may appear clear or have a red or purple color.

You may have a little pain for up to 3 days.

Most of the time, no special care is needed during healing. The area should be washed gently once or twice a day and kept clean. A bandage or dressing should only be needed if the area rubs against clothes or may be easily injured.

A scab forms and will usually peel away on its own within 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the area treated. Do not pick the scab off.

Important Tips

The following tips may help:

• Prevent the wound from re-opening by keeping strenuous activity to a minimum.
• Make sure your hands are clean when you care for the wound.
• If the wound is on your scalp, it is OK to shampoo and wash. Be gentle and avoid a lot of exposure to water.
• Take proper care of your wound to prevent further scarring.
• You can take pain medicine, such as acetaminophen, as directed for pain at the wound site. Ask your provider about other pain medicines (such as aspirin or ibuprofen) to make sure they will not cause bleeding.
• Follow-up with your provider to make sure the wound is healing properly.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your provider right away if:

• There is any redness, pain, or yellow pus around the injury. This could mean there is an infection.
• There is bleeding at the injury site that will not stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure.
• You have a fever greater than 100°F (37.8°C).
• There is pain at the site that will not go away, even after taking pain medicine.
• The wound has split open.
• Your stitches or staples have come out too soon.

After full healing has taken place, call your provider if the skin lesion does not appear to be gone.

Addison P. Plastic surgery including common skin and subcutaneous lesions. In: Garden OJ, Parks RW, eds. Principles and Practice of Surgery. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 18.

Dinulos JGH. Dermatologic surgical procedures. In: Dinulos JGH, ed. Habif’s Clinical Dermatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 27.

Newell KA. Wound closure. In: Richard Dehn R, Asprey D, eds. Essential Clinical Procedures. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 32.

Last reviewed on: 5/31/2022

Reviewed by: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What to Expect and Aftercare

This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by

Frederick L. Durden, Jr, MD, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon & Microsurgical Reconstructive Surgeon.

This page was updated on October 20, 2022.

Upon noticing an abnormal mole or skin growth, your doctor may recommend its removal. For most small moles, this procedure is simple and well-tolerated. Still, it’s helpful to understand how the procedure works.

Why are mole removals done?

Mole removals are typically done for health reasons—if your care team suspects that a mole may be precancerous or cancerous.

Sometimes a mole may be removed for cosmetic reasons, especially if it’s on your face, neck or another noticeable area.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with most cases falling into one of two types: melanoma or nonmelanoma.

Skin cancer is treated most effectively if caught early, which is why it’s crucial to speak up if you’re worried about a mole on your body.

Skin cancer is most commonly found in areas of the body frequently exposed to sunlight, such as the face, neck, hands and arms.

However, it’s important to remember that not all moles are cancerous. The only way to officially diagnose a cancerous mole is by undergoing a biopsy.

What to expect during the procedure

If your doctor has scheduled a mole removal procedure, you may receive instructions on how to prepare. Ask your care team any questions that you may have about the process and recovery time. Unless instructed otherwise, it’s fine to eat and drink before the procedure.

For most small mole removals, a biopsy is an outpatient procedure, meaning you’ll be able to go home after it’s over.

• Typically, your doctor numbs the skin first with a local anesthetic, which is injected into the skin with a needle.
• Your doctor then surgically removes the mole.
• Stitches may be required after, with your doctor providing instructions for how to care for the stitches and when they’ll need to be removed.

Due to the use of a numbing anesthetic, the pain during the procedure is often minimal—you may feel some pressure and temporary discomfort.

What to expect after the procedure

There are four common types of biopsy procedures used, with your doctor then sending the tissue sample to a pathologist for testing. There, it’s examined under a microscope for any cancer cells or abnormal cells.

The four types of biopsies are:

Shave (tangential) biopsy—The doctor uses a medical razor blade to shave off the top layers of the skin, removing the skin cells. To stop any bleeding, the doctor will apply an ointment or cauterize the wound using a gentle electrical current.

Punch biopsy—The doctor uses a tiny round tool, similar to a cookie-cutter, to puncture a rounded area of skin and remove a deeper sample of skin than with the shave biopsy. The skin is likely to require stitches after the procedure.

Excisional and incisional biopsies—If a mole or tumor is thought to have grown into deeper layers of skin tissue, the doctor may perform an excisional or incisional biopsy. During an excisional biopsy, the entire tumor is surgically removed with a surgical knife. For an incisional biopsy, only a portion of the tumor is removed. Afterward, stitches are applied.

Risks, complications and aftercare

A mole removal is a minor surgical procedure that is generally well-tolerated. However, with any surgical procedure, there are risks. Scarring is always possible after a mole removal. There is also a risk of infection, so watch for:

• Redness
• Pain
• Swelling

Following your doctor’s instructions is the best way to avoid complications. If you have stitches, they’ll play an important role in helping your skin recover. Make sure to treat them with care:

• Keep the area covered for at least 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.
• Gently wash the area with soap and water.
• Keep the wound site clean, and return to your doctor for follow-up appointments as scheduled.

Even without stitches, some aftercare is important to prevent scarring or infection. Wounds heal from the inside out toward the surface and take time to heal.

• You may be asked to keep a dressing over the wound and keep it moist with petroleum jelly or another ointment, as directed.
• Avoid using cleansers, alcohol-based products or peroxides, soaps or other harsh chemicals on the open wound.

Skin Care After Laser Mole Removal

A mole is a pigmented growth on the skin that is benign. Often such a nevus can interfere or attract too much attention to itself. A nevus can be congenital or acquired, and its hue is brownish, reddish, purple, or dark. A mole appears due to an excessive accumulation of pigment cells that are located between the dermis and epidermis.
Removal of a mole is often performed if its shape and size has changed, if the neoplasm is often injured, causing psychological discomfort. One of the most popular methods for removing a mole with a short rehabilitation period is the laser method. Caring for a mole after laser removal is simple, the effect is local.
Indications for disposal:

• Education looks unaesthetic;
• The size of education has changed;
• There was discomfort in the field of education;
• Mole is constantly injured.

How to care for a wound after removing a mole

In order for the skin to heal faster, you need to follow the recommendations after removing moles on the face and other parts of the body. After removal, a crust appears at the site of the mole – it cannot be torn off and injured, it peels off on its own in 1-2 weeks. The crust after laser removal of a mole performs a protective function against infection.
On the recommendation of a doctor, you can smear the site of removal of the mole with healing ointments and antibiotic creams. Avoid contact with water, do not steam the treatment area. If you tear off the crust ahead of time, there will be a risk of scarring.
After removing the mole with a laser, the crust disappears on its own, after which pinkish skin forms in its place. It must be protected from sunlight. It is advisable to use sun protection ointments to avoid hyperpigmentation.
How the site of removal of moles with a laser will heal depends on the patient’s compliance with the doctor’s recommendations. In addition, the quality of the operation affects the result. To eliminate a nevus, contact our specialists at the Medial clinic, which has been specializing in such operations for almost 20 years.

Restrictions after mole removal

Before performing the procedure, the doctor examines the nevus using a dermatoscope. Removal with a laser is carried out quickly and painlessly, in about 10-30 minutes, depending on the size of the formation.
Restriction after removal of moles is a visit to the pool, solarium or beach to avoid infection and hyperpigmentation. You can treat moles after laser removal with antiseptics, after the crust falls off, you can use sunscreens.
What not to do after removing moles:

• Sunbathe in a solarium or in the open sun;
• Drink alcohol after removing a mole;
• Apply cosmetics to an unhealed wound;
• Rub the place of removal and peel off the crust.

The procedure for removing a nevus practically does not affect the usual way of life, it is not required to wear a bandage.
If all the recommendations after removing the mole with a laser are followed, scars usually do not remain. Procedures can be performed at any time of the year, but it is advisable to do this in autumn or winter. After removing the mole, you can go to the pool when the crust falls off and skin appears in its place.

Possible consequences

If the procedure is performed incorrectly, or the recommendations on how to care for the wound after removing the mole are not followed, complications may develop. These include incomplete removal of the nevus, infection and scarring. Scars can form due to the characteristics of the body, as well as if the crust was torn off prematurely.
Removal of nevi with a laser is safe. However, there is a risk of incomplete elimination of a new formation, then some of the cells remain in the skin, and the mole appears again. To avoid such consequences, you need to contact only experienced doctors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many patients are interested in when it is possible to sunbathe after removing a mole with a laser, whether it is possible to play sports after removing a mole, what restrictions should be observed. It is important to clarify the features of care before performing the operation in order to reduce the risk of complications.
Can I sunbathe after mole removal?
After performing the manipulation, you should not sunbathe for 3-4 weeks. Ignoring this recommendation can lead to the development of hyperpigmentation, the appearance of a white spot at the site of removal. Once the scab has fallen off, new skin should be protected from the sun with a high SPF.
If you remove the crust ahead of time, a scar may appear, which will differ in color. In this regard, it is not recommended to visit the beaches or swim in the pool until the wound is completely healed and the pinkish spot disappears after removing the crust.

Can I use cosmetics after the procedure?
Do not use decorative cosmetics on the area that has been treated with a laser. This can lead to infection, premature rejection of the crust. The place can only be treated with antiseptics and healing ointments, which the doctor advised.
You should not wipe the skin of the face or body where the procedure was performed with alcohol, apply scrubs or acids, alkaline compounds, depilatory creams and other care products. This can lead to complications that will then be difficult to eliminate, increasing the risk of scarring.

Can moles be removed during menstruation?
There is no prohibition on removing a mole during menstruation, but it is recommended to postpone this procedure if you feel unwell. During menstruation, sensitivity increases, discomfort may occur during exposure. The period of menstruation does not affect the result after removal.
There are also no restrictions on the number of moles removed, since the specialist at the reception can give the final recommendations. If you want to remove a mole on the body in the intimate area, you must first consult with your doctor about the appropriateness of this procedure and the urgency of implementation.

Can I play sports after removing a mole?
In the first 2 weeks after the removal of the mole, it is not recommended to play sports. This is due to the fact that if sweat gets on the crust, it can get wet, increasing the risk of infection or irritation. If this happens, the risk of scar formation will become higher and it will be difficult to get rid of it later.
For a while, it is recommended to give up walking in the open sun, visiting a sauna or bath, taking a hot bath. On the day of the procedure, you should not wet the wound, after which you can wash in the shower with warm water, without soaking the crust and without rubbing it.
Without the recommendation of a doctor, adhesive plasters or dressings are usually not used on the wound so that it does not get wet and inflamed. If there are complications after the removal of the nevus, consult a doctor, you can not treat them yourself.

Proper care after laser mole removal

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Laser mole removal is one of the safest ways to get rid of a nevus. The whole procedure is carried out according to a clearly defined algorithm. You can avoid complications and unforeseen consequences if you follow the doctor’s recommendations for the next two weeks.

How does the healing process go

• 3-4 hours after the removal of the mole, the wound is covered with a dark dense crust. And after a few hours, the place around swells and turns red. This is an absolutely normal reaction of the body. The entire healing process lasts from 14 days to a month.
• First week. The scab that appeared at the site of the birthmark must not be cut off. It has a protective function: to protect the wound from infection and allow new tissues to grow. The wound is protected from mechanical damage, friction with clothes, bath washcloths, combing. Also, do not use cosmetic creams.

Frequently asked questions: Can a scar or scar appear on the site of a removed mole? Such a nuisance can happen if the protective scab is torn off the wound surface. Therefore, doctors strongly recommend protecting the wound from outside interference.

• Second week. On about 7-10 days, the dry crust disappears by itself. Instead, it remains a pale pink skin. It must not be exposed to sunlight. If the mole was on the face, then use sunscreen with SPF 50. Otherwise, unwanted pigmentation may occur.
• The next two weeks. Usually, by the 20th day, the site of the removed mole is overgrown with full-fledged healthy skin. A slight itching may occur at the site of the wound, but special skin care after getting rid of the birthmark is no longer required. A month after the operation, the scar from the birthmark is smoothed out, and after 2 months only an inconspicuous microscar remains.

How to care for a wound after removing a mole

Sometimes a doctor will prescribe a treatment of the scab with disinfectants or an ointment with an antimicrobial effect. The most popular care products after mole removal are:

• weak potassium permanganate solution. It dries the crust and has an antiseptic effect;
• spirit solution of brilliant green or brilliant green. Also a good antiseptic.

The rest of the usual wound care after mole removal is to observe the damaged area. The signal about the wrong healing process will be:

• purulent discharge;
• severe itching, soaking;
• prolonged bleeding;
• elevated body temperature;
• noticeable swelling of the skin for several days.

Contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

What does care after removal of a mole on the face involve? You can not use healing ointments, creams, gels without the consent of your doctor.

What are the restrictions after the procedure? Alcoholic drinks dilate blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of bleeding.

You will have to protect your skin from the sun’s rays and solarium lamps for a whole month. This will save you from possible hyperpigmentation.