Moles are generally harmless skin growths that can form on any part of the body. Most adults have anywhere between 10 and 40 moles that develop at some point in their lives. In a majority of cases, moles don’t cause any problems and may go unnoticeable throughout a lifetime. Only when a large mole becomes physically uncomfortable or cosmetically unappealing does it make sense to have it removed. Luckily, with modern advances in medicine and technology, moles can be easily removed by a dermatologist or skin care specialist. Depending on the technique used, no scarring is likely to result from such a procedure. But if a large mole requires surgical removal, scarring is a likely possibility.

Continue reading to learn more about mole removal surgery and what you can do post-operatively to reduced significant scarring.

What is mole removal surgery?

Moles are clusters of skin cells that often appear different in color (usually brown or black) from the surrounding skin. There are various reasons why a person might want to get his or her mole removed and each case is different. Most moles are non-cancerous, but just like with normal skin tissue, they can become cancerous. In instances where cancer is involved, a doctor will want to remove the mole as soon as possible. Some moles, when located on a part of the body that is subjected to repetitive motion and friction, may become physically uncomfortable and painful. A mole on the face or other exposed area may be deemed cosmetically unappealing, warranting a mole removal procedure.

The two primary methods used for removing a mole include surgical excision and surgical shaving. Large moles are best removed with surgical excision. During an excision, your physician will numb the mole and the surrounding skin with local anesthesia. Then, using a scalpel or surgical knife, the doctor will carefully cut out the mole and some surrounding skin. Stitches are used to close the wound shut. Surgical shavings are less invasive than surgical excisions. As the name implies, a doctor will use a thin blade to shave off the mole after numbing it. Surgical shavings typically don’t require stitches as the wounds are much smaller.

Mole removal is considered a minor surgical procedure that requires proper post-operative wound care and maintenance. One of the complications with any wound attained from surgery or injury includes infection, so it’s important to keep your wound clean and covered. All forms of skin trauma follow the same complex and dynamic wound healing process. If a wound is deep enough, it will culminate in a scar. Some scars become abnormal and may be classified as keloids or hypertrophic scars. These scar types are the result of collagen buildup that occurs as part of the wound healing process.

To avoid abnormal scarring, it’s important to use only clinically-proven products that are safe and effective for all skin types. Topical silicone for scar therapy has been part of the post-operative care scene for over 30 years. Surgeons and dermatologists trust silicone products because they are clinically proven to work and have high patient compliance. Topical silicone works through dermal hydration and collagen regulation. By encapsulating and hydrating the scar site for a period of time, fibroblasts in the dermis layer of the skin scale back collagen production to a normal level. By normalizing collagen production, silicone helps scar tissue blend in with the surrounding skin.