How Long Does Mole Removal Take To Heal?

We all have moles on our bodies, some of us more than others. These mysterious little specs occur when a cluster of pigmented cells come together and develop on the surface of our skin. While it’s unknown why they occur in the first place, many attribute it to genetics and sun exposure. Whatever the case may be, they’re easily acquired and we all have at least one (or dozens!) on our bodies.

Since they all come in different shapes and sizes, some moles may appear in awkward places of the face or body that can greatly impact your self confidence. If that’s the case, you might be a great candidate for mole removal in Toronto. To find out what it is, how it’s treated and how long it takes to heal — read on!

Reasons For Mole Removal

There are two common reasons for mole removal — for cosmetic reasons or as a way to remove cancerous ones. If you have a non-cancerous mole that’s on an unusual location on your face or body, gets constantly nicked when you’re shaving or putting on clothes, or just affecting your self confidence in some way, mole removal would be a great option for you.

For those who have suspicious looking moles that have mysteriously grown in size or changed colour in the last little while are highly encouraged to see their doctor as they their mole may be hosting cancer cells within it. In cases like these, your doctor will either do a biopsy or completely remove the mole as a safety measure and check-in on it’s development during recovery.

How Mole Removal Works

These days, mole removal in Toronto can be performed in two different ways — through laser and non-laser treatments. Here’s how they compare:

Non-Laser Treatments

This is one of the more traditional methods in which moles are removed. This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that’s performed with local anesthesia to help ensure the patient feels absolutely no pain during the treatment. Once the anesthesia is applied onto the treatment site, a scalpel is used to shave down the mole. Once it’s safely removed, a small pink mark will be left behind until it’s fully healed.

Laser Treatments

Thanks to the new wave of laser technology, lasers can now safely remove moles without having to cut the skin. This is perfect for patients who may consider themselves a little squeamish and uncomfortable with the idea of being scalpelled. At Fairview Laser Clinic, the KTP laser is used for all mole removal treatments. It’s highly effective at removing smaller, non-cancerous moles that you want removed for cosmetic reasons. It works by targeting the dark pigmented skin cells and breaking it down without harming the surrounding tissue. Unlike the traditional method, you’ll require a couple laser treatments to completely remove the mole which may not be favourable for some clients.

While this treatment is not as popular as the scalpel treatment, it’s a great choice for those who want to eliminate moles in hard to reach areas or if you’re looking to zap away a couple of them in one sitting.

How Long Does Mole Removal Take To Heal

Mole removal recovery depends on a number of factors including the age of the patient, the size of the mole being removed, and how effective the patient is at their aftercare. Generally, scars take up to two to three weeks to heal. Depending on the depth and size of the mole removed, permanent scarring is very minimal or almost invisible thanks to the advanced techniques used during its removal.

After the procedure is done, your dermatologist or nurse will give you tips on how to best care for the wound. It’s crucial that all patients follow this as not only will it help speed up recovery but it will also help reduce chances of any permanent scarring and infection.

For a full rundown of how mole removal works and which treatment process is best for you and your current case, contact Fairview Laser Clinic in Toronto today. Book your consultation and Dr. Padma Jain, certified cosmetic physician and owner, will be able to walk you through the entire process to your ultimate satisfaction.