Scar Removal Post Mole Removal

Moles are lesions caused by skin cells growing together in clusters as opposed to spreading out over the skin. They are characterized by dark pigment and raised, irregularly shaped bumps. Sometimes moles are regarded as a unique birthmark or beauty mark; other times they are deemed undesirable and are removed by a doctor or plastic surgeon. That process, however, is usually followed by a small scar many patients want to get rid of or lighten.

Scar Treatment Products

• Among the most recommended scar removal products are Mederma Scar Gel and Mederma Scar Treatment Cream with sunscreen. They are used to lighten and reduce the appearance of surgical scars, especially those involving mole removal.

  Sometimes when a mole is removed, the resulting scar is even more noticeable than the mole was. In some cases, mole removal can leave a straight red line that spans more than 1 inch of skin. As soon as this surgical scar is closed and begins the healing process, you can apply Mederma Gel or Cream to start fading the color so it doesn't become a permanent fixture on your skin.

  According to Dr. Lawrence E. Gibson of Mayo Clinic, no gel or cream manufacturer can promise to remove 100 percent of a scar. So keep modest aspirations in mind as you try to reduce a scar's appearance.

Scar Revision

• Information on the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' website suggests using scar revision to nearly eliminate a scar. In some cases, doctors use injections to fill a scar that dips below the surface of skin. This is known as an injectable treatment and can last between three months and several years. Many times this is a steroid-based treatment used to change the appearance and size of scar tissue.

  Surgically removing an old mole scar is sometimes the only way to resurface it and change its appearance. For this procedure, a doctor or plastic surgeon makes an incision at the site of the scar and repositions or closes it in such a way that the scar is less noticeable and, in most cases, much smaller.

  Topical treatments, including gels and external compression, are designed to help the wound close and heal while reducing the skin's ability to build undesirable pigment and texture. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' website, these treatments can help remove old surface scars in addition to new ones.

  Finally, non-invasive procedures known as surface treatments can help resurface and lighten the color of a scar. These treatments are not always recommended for mole scars that have just healed, but some can be used for older mole scars and scars that have healed completely. Some of these procedures include laser therapy, dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, chemical peels and skin bleach.

  Always consult with a doctor or surgeon to determine the proper treatment for your unique scar before committing to a procedure.