Any outside interference in the functioning of the body can upset the delicate balance. But sometimes you just can’t do without it. For example, in the case of moles. From time to time they have to be removed. Sometimes the reason for this is the desire for beauty, sometimes it is the fear of oncology, which is a very serious and terrible disease. In any case, this will entail a violation of the skin, that is, a wound. In its place, pigmentation or a scar may appear after removal of a mole. There have been cases when a mole grew back after removal.
Important! Regardless of what prompted you to remove a mole, under no circumstances contact beauty salons with this question. Even if you just want to get rid of an ugly mole, your path lies in a specialized clinic with an experienced plastic surgeon.
Removing a mole is not such a simple task as it might seem at first glance. It is very important to choose the right treatment method based on the size and depth of the mole, skin condition, and so on. In addition, salons often give preference to laser removal of moles, but this method is strictly contraindicated in the case of an oncological nature of the mole, and no one will do histology for you in the salon. In addition, an unprofessional operation can cause another cosmetic effect - the appearance of scars and cicatrices.
Causes of scars
In surgery, there are many ways to get rid of a nevus: a surgical scalpel, an electric knife, laser excision or radio wave method. There is no one hundred percent guarantee that after getting rid of the nevus, it will not begin to appear as a reddish mark.
Scars remain after excision of large nevi using surgical or chemical methods. During the application of the techniques, the skin area receives frostbite or burns, and after healing, a scar remains. The appearance of a scar is facilitated by poor hygienic care, non-compliance with doctor’s advice, infection, and suppuration. The scars will be deeper and have jagged edges.
Traces from a mole appear in people who have a predisposition to the formation of keloids at the genetic level. For them, any wound after healing becomes a scar.
If the formation was removed using a laser procedure, traces rarely appear. The technique involves the impact of a carbon dioxide beam on the nevus. The beam evaporates liquid from the mole, destroying the formation. The method cauterizes the blood vessels; no blood comes out during excision.
What causes and how do keloid scars form on the body, head, face, ears
Keloid formation begins after the first restoration of the skin due to injury. At the site of a healed wound or cut, small compactions begin to appear, accompanied by discomfort. The seals increase, going beyond the scar, and acquire clear contours.
A keloid scar is finally formed within a period of several weeks to several months. The following factors are identified that increase the likelihood of their occurrence:
wound infection;
The tumor occurs due to an imbalance in the production of collagen and elastin.
Normally, they are provided by fibroblast cells and lead to wound healing. When the border of the injured skin is violated, collagen fibers grow and cause the appearance of a scar.
Exposed areas of skin are considered the most vulnerable to the development of a keloid scar. This area is the ears, neck, chest, upper back, face and shoulders.
Options for changing the scar after mole removal
The process of formation begins under the crust formed after the removal of the mole. After the crust falls off, young pink skin becomes visible. When a scar appears, painful sensations are possible.
The surface is pink in color and over time acquires a skin tone. Complete healing of the area occurs within a year.
Hypertrophic scar
The most problematic in cosmetology are hypertrophic formations. A hypertrophied or atrophic type is formed due to the activation of the process of enhancing collagen synthesis during wound healing.
On average, the height reaches 1 cm. The color is brown, they have a rough texture.
Keloid scar
Keloid scars left after mole removal are uncommon complications after wound healing. A convex scar appears due to factors:
- deep damage to the epithelium;
- decreased immunity;
- tendency to allergic reactions;
- pregnancy and puberty.
A common cause of keloid formation is genetic predisposition. It may appear without visible damage to the skin or in places of minor scratches.
Red, purple scar
At the sites where nevi are removed, formations of different colors appear:
- Black. The color develops after excision. The spots protect the wound from external influences. They disappear after complete healing.
- Purple. Scars are represented by young skin forming under a crust. Over time, they acquire the natural color of the skin.
- Red spots will appear if the scab is peeled off prematurely. The color indicates that the wound is infected.
Possible consequences
Scars after removal of nevi on the body are a very unpleasant phenomenon, especially on open areas of the body in women, being a cosmetic defect. Of course, these consequences are not comparable to those that could result from leaving a dangerous mole, and yet the problem of scars also needs to be solved.
For this purpose, the removal method is selected individually for each patient, taking into account the individual characteristics of his body , the size and location of the mole. The type of scar that will form largely depends on this, but this process cannot always be influenced, and it is impossible to predict in advance what “surprise” the body of a particular patient will present.
Treatment methods for scars after moles
There are many ways to get rid of it. If the removal was performed surgically and stitches were applied, scars cannot be avoided. The effectiveness of the operation depends on the professionalism of the doctor and the chosen technique. The choice of treatment method for scars depends on how long ago they appeared and their appearance.
Medication
To improve the condition of the skin after eliminating the nevus, medicinal ointments are used. The drugs are used at home at the time of formation. Ointments for resorption and softening are effective for shallow scars.
Among the popular and effective ointments are:
- Contractubex ointment. Softens the wound covering, acts as an anti-inflammatory, smoothing agent. Relieves itching and irritation.
- Skarguard cream. Relieves inflammation, itching and swelling, moisturizes.
- Gel Kelo-coat. Made from silicone. Can reduce the appearance of scars and improve the appearance of the skin.
It is not recommended to use medication without first consulting a doctor. There is a possibility of side effects and individual intolerance to the drug.
If the use of ointments is combined with cosmetic procedures, the result will be achieved in a short time.
Physiotherapy
The formations can be removed with physical therapy.
Description of the procedure:
- By affecting the blood vessels, shallow scars are eliminated.
- A deep scar is removed using a laser: the surface of the skin is heated, connective tissue cells are melted, and the stain is removed.
Laser stain removal is considered the most effective. After manipulation, there are no signs of stains left on the skin.
In modern cosmetology, the issue of removal is resolved quickly. If the scars are large, cosmetologists recommend using a mechanical method of scar removal.
Radiation therapy
Experts have different opinions. Most doctors prescribe radiation therapy individually for each patient. The effectiveness of such treatment is influenced by the location of the scar (face, nose, arm, leg), size, and depth. The specialist’s task during the procedure is to achieve uniform radiation and dose over the entire surface without touching healthy tissue.
Cosmetic procedures
Dermabrasion involves grinding the surface and removing the formation layer by layer. The technique is aggressive, but effective. To completely erase it, two therapy sessions are enough.
Cosmetologists and dermatologists can remove formations by injecting a collagen mixture under the skin. The substance inhibits the development of the stain, and over time it will not be noticeable. The effect of treatment will be noticeable only with a regular course of injections.
Electrocoagulation
Electrocoagulation is used to remove the scar. It involves the use of high-frequency current, acting as a scalpel. Due to the periodicity of discharges, the surface of the stain is cut and removed in small layers. The procedure is carried out under the influence of heat, the blood vessels do not bleed and are cauterized, thereby reducing the risk of infection. Performed immediately after removal of a mole. During manipulation, the surface is numbed with nitrogen, which freezes the skin. The period of one session is 15 minutes.
Indications for eliminating nevi
Is it possible to remove moles on the face? This issue must be discussed with your doctor.
Removal of moles on the face is done in two cases:
- Aesthetic considerations. Nevus removal is carried out based on the wishes of the patient.
- Medical indications. Mole removal is recommended by doctors. This is advisable if nevi are constantly exposed to trauma. This can lead to serious consequences in the future. For example, a mole is located on the head. A person combs his hair and constantly injures it.
How to Avoid Scars
To prevent the scar on the body from becoming inflamed after removal of a mole, prevention is required. All recommendations and prescriptions of the attending physician should be followed. Before the procedure, the specialist will determine the treatment strategy, check for contraindications, and prescribe the appropriate medicine for speedy healing of the scar.
After surgery, you must strictly follow the doctor's instructions, otherwise the spot will become inflamed, grow, itch, or fester.
To remove the seal, doctors prescribe liquid Contractubex. The recipe was developed by German specialists. The composition includes active components (onion extract, heparin and allantoin) that help achieve high efficiency in the treatment and prevention of scars.
Preventive measures
The formation of rough scars can be largely prevented. Preventive measures can be divided into 2 groups:
- Before removing a mole. At least a week before the scheduled procedure, you need to start taking vitamin and mineral complexes and include more healthy foods in your diet. These include fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, fish, dairy products, nuts, and natural juices. It is necessary to organize adequate sleep and daily physical activity;
- After removing the nevus , as soon as the wound is epithelized, you need to use softening oils or ointments, which are mentioned above. It is better to coordinate their choice with your doctor. A good effect is achieved by applying moisturizing silicone patches (mepiform and analogues). For 2-3 months, you need to be careful not to expose the scar to direct sunlight or injure it with clothing. It is also necessary to visit a doctor regularly and follow all his recommendations.
Why does black hair grow on moles: what is it?
Often people pay very little attention to ordinary nevi. But, of course, a large, pronounced mole attracts the eye. Especially if hair grows from it. The appearance of such nevi is far from aesthetic. Therefore, people with such moles often develop complexes. It is not surprising that the question arises: is it possible to remove a mole on the face from which hair grows? After all, I really want to get rid of this “kiss of the angels.”
Laboratory studies have proven that hair that grows from a mole is a natural phenomenon. This is a sign that the nevus is developing normally and its cells are healthy. The appearance of hair from moles indicates good blood supply. Such nevi practically do not degenerate into oncological formations.
Therefore, you can always get rid of a mole with hairs. But just do it in a medical facility.
Healing time
Based on the technique used to remove the formation, size and nature of the nevus, the healing procedure lasts from a couple of days to a couple of weeks or months. The duration of the rehabilitation stage is directly related to the rational choice of the method and level of qualification of the specialist, the quality of the work done and the degree of compliance with the basic conditions that are necessary for carrying out certain procedures.
When choosing laser treatment tactics, the healing process is completed after 5-7 days. If liquid nitrogen or electric current is used, the duration is 7-10 days. If the surgical route has been chosen, rehabilitation traditionally takes from two weeks to a month or more.
There are several factors that can have a direct impact on this period:
- addition of an infectious process during the postoperative period,
- irrational care of the wound site formed during treatment,
- incorrect direction of the resulting cut,
- disruption of connective tissue and its fibers.
Thus, removing a birthmark is a process that involves several tactics and the likelihood of certain consequences. A competent approach to its implementation is a guarantee of health and immediate rehabilitation.
Complications
In rare cases, the restoration of the integumentary tissue does not go so smoothly.
Cosmetic defect
If for some reason the wound does not heal by primary intention (multiple removal of the crust, repeated trauma to the surgical site), then the scar is not so flawless. The connective tissue spreads over a larger area, and there is a strong decrease in elasticity, which means limited mobility. But, sooner or later, in this case too, the functions will be restored, and healing will occur fully.
Laser removal
This type of operation is painless, fast, and effective. Is it possible to remove moles on the face with laser? Doctors recommend this intervention to eliminate nevi.
After all, the procedure has a number of advantages:
- The action of the laser can be adjusted. Thanks to this, the doctor will select the depth and diameter of the puncture as accurately as possible.
- Other areas of the skin other than the mole are not damaged.
- All layers of the nevus are removed.
- There is no bleeding.
- The removal site heals in a couple of days.
- There are no scars or scars left.
This type of operation is painless, the operation time is a few minutes.
After the operation, you must adhere to the following rules:
- avoid sunlight;
- refuse to go to the pool, sauna, bathhouse;
- Wipe the place where the mole was with disinfectants.
This type of operation has virtually no contraindications, does not cause negative consequences and does not provoke discomfort. Removing flat moles on the face is quite easy and quick. Before and after photos allow you to make sure that the operation does not leave scars.
