If you've had a so-called shave incision to cut a mole off of your face, you are likely happy the procedure is finished and look forward to recovering and living without a mole. However, because the mole and excision site is on your face, you may be worried that you'll have a scar for years to come. While there are a number of factors that could cause scarring, be sure to avoid the following things if you want to minimize your chances of having a lasting scar on your face.
Don't Take the Bandage Off
The first thing you may want to do when you get home is to take the bandage of your face. However, this can be a bad idea if you want it to heal properly. One of the reasons that the bandage is applied to your face after a mole is removed is that your skin is broken; as a result, bacteria can enter your body through the wound site. That can lead to infection, which might result in a lasting mark on your face.
It is also worth remembering that your body will start producing new skin cells to replace those that were removed when your mole was excised. Your doctor might have put some balm on the bandage to keep it moist. Because cell growth thrives in moist environments, your skin has a better chance of healing underneath the bandage. If you let the excision site dry out in the air, you might in fact be encouraging your skin to scar.
Don't Use Vitamin E
Supplements and natural remedies can be helpful to your health, but not necessarily with mole removal. Rumors persist that vitamin E oil or supplements act to reduce scars, but one study showed that 90% of those who use this vitamin in fact have no change; if they do, the scars actually get worse. Let the mole heal without putting anything on it or taking supplements that you aren't already taking for other health issues.
Don't Pick Your Scab
Eventually you will have a scab at the wound site. You might want to pick at the scab in order to have a clear face without marks. However, if you try to get rid of the scab before it's time, it is likely to bleed and that might make the site more likely to scar.
If you can stop yourself from doing any of the above things, you may lower your chances of facial scarring after having a mole excised. Talk about this some more with a doctor, such as those at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists, so you can better understand what to do next.
Share