After laser mole removal: how to care for your skin, complications

Laser mole removal: benefits of the procedure

Having decided to undergo laser removal of tumors, their owners ask questions about the safety of the method. What are the advantages over other methods?

painlessness;
efficiency;
non-invasiveness (no exposure to surgical instruments - needles, scalpels, etc.);
sterility;
fast healing;
minimum contraindications;
no scars after surgery.

Modern technologies make it possible to control the process with millimeter precision, quickly getting rid of the tumor. The laser ensures rapid tissue regeneration and does not cause bleeding, reducing the chances of infection.

The procedure is becoming more popular than other methods. The cost of the operation will depend on the choice of medical institution. It is preferable to carry out the procedure in a clinic rather than with cosmetologists.

The presence of formations on the face sometimes causes both aesthetic and physical discomfort. Located on the face, it is often injured, bleeds and causes pain. The presence of a large or uneven mole on the face sometimes makes you feel complex about your appearance.

Removing a mole from the skin of the face is the same as from other parts of the body. The neoplasm is examined, the patient undergoes consultation with doctors. Removal, depending on the size of the mole, takes from a few seconds to 5 minutes. In cases where the neoplasm is large, it will require removal in layers. Several days should pass between procedures.

The operation does not leave bruises or bruises, only a wound that will cover itself with a protective crust.

Removal of angiomas is also possible using the laser method. Red vascular neoplasms cause inconvenience when large in size. The nature of their appearance and malignancy are also determined by doctors during the examination. If necessary, the patient is tested for the absence of diseases that may be contraindications for removal.

Complete and detailed mole removal process.

Many people remove a nevus, popularly called a mole, with a laser. This operation is effective and has its advantages:

safety;
accelerated resection method;
there is no risk of infection in the wound;
eliminates the risk of bleeding;
rehabilitation proceeds quickly;
there is digital control;
After the operation, the skin area becomes clean.

Laser can be used to remove birthmarks in the most difficult areas. During one procedure, doctors perform resection of several growths simultaneously. Burning has no age restrictions. It is carried out even in childhood. You can eliminate them on the legs, arms, back, and even on the head.

Laser destruction is popular because it has virtually no disadvantages. The main disadvantage of the procedure is that it is impossible to conduct a histological examination during the manipulation. Therefore, it is important to undergo examination before the procedure and make sure that there is no risk of developing into a malignant form.

Laser therapy has a good proportion of prices combined with high productivity. You need to carefully choose a clinic for such an operation. It doesn’t hurt to check whether the doctor has education, qualifications, experience and certificates.

Laser technology is quite popular because it does not pose a health hazard. The removal of moles with a laser is evidenced by good reviews not only from doctors, but also from the patients themselves. After destruction of the tumors, positive dynamics are observed, and the correction occurs quickly.

A modern tool can solve many problems with skin growths. Regardless of how much it costs to remove a mole, people are willing to undergo such surgery. The high price does not stop them from eliminating the tumor.

The cost of the operation depends on a number of factors:

qualifications and experience of the doctor;
depending on what equipment the clinic uses: the more expensive the equipment, the more expensive the operation will be;
on quantity, size and location.

In Moscow, fees for laser surgery range from 100 rubles and reach 3 thousand rubles for one mole. This includes a consultation with a doctor and a preliminary examination.

Dermatologists believe that the most common growths that cause discomfort are those that occur on the face and neck. Unfortunately, they can either decorate the appearance or ruin it. This is especially true for those nevi that appear on the nose. This is explained by the fact that the open surface is most exposed to sunlight and other negative environmental influences.

Since moles are removed with a laser, you can get rid of them easily and without consequences. The process should be carried out by a doctor, having carefully studied the nature of the neoplasm.

In cases where many moles appear, additional examinations should be carried out. Having studied the reason for the development of new formations, the specialist suggests eliminating them.

If necessary, local anesthesia is used. The doctor then adjusts his equipment to the desired beam diameter. He constantly monitors the depth of its penetration into the inner layers of the skin.

The following equipment is used for resection:

powerful CO2 device;
neodymium emitter;
radiation from an erbium crystal.

To carry out this type of operation, electrocoagulation is also suitable, which is carried out with a special electric knife, technology using radio waves, and surgical routes.

The therapy itself does not cause problems, but if you do not pay due attention to the healing area, you can get a complication.

Sometimes this can cause a minor allergic reaction. This is indicated by redness on the skin and a slight swelling that appears. Red blisters may occur after surgery, but they will go away within a few days.

In some cases, a pigmented spot remains that cannot go away. Herpes or acne can also cause the problem. In this case, additional medication support will be required.

If dirt gets into the wound, it can begin to fester. Pulsating sensations that do not go away indicate that suppuration has begun.

There are times when the temperature rises. This indicates a stressful state of the body. If it does not return to normal within two days, you need to consult a doctor. This symptom indicates an infection.

For four weeks after the laser mole removal procedure, it is not recommended to visit the solarium or sunbathe in order to prevent hyperpigmentation;
For two weeks after the procedure, it is recommended to refrain from visiting the sauna and swimming pool to reduce the risk of secondary infection;
For 3-5 days after removal, it is necessary to avoid drinking alcohol, as they cause vasodilation, which can cause bleeding;
If a mole was removed on the face, then it is not recommended to apply decorative cosmetics to the laser-treated skin for 7 days.

After removing a mole, you must carefully monitor the damaged area of skin. In some cases, after the removal procedure, negative symptoms may be observed that require contacting the clinic and prescribing additional therapy. These symptoms include:

purulent discharge from the wound;
severe swelling of the skin that lasts for several days;
prolonged bleeding from the wound;
increased body temperature above normal;
severe wetting, severe itching.

In some cases, the healing process may occur with some deviations from the norm, which can be eliminated with additional procedures. Such deviations are the following situations:

Nevus recurrence (reappearance of a mole) is possible if not all cells of the mole were removed during the procedure and some microscopic nevus particles remained in the same place. This situation does not pose any health risk and requires only observation. If a mole grows back, it can be removed again if desired;
Hypopigmentation is the appearance of a white spot at the site of removal. This cosmetic defect is possible if the removed tumor is located in the deep layers of the skin. Also, sunbathing during the prohibited period can lead to the appearance of hypopigmentation. In any case, the resulting white spot does not require medical correction and will go away on its own in 1.5-2 years;
A hypotrophic scar is a depression at the site of a removed tumor that occurs due to the low rate of tissue regeneration. A deep scar is an inconspicuous cosmetic defect and does not require any intervention, as it gradually smoothes out on its own;
A hypertrophic scar is a bulge at the site of a coagulated mole, which may have a darker color than the surface of the skin. If the raised scar does not smooth out on its own after 3-6 months, then the doctor may prescribe drug therapy or additional cosmetic procedures to eliminate it.

Ablative laser is a method of getting rid of skin defects, used on all areas of the skin. The method is safe, the effect is achieved through layer-by-layer evaporation of pigmented cells. Advantages of the method:

bloodlessness of the laser beam (the capillaries are sealed, bleeding is excluded);
contactless procedure;
sterility (bactericidal effect of laser);
accuracy of impact on pigmented cells;
minimal trauma to the skin due to the small diameter of the beam, controlled depth of exposure;
possibility of carrying out on the face, open areas of the body;
possibility of treating patients with a pacemaker;
absence of scars at the site of removal of defects;
safe for treating children and adults;
rapid skin regeneration stimulated by laser;
painless procedure with local anesthesia;
lack of special training;
the ability to remove a nevus in 1 visit to the doctor, unlike the popular celandine;
no relapses.

The achievements of modern medicine in the field of cosmetology have a number of undeniable advantages over traditional medicine recipes prepared at home. The only drawback of laser technology is the inability to examine a removed nevus for cancer cells, conduct histology, and the inability to treat pregnant women. Otherwise, the method is popular, effective, and does no harm.

Removing red moles

The removal and healing process is no different from removing a regular mole.

When can I delete

There are several reasons for the appearance of moles. These include:

human papillomavirus, which is transmitted sexually;
domestic infection;
conception, childbirth;
the child is born with them.

Experts suggest removing growths that cause discomfort, even if they are not visible under clothing. When rubbed, the protruding head is damaged and may come off. This can cause microbes to penetrate into the protracted area and provoke the development of inflammation.

Doctors advise removing nevi for the following problems:

neoplasms have close contact with clothing, which causes friction;
if they cause pain;
with their growth and change;
if there is a suspicion that the mole may change into a malignant tumor;
when it spoils a person’s appearance.

Hanging moles can cling to jewelry when performing cosmetic procedures. It is better to remove them so as not to cause injury.

Mechanical or chemical damage to the tumor is also an indication for their elimination.

Doctors suggest taking the decision to examine the growth seriously. There is no need to get rid of them yourself or with folk recipes, which advise smearing the mole with brilliant green, iodine or celandine. This can lead to the development of a malignant tumor.

What is a mole?

The term "mole" is not a professional one. Medical professionals use the word “nevus” and define its meaning as congenital or acquired abnormalities in the development of the skin.

Congenital pigment spots are observed quite rarely. Nevi become noticeable and their number increases during puberty. This indicates a connection between the formation of moles and hormonal status.

Moles in medicine are called nevi

The intermediate part of the pituitary gland produces melanotropic hormone (melanotropin), which is involved in the synthesis of the melanin pigment. The pituitary gland is an important part of the endocrine system. Therefore, the statement that hormonal levels are associated with the intensity of mole formation is true.

Important! Exposure to sunlight can stimulate the formation of nevi. People with fair skin are more susceptible to pigmentation in the form of a nevus, and dark-skinned people are less susceptible.

During periods accompanied by natural hormonal changes (adolescence, pregnancy, menopause), the size and number of moles increase. The appearance of a nevus may change throughout life. The cause of degeneration is mechanical trauma in areas of frequent contact of the skin with clothing. In such or similar situations, the question arises: “Is there a need to remove a mole?” “Where and how is the best way to do this?”

Moles often occur due to hormonal changes

Contraindications for removal

Laser correction has a whole list of contraindications. It includes:

pregnancy;
breast-feeding;
presence of a pacemaker;
oncology of any localization;
menstruation in women;
if you have colds, flu;
hyperthermia;
thin skin;
diabetes;
epilepsy.

You should consult a dermatologist before surgery, as even a small spot can turn into cancer.

There are many ways to get rid of nevi. But people's reviews say that laser correction is a low-traumatic and effective operation, from which a person receives a physiological and aesthetic impression.

You should consult a doctor if:

the mole grows in size;
pigmentation goes beyond its limits;
dryness and flaking;
hair does not grow on the surface;
the mole itches;
the surface is wet or bleeding.

Even if the mole does not have similar symptoms, consulting a doctor will not be superfluous. The specialist will determine the degree of danger of the neoplasm.

Despite the safety of the procedure, it has a number of contraindications:

skin diseases;
diabetes;
suspicion of malignancy of the neoplasm;
pregnancy and lactation;
allergy to ultraviolet rays.

The doctor must conduct a mandatory consultation and examination before surgery. Laser removal of a mole in the presence of skin diseases can lead to a number of side effects.

viral/infectious diseases in the acute stage;
tendency to form colloidal scars;
fresh tan;
rash, dermatitis, violation of the integrity of the skin;
pregnancy;
suspicion of the presence of malignant cells in the mole;
menstruation.

The consequences of laser removal of various types of moles boil down to improper care after surgery. With premature excision or displacement of the crust during the healing process, microorganisms, moisture, and cosmetics enter the wound, and a scar may form. If the patient goes out into the sun earlier than the period recommended by the doctor, persistent pigmentation forms on the young, delicate skin.

Removing moles in unsterile conditions by an unqualified specialist carries the risk of serious consequences: burns of healthy skin, incomplete removal of pigmentation, scar formation, wound infection, bleeding, degeneration of a nevus into an oncological neoplasm.

Article approved

by the editors

What to do if it doesn’t disappear for a long time

The time it takes for wounds to heal at the site of the mole and for the crust to fall off is different for each patient. If the process takes too long, it is recommended to consult a doctor. The body may not cope with the restoration of the skin, this provokes gross defects and scars.

Only a specialist can conduct a detailed examination, a comprehensive diagnosis of the causes of prolonged healing after removal, and identify disorders in the immune system that lead to problems with epithelization of the wound surface.

There is no need to independently use wound healing agents, folk remedies, or biological additives to stimulate the regenerative process at the site of wounds or scabs. You can damage the skin, cause allergic reactions, and provoke suppuration of the wound surface due to intolerance to the drug.

Healing stages and care

After the patient has decided to get rid of the nevus, he must undergo a thorough examination for oncology by a dermatologist. This is a mandatory event, without which specialists will not carry out the operation. Histology helps determine what shape a mole has, whether it is a simple growth or melanoma.

Dermatoscopy helps to quickly and easily study the tumor. Visual examination of the skin allows you to study its structure, make an accurate diagnosis and select the appropriate treatment.

The preparatory stage of surgical intervention does not involve special measures. Before the operation, it is enough to follow a few rules:

limit contact with direct sunlight so as not to cause photoallergy;
reduce all medications;
For several days before surgery, try to avoid skin contact with aggressive household chemicals;
Take immunomodulatory drugs for several days before surgery.

After all the steps, the doctor sets a date for surgery to resection the dysplastic nevus.

0-7 day

During the first 7 days after the procedure, a dark crust forms at the site of the mole, which under no circumstances should be removed. The postoperative crust on the wound performs a protective function - it protects the wound from infection and allows new tissue to actively grow underneath it. For the first week after removal, the operated area should be protected from all kinds of injuries and damage - avoid rubbing clothes or washcloths, do not comb, do not allow cream or other cosmetics to come into contact. If prescribed by a doctor, the crust can be treated with disinfectants (a weak solution of potassium permanganate) or ointments with antibiotics.

7-14 days

On days 7-9 after the mole is removed, the dark crust from the wound should fall off, leaving behind soft pink new skin. During this period and the next 10-12 days, the damaged area should not be exposed to ultraviolet rays. To do this, you should reduce your time in the sun and use sunscreen with a maximum sun protection factor of SPF 50. Direct exposure to the sun on young skin after removal of a nevus can lead to persistent pigmentation, which is especially undesirable on the face.

20 day and after

By the 20th day after the laser coagulation procedure, full-fledged healthy skin is formed at the site of the removed nevus, capable of resisting ultraviolet radiation and other external influences, including mechanical ones. After complete healing of the wound, no further specialized care is required. If a slight itch is felt at the site of the removed nevus after 20 days, but the skin looks normal, you can use special soothing ointments. By the 30th day after the procedure, the hole from the removed mole is smoothed out, after which, by the 3rd month, a barely noticeable trace of the procedure remains on the skin.

Laser tumor removal technique

The time, volume of intervention, and number of sessions depend on the characteristics of the nevus.

Formations of small size and thickness are removed layer by layer until a wound appears on the skin. The procedure is usually performed in one visit to the doctor.

Usually a mole can be removed in one session

Large formations require multi-stage treatment of the mole. The doctor will prescribe the number of sessions and indicate the intervals between them (sometimes several weeks). After each procedure, an aseptic bandage is applied to the wound. Preliminary treatment is carried out with a solution of potassium permanganate. The ability of the solution to dry the wound surface leads to rapid healing under a dry crust. As a rule, it disappears after 2 weeks.

Note! Laser systems are used for sessions: neodymium laser with waves of different lengths, erbium and carbon dioxide. The last two operate on the principle of ablation - evaporation of pathological formations.

The result of treatment depends on the parameters of education. Moles with a diameter of less than 3 mm and/or within the epidermis are removed without leaving a trace.

Small moles are removed without a trace

If the mole extends into the deeper layers of the skin and its size is more than 3 mm, a strip of lighter skin will remain. The result of the healing process will not disappoint you with rough scars, burns or residual pigmentation. Thanks to timely manipulation, you avoid danger to life. In addition, you are protected from the appearance of a new mole in the place of the previous one.

Sometimes it is difficult to decide on a procedure due to a lack of information, fear of experiencing pain, or a difficult rehabilitation period. To study the topic, you can undertake your own research and look at “before and after” photographs and read reviews of patients who have undergone treatment.

It is important to study all the information about the procedure and talk to your doctor

However, in order to make the right choice, you must start by consulting a doctor.

Removal technique

Before surgery, a specialist examines the mole. If it is large, he treats the problem area with painkillers. The anesthesia injection can be of a local medicinal nature and built into the cooling system apparatus.

After this, the doctor begins to remove layer by layer of mole tissue. Since only the location of the growth is exposed to the device, the event takes from 1 to 15 minutes.

If the growth has an increased size, its elimination is carried out in several sessions. The layers are gradually removed until they are completely removed. Small moles fall off in one go.

The depth of penetration of the intense color beam depends on the depth of the emerging tumor. The device heats the affected area, and the force of the beam dissolves the mole until it disappears completely. At the same time, the blood capillaries are sealed.

After surgery, a small hole remains at the resection site. After two weeks it will disappear.

Specialized institutions are equipped with innovative technology that allows you to quickly solve the problem. The operation does not affect healthy skin, which means it does not harm it. Modern equipment controls the size of the mole and also eliminates the possibility of scars.

If the tumor was resected using a laser knife, the tissue of the destroyed growth can be sent for examination to look for cancer cells.

In the case where the mole is keloid in nature, it is better to treat it with liquid nitrogen.

Sometimes it looks like a spider angioma. Previously, such growths caused a problem, and after getting rid of them, marks remained. Now, with the help of a highly selective technique, the effect goes directly to the dilated vessel. The surrounding tissue remains untouched.

Care and healing

20 day and after

The area of skin where the mole was previously located looks like a round depression. To prevent infection from entering the unprotected layer of the epithelium, doctors advise disinfecting the area with antiseptic agents.

A brown crust forms at the site of the growth during the first week. It has a protective property, protecting the treated area from infection. If the crust is left undisturbed, new tissue quickly forms underneath it.

The area where the operation took place should not be disturbed for some time. On the ninth day of healing, the top layer will fall off on its own. If you itch or rub it, the chance of infection increases. As a result, the area will begin to swell and become inflamed. Doctors advise rinsing the affected area with a weak solution of potassium permanganate.

The scab should go away on its own, usually 7-10 days after the procedure. The wound should not be wetted on the first day after the procedure, steamed, scratched, or smeared with cosmetics during the healing period. Regeneration processes occur under the crust; preserving it until spontaneous peeling means preventing infection of young skin by microorganisms and fungi.

With proper care and following the doctor’s recommendations, no traces remain at the site of the removed nevus, and pigmentation does not return. In place of large moles, there is a possibility of the formation of colorless spots that do not disturb the overall aesthetics; small moles do not leave marks on the skin.

The area with removed pigmentation is sensitive to solar radiation; until the skin becomes resistant to hyperpigmentation, doctors do not recommend sunbathing in a solarium; they insist on using a protective cream when going outside.

Immediately after the operation, a scar remains at the site of the mole. The doctor thoroughly disinfects it and gives recommendations for care. During the day after the procedure, a protective crust forms at the site of the mole. Under no circumstances should you get rid of it - it will promote healthy and rapid healing.

For several days after the crust has formed, it may be damp; the doctor will prescribe disinfectants to treat the affected area. The surrounding skin may begin to itch - this indicates the healing process.

Healing time directly depends on wound care, and it is strictly individual. With fast regenerating ability, the process will take two to three weeks, with slow regenerating ability, the process can drag on for months. To speed up the process, special care is required for the affected area.

If a bleeding wound opens after removal, tell your doctor. After laser removal, a dry crust of skin should form; disinfectants should be prescribed by a doctor. When the crust falls off on its own, pink skin forms in its place. This will indicate healthy skin healing.

It is not recommended to use cosmetics or other skin products during healing. It is also strictly prohibited to visit swimming pools, baths and saunas. The healing site should not be disturbed with bandages, tissues, sponges or washcloths. As soon as the crust falls off, the skin should be carefully protected from ultraviolet rays - use protective creams with a filter of at least 60.

Rehabilitation period

The procedure usually goes without complications. During the healing process, redness, moderate swelling, and subsequently a crust form. For favorable rehabilitation conditions, do not wet or mechanically irritate the intervention area. The process is successfully stopped after 3-5 days. As prescribed by your doctor, you can use creams to improve skin condition.

It is not recommended to be in direct sunlight for 2-3 months without applying sunscreen. Visits to the solarium should also be temporarily stopped.

During the rehabilitation period it is better not to be in direct sunlight

Important! The formation of minor scars and areas of pigmentation are complications.

What not to do after removal

Laser surgery itself is absolutely not harmful and reduces to a minimum the likelihood of developing an exacerbation. But experts advise following certain care after laser mole removal. It consists mainly of certain prohibitions:

in the first weeks after surgery, protect the treated area from direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation;
during this period you cannot visit solariums;
After surgery, the skin is very sensitive, so be careful not to damage it;
do not swim for a long time, as water slows down recovery;
until the treated area heals, you cannot use creams or powder if the mole is on an open area of the body;
it is risky to overcool or overheat the skin;
ice water and snow can have a negative impact;
do not visit the bathhouse, sauna;
protect the skin from friction with clothing;
Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages, as alcohol can dilate blood vessels and thereby cause bleeding.

By following general recommendations, you can avoid negative consequences after resection.

Possible consequences

If the operation is performed correctly and all doctor’s recommendations are followed, the healing process will accelerate. If a mole is not completely removed, serious skin problems can occur; this risk can be reduced by choosing an experienced specialist. The clinic must be equipped with modern technologies and have a good reputation.

If you do not follow the recommendations within three days after surgery, the skin may become inflamed. The process of treatment and healing of the wound in this case can take a long time. In addition, if you subject the skin to mechanical stress or try to get rid of a crust, a scar may remain. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation on an already healed wound, during the first four months, can lead to skin pigmentation. There is a risk of a new growth appearing in place of the old one.

In what cases are moles removed?

The question of removing a nevus is usually resorted to when the pigment spot increases in size, becomes injured, and causes discomfort. Sometimes patients come in because of pain.

Moles are classified according to their qualities: size, color (shades of brown), clarity of contours, presence of hairs. Sometimes a mole is characterized by its volume - it can be flat or protrude above the skin.

Moles are classified differently

Based on the above signs, tactics are determined in relation to the nevus.

The category of pigmented neoplasms that are not dangerous in terms of malignancy include moles with the following signs:

uniform color that does not change over time;
there may be hairs on the surface;
radius no more than 0.5 cm.

Harmless moles usually have a diameter of no more than 0.5 cm

We list the signs for which you should be observed by a dermato-oncologist at least once every six months:

color change;
diameter more than 1 cm;
uneven pigmentation;
increase in size at a moderate pace;
newly acquired formations with the above symptoms.

If the size of the nevus suddenly increases to 2 cm or more, you should immediately consult a doctor.

If a mole is rapidly growing, you should consult a doctor.

Important! These changes may be a sign of malignant degeneration of the nevus. Melanoma is a cancerous tumor that poses a threat to the patient's life.

Let's consider the signs, the presence of which allows one to suspect malignancy:

a sharp increase in size over a short time;
hair loss from the surface of the mole;
change in contours, asymmetrical shape, “jagged” edges;
the spot looks glossy, the natural pattern of the skin disappears, the surface becomes smoothed;
the nevus is surrounded by a blue or purple rim;
pathological changes in the surface of the spot: redness, peeling, areas of ulceration;
small black or brown dots appear around the nevus;
changes in sensitivity in the form of itching, burning, pain;
bleeding after injury or occurring spontaneously;
the growth of a new mole in the place of the “old” one.

There are many signs of malignant degeneration of a mole

Even if you suspect one of the above signs, you should immediately seek help from a dermato-oncologist. To exclude malignant degeneration and decide whether to perform an operation, it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination.

Today, there are several ways to remove moles: surgically, using a laser beam, electrocoagulation, freezing, radio wave surgery. Most often, patients resort to using the laser method due to its advantages.

The most popular method of mole removal is laser