3 Ways To Prevent Scarring After A Mole Removal

The threat of skin cancer motivates many people to have suspicious moles looked at by a health care professional. Moles that are malignant must be removed to prevent future health complications, but these procedures can leave behind permanent scars.

If you are having a mole removed from a visible area of your body, here are 3 things you can do to prevent scarring in the future.

1. Don't Interfere With The Healing Process

After having a mole removed you will have an open wound that needs time to heal. Interfering with the healing process can contribute to the formation of scars. Here are some things to avoid while the site where your mole has been removed is healing:

• Strenuous activity- In the days following your mole removal it's important that you don't place too much strain on the affected area. Strenuous activity could cause the incision site to widen, which will increase your chances of scarring.  
• Vitamin E- Some people believe that applying vitamin E to an incision site can help speed the healing process. A scientific study showed that 90% of participants who used applied vitamin E to their incision sites showed either no improvement in healing, or a worsening in the appearance of their scars.

2. Keep The Wound Site Covered

Ensuring that you keep your incision covered while the wound heals can be helpful when it comes to preventing scarring. Keeping a fresh bandage on the incision at all times will provide you with the following benefits:

• Reduced infection- An open wound is an easy access point for all types of bacteria to enter your body. By keeping your incision bandaged, you will prevent bacterial infections that could contribute to scarring in the future.  
• Moisture- New cell growth is the key to healing; and the faster these cells grow, the less likely you are to scar. Since the natural environment of a cell is moist, keeping your incision site covered will help promote favorable conditions for increased cell growth.

3. Don't Pick At Scabs

As the fibrin and platelets that flood a wound site to begin the healing process dry out, scabs form over the wound. Picking at these scabs can contribute to scarring in the following ways:

• Disruption of Skin Formation- New skin cells must be generated to cover over and close your incision. Scabs form a protective barrier that shields these newly formed cells from exposure until they are ready. Picking a scab will damage delicate cells, leading to visible scars.  
• Bleeding- When new skin cells are not fully formed, picking a scab will lead to bleeding. This causes fresh trauma to your incision site, resulting in the healing process being started again. A smooth layer of skin cannot form when the healing process gets stopped and started as scabs are picked off.

Preventing a mole removal from leaving a scar doesn't have to be difficult if you take the time to allow your incision to heal without interference, keep the wound covered, and avoid picking at any scars that form during the healing process. To learn more, visit Calgary Laser Health & Beauty Centre laser hair removal Calgary.