What to expect from excisional surgery for moles

The clinician cleans the skin and injects local anaesthetic around the mole. Once the area is numb, the mole is removed, sometimes with a narrow rim of nearby skin. The wound may be closed with stitches, adhesive strips, or allowed to heal in another way based on its size and location. A specimen may be sent for examination, particularly when the mole has changed or its appearance needs clarification. The clinician will explain what the result means and whether any further review is needed.

Tell the clinic about medicines that affect bleeding, allergies, and skin reactions before the appointment. Follow the dressing instructions and keep the site clean and dry as advised. Do not pick a scab or pull at stitches. Limit stretching across the wound until you are told that activity can resume, and use sun protection after the skin has closed. Keep any arranged appointment for wound review or stitch removal. [Surgical Excision](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/excisional-surgery/) is a useful overview of the approach.

Call the clinic if bleeding continues despite pressure, the wound separates, or pain becomes stronger after initially improving. Increasing warmth, spreading redness, pus-like drainage, or fever may signal a wound problem and should be assessed. Get urgent help for uncontrolled bleeding, fainting, or trouble breathing. Arrange a skin review for a new or changing mole elsewhere, rather than trying to diagnose it from photographs alone.

Ask why excision is recommended, whether the mole will be examined, how long the dressing stays on, when stitches come out, and how to reduce tension on the healing skin.