Mole Removal: Follow Up Appointments

Mole removal may or may not require follow-up appointments because of the minimally invasive nature of the procedure. If you have follow up appointments, you can likely expect at least one of the following:

Discussing a Biopsy

If you had all or part of a mole removed for possible health reasons--which is not always the case--your doctor will have performed a biopsy on a sample of the mole tissue. A follow up appointment can be made to discuss the biopsy results. If your doctor suspects the potential for skin cancer or other health complications, she will make sure to remove all of the mole, if she hasn't already. She may also talk to you about making twice-annual appointments with a specialist in order to monitor other moles on your body because of your increased risk for developing further health complications.

Removing Stitches

You may also have a mole removal follow up appointment to remove stitches if you opted for excision via scalpel and the area was large enough to warrant stitches. This will take place between four and seven days after your mole removal appointment. The doctor will remove the stitches and examine the area for signs of infection. She'll also let you know if she thinks the healing process is progressing smoothly.

Your doctor will let you know if you'll need follow up appointments after your mole removal procedure. Even if you don't have any follow up appointments scheduled, if you notice any signs of infection in the treated area, you should seek medical attention immediately.