It’s just as important to take care of your skin after a procedure as it is to care for it before you come in. While a skilled dermatologist can remove a troublesome mole or wart, after care is important in order to keep your skin healthy for the long term. Skin will be left tender and in need of a little extra attention, especially after surgical procedures, such as Cryosurgery, or laser treatment.
Here are a few quick tips for caring for your mole or wart removal site after intensive treatment and surgery.
What is Cryosurgery?
Photo courtesy of ZapYourWart
Cryosurgery is the application of extreme cold to destroy abnormal or diseased tissue, such the case for warts, moles, lesions, skin tags and other skin conditions. There are many typical methods available to Cryosurgery. The most common method use of Cryosurgery is the use of liquid nitrogen to freeze the affected area. Liquid nitrogen is applied as a spray to the wart or lesion or may be applied with a cotton swab on the treated area.
Cryosurgery is a minimally invasive treatment and is the most preferred method when compared to some surgical treatments. Cryosurgery involves little pain and leaves little to no scarring in the patient’s skin. This method of treatment is also pretty cost effective, providing a reasonable alternative to the patient.
Laser Treatment for Warts & Moles
Laser surgery for warts and moles involves an intense beam of light or laser, which will burn and destroy the affected skin. A local anesthetic may be applied, depending on the size and number of warts, moles, skin tags, etc., to ensure the patient’s comfort. After laser treatment, the treated area may be sensitive and painful for a few days.
Laser treatment is the preferred method treatment for moles and skin tags, but may be used to treat warts when there is a large number of warts or when treating warts when the female patient is pregnant. In addition, laser treatment maybe used for wart removal when prescribed medicine has not been effective.
Basic After-Treatment Care for Wart & Mole Removal
- Immediately after the procedure you may feel pain. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help manage the discomfort unless otherwise advised by your physician.
- Bath or shower as usual, but be sure to clear the wound area carefully with soap and water at least twice a day and dress with a thin film of white petrolatum (Vasaline).
- It doesn’t sound nice, but the site may continue to ooze or drain for a few days and a ring around the wound may be red. This is normal and should not cause alarm. However, if you experience prolonged swelling and redness of the surrounding area and a white pustular discharge, this could be a sign of infection. Call your doctor immediately for a consultation.
- Continue regular washing and dressing regimen until the area is pink and healed. The area may remain pink for a few weeks, and the skin may be darker or lighter than the skin around it after it has healed. This may be a permanent change.
Additionally, make sure you discuss after-procedure skin care with your doctor. They will be able to give you information that’s right for your procedure and skin-type, as well as taking your individual medical history into account.
Have a question about your treatment-site? Call the friendly, professional staff at Four Points Dermatology for a consultation. They’re East Austin dermatologists provide the best care for all patients and ensure you are given the best skin care available.
