Key Highlights
- Surgery for moles, lumps, bumps, cysts and osteomas is not “minor surgery.” These lesions are often in highly visible places such as the upper lip or cheek, and a botched surgery can be impossible to correct. Because it is often called minor surgery, patients may choose a dermatologist, facial plastic surgeon or cosmetic surgeon rather than a Plastic Surgeon like Dr. Kirwan, who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
- Because patients think “lumps and bumps” are simple procedures, they often expect an “invisible result” and can be disappointed. The best result requires a Plastic Surgeon with rigorous surgical training and a thorough understanding of anatomy and the natural skin crease lines. Badly planned surgery can leave a scar that is as visible as, or even worse than, the original problem. An excision and scar placed in the wrong orientation can distort facial features such as the lip, eyelid, cheek or eyebrow. Near a joint, such as the shoulder or the web space between the fingers, a poorly placed scar can limit motion or create webbing across a crease.
- Moles come in various shades of brown, but some are non-pigmented. They may be raised above the skin or flat. A flat, coffee-colored mark called a café au lait macule is not usually considered for removal, unlike a raised mole. Moles are usually present for many years and often enlarge over time; some are present at birth and are called birthmarks. Moles and lipomas are benign, unlike skin cancers, which require more extensive removal to prevent recurrence.
- Some people have many moles or lipomas all over the body; others have just one or two. Facial moles are more visible and can be hairy and unsightly. Moles can also be considered beautiful: Marilyn Monroe, Cindy Crawford, Madonna, Eva Mendes and Blake Lively have all flaunted theirs. Most often, though, a mole is a visual distraction that draws attention away from other facial features. Just think of the mole scene in Austin Powers (you can find it on YouTube). In men, moles can interfere with shaving. Moles on the back are hard to see and should be carefully monitored for any change in appearance.
- Other lumps and bumps include:
- Lipomas: fatty lumps under the skin that grow over time. Some lie just beneath the skin and are easily removed; others are deep and have multiple extensions.
- Sebaceous cysts: often attached to the skin and may drain a whitish material. They frequently become infected and should be removed.
- Dermatofibromas: bumps that may result from insect bites, usually seen on the legs.
- Osteomas: bony bumps, usually on the forehead. They can be removed endoscopically through an incision hidden behind the hairline.
- Moles, lumps and bumps should be removed through incisions parallel to natural skin creases or wrinkles. An incision that does not follow a wrinkle line will stretch and may even pull apart, causing a widened scar. A scar that crosses a joint crease should be interrupted with a Z-plasty.
When to Consider Surgery
This section is omitted from the published excerpt pending clarification from the practice.
Information for Kirwan Plastic Surgery Patients
The best decisions are informed decisions. Dr. Kirwan can help you learn more about removing moles, lumps and bumps, discuss other treatment options and provide personalized answers based on your individual needs. You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Kirwan in Norwalk.
Preparing for the Procedure
After choosing Dr. Kirwan, the next step is a consultation. Be prepared to discuss your goals and expectations, your medical history, any previous procedures and any history of keloid scarring, which could affect the outcome of your procedure.
During your consultation, Dr. Kirwan will examine you and take photographs to review with you. These help you understand the planned surgical technique, the resulting scar and the possible benefits of surgery. Dr. Kirwan will also show you examples of his own before-and-after results.
What Happens During Surgery
Surgery is performed under local anesthesia. Dr. Kirwan will perform the surgery as discussed in your consultation.
Procedure Options
Dr. Kirwan may use one of several approaches, such as:
Mole Excision Alone
- Ideal for patients who have no other associated problems.
- Incisions are placed in natural wrinkle lines.
- Deep stitches support the wound until the scar matures.
- Length of surgery depends on the size and number of lesions removed.
- Outcome: ideally, removal of the unsightly lesion, leaving a thin, almost invisible scar that fades over time.
Mole Excision Combined with Other Surgery
- Ideal for patients who would benefit from another procedure at the same time.
- Length of surgery varies.
Results and Recovery
It takes time to fully recover and see your final result. Most patients can return to work immediately or within 24 hours, and can resume other activities, such as working out, in about 3 to 4 days, depending on the specific surgery and activity. Avoid contact sports for at least 2 to 6 weeks. If the incision is injured, it may open and require further surgery.
After surgery, expect a small amount of bleeding for the first 24 hours, along with some swelling and bruising. Ice packs during the first 48 hours help reduce swelling and bruising. Be sure to follow the instructions provided by Dr. Kirwan and his staff before and after your surgery to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery.
All scars are red soon after surgery and usually fade to a thin white line over 6 to 18 months. Protect the scar with sunblock while it heals so that it does not become pigmented. Dr. Kirwan will recommend a sunblock and a scar cream to promote healing and help prevent a thickened, raised keloid scar.
Reveal explanatory 3D osteoma imaging
