Scar revision and mole and wart removal are minor procedures that improve or remove unwanted skin marks. Scars, including raised, widened, keloid or tight scars, can be made less noticeable but not erased; moles and warts can be removed by excision, laser, cryotherapy or electrosurgery. They suit people whose marks have not improved with non-surgical care.
- AnaesthesiaUsually local anaesthesia
- DurationTypically 15 to 60 minutes
- Hospital stayOutpatient or day care
- Back to routineUsually within 1 to 2 days
What is scar revision, mole and wart removal?
Scars form when wound healing produces excess collagen after accidents, surgery, acne or other injury. Treatment helps depressed or raised scars, widened scars, hard and itchy keloid scars, and scars that restrict muscle or joint movement. Scars cannot be removed completely, but they can be made less visible.
Moles are usually harmless skin growths caused by pigment cells (melanocytes). Any mole that itches, bleeds or changes shape or colour should be checked by a doctor. Warts are skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and can be painful.
Scar treatments include steroid injections, surgical revision, laser resurfacing, pressure dressings, chemical peels and non-ablative laser. Moles are treated by surgical excision or shave removal, electrosurgery, laser or cryotherapy. Warts may be treated with salicylic acid, cryotherapy, electrosurgery or electrofulguration, excision or laser.
Who is scar revision, mole and wart removal for?
- People with raised, depressed, widened or keloid scars
- Scars that restrict movement of a joint or muscle
- Moles that are unwanted, irritated or need examination
- Warts that have not responded to non-surgical treatment
- Not advised during active cold sores; people with a history of cold sores or chronic illness need individual assessment
How is it done?
- Medical review and instructions on medicines; stop smoking and alcohol at least two weeks before, as both impair healing
- Steroid injections soften and flatten raised scars; surgical revision excises the scar and closes it with deep absorbable stitches
- Laser resurfacing or chemical peels smooth scar surfaces; non-ablative laser uses low-intensity light over several sessions
- Moles: shave removal, excision, laser, electrosurgery or cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen (sometimes repeated)
- Warts: cryotherapy, electrosurgery, excision, laser, or electrofulguration for superficial warts; most are done under local anaesthesia
What is recovery like?
- Some redness and inflammation are expected; painkillers may be given
- Keep the area moisturised and avoid sleeping on the treated area until healed
- Avoid sun exposure and use SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Most people return to normal activities within a day or two
- Stitches, if used, are typically removed within 5 to 14 days depending on the site
What are the risks?
- New or unusual scarring
- Swelling, redness and infection
- Recurrence of warts or keloid scars
- Changes in skin colour at the treated site
- Proper aftercare and timely follow-up help reduce these risks
Why choose Dr. Jithendran?
- Dual training in orthopaedics (MS) and plastic surgery (MCh, DNB), with hand and microsurgery experience from Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore
- Consults at five hospitals across Bengaluru, with 24×7 availability for emergencies
- Clear explanations in English, Tamil, Hindi and Telugu, and time to answer every question
- Strict sterilisation and patient-privacy standards
Frequently asked questions
Can a scar be removed completely?
No. Scars cannot be removed completely, but treatment can make them much less visible. Options such as surgical revision, steroid injections, laser or peels can flatten, narrow or smooth a scar, and the best choice depends on its type, size and location.
When should a mole be checked by a doctor?
See a doctor if a mole itches, bleeds, or changes in shape, size or colour. Most moles are harmless, but these changes need examination. A removed mole can be sent for laboratory testing if there is any concern.
How are keloid scars treated?
Keloids are firm, itchy raised scars that grow beyond the original wound. Steroid injections are commonly used to soften and flatten them, sometimes with pressure dressings, laser or surgery. Keloids can recur, so treatment is usually combined and followed up closely.
Which wart treatment is best?
It depends on the wart's size, location and number. Options include salicylic acid, cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen, electrosurgery, laser and excision. Superficial warts may respond to electrofulguration. Warts can recur because they are caused by a virus.
How should I care for the skin after treatment?
Expect some redness and inflammation. Keep the area moisturised, avoid sleeping on it until healed, avoid the sun and use SPF 30+ sunscreen. Take painkillers or medicines as prescribed and attend follow-up visits.
