What's normal to expect after an excision?

Question

I went to the dermatologist yesterday and she removed a mole she thought "didn't look good" and sent it out to be tested for melanoma. I was quite suprised and have never had this procedure done before. She made an elliptical excision without stitches.

The wound covers about 1.5 inches by .5 inches of surfce area and seems to be about the same depth as a quarter. It concerns me that it is this "deep" without any stitches. She suggested this method because my job requires me to be very active and I was concerned about popping stitches.

Has anyone had this done before? How long does it take a wound like this to heal?

Any advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for not being clear-- Yes, I mean a quarter lying flat, so approximately 1/16 of an inch deep.

Also, I am a twenty four year old, generally healthy woman.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I hope you mean the depth of a quarter that is laying flat!!! I also hope she gave you instructions on how to care for the area. i.e. Cleaning, dressing, etc. The time a wound takes to heal can vary greatly depending on the persons age, diet, and any health issues like diabetes and medications. With good care, I'd say 3-4 weeks for the last scab to fall off.

Answer 2

As long as you have a dressing on it and antibiotic ointment, it should be ok. I had stitches and it hurts worse and probably scars worse.. My mom had a cancerous place removed that was about the same size as what you described and they didn't put stitches in it. It healed up in about four weeks.