Dr. Sam Lam Plastic Surgery Forum

I have a facial mole that I really want removed. It is not believed to be cancerous, but from my understanding it would have to be excised. My question is what should the area look like about 8 weeks after the procedure? I have a trip coming up at the end of August and I'm wondering if I have it done soon if that is adequate time for the redness to go away? I am not wanting to wait until after my trip because I am very unhappy with the mole, but I also don't want to have a large red area on my face during my trip. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Tracy

I forgot to add that I live in San Antonio. I have consulted with a plastic surgeon here and I was told the procedure could be done in September, but I'm really wanting it sooner. I found your video on you tube regarding the mole removal procedure and it was very informative. I would make the drive to Plano if necessary, but I'm aware you might not have an earlier opening. Thanks for any information you can provide.

Honestly, I just want you to have a fun trip. I can never predict how long it stays red or whether you need additional care like KTP laser to manage the redness or injections to decrease the thickness of the area. That is why mole removals may require more care than you expect. At times 3 to 5 visits after the treatment so make sure you want me to do it. Great results depend on excellent surgical technique followed by meticulous care. In general, I do not do patients from out of town for mole removals. However, you are relatively close by so it would be feasible so long as you are willing to travel for some follow up care as needed. If you are Asian or Hispanic, you may stay red longer than expected too. Anyway, I can do it before your trip but you would have to be very clear about the risk that it could be even worse during the trip. I always paint worst case scenarios because I do not want to be blamed for misdirecting you.
best,
sml

Thank you so much for your reply! I am so ready to have this mole gone. I am torn between having it done now and waiting but I'm leaning towards having it done sooner rather than later. I appreciate the information about the redness. I am caucasian. If I had the procedure done within the next week what would be your honest expectation of what it might look like by Aug 20? (white line, purple line, swelling?) I am assuming it would look good by that point, maybe slightly pink but it be fairly easy to cover with make up at that point. (I wear make up every day anyway). I am willing to take meticulous care of the area after the procedure and stay out of the sun as much as possible during the healing process. During my trip I will be outdoors quite a bit but I'm hoping wearing SPF50 would be appropriate.

I'll be talking to my husband to find out if he's willing to drive me there, which I am sure he is. He knows how important this is to me.

Please advise the best number for me to call when setting up this appointment. Could I really get in within the next week?
Sincerely,
Tracy

tracy,
you are going to kill me but i think i am booked out until end of august even for a 5 minute visit with me. you should just call 888-866-3388 or email constanze@lamfacialplastics.com to check. I AM SORRY!
sml

That's ok. I really appreciate your feedback. I think it makes the most sense for me to have the procedure here in S.A. and after my trip.

Thanks again for your web site and for your response to my questions. I think it's wonderful that you personally respond to questions here.

Sincerely,
Tracy

no problem. good luck.
sml

Dr. Lam,
I sent you a PM today with photos, but it is still in my Outbox for some reason. If you don't receive it, please let me know and I'll resend it.

Sincerely,
Tracy Ayers

I got them. I shall replying shortly in the other thread.