Excision aftercare

This information is for patients who have had excision with sutures (stitches) performed at Spot Check Clinic. If you suspect a problem, we are happy to review your wound at any time after your procedure.

What to expect as the wound heals

• Procedure day — some swelling, bruising and mild bleeding is normal. Rest the area and keep it elevated if on a limb.
• Days 1–3 — discomfort settles. Dressing remains in place. Avoid stretching or heavy activity.
• Days 3–14 — tape remains over the wound until stitches are removed. Facial stitches are usually removed earlier (5–7 days), while those on the back or legs stay longer (10–14 days) due to higher tension.
• Weeks to months — the scar gradually softens and fades. Scar remodelling continues for up to 12–18 months.

What is normal after excision

• Mild redness along the wound edges
• Swelling or bruising in the first few days
• Tightness or mild discomfort
• A fine line scar that gradually softens over time

Contact the clinic urgently if you notice

• Bleeding that does not stop after 20 minutes of firm pressure
• Increasing pain not controlled with paracetamol
• Spreading redness, warmth or swelling around the wound
• Pus or offensive discharge
• The wound opening or gaping

What to do after your excision

Procedure day

Rest the area. If the procedure was on your arm or leg, keep the limb elevated. Avoid stretching the area or any heavy lifting or exercise until the wound has been checked and the stitches removed.

If the wound is on your face or head, avoid lowering your head, which may increase blood pressure and bleeding. Keep your head elevated on extra pillows while resting.

Paracetamol is usually sufficient for discomfort. Avoid adding aspirin or ibuprofen for pain unless advised, as they can increase bleeding. Do not stop prescribed aspirin, blood thinners or other regular medicines without your prescribing doctor’s advice.

If a crepe bandage feels too tight or your limb becomes numb, loosen it promptly and contact the clinic. Persistent numbness, colour change or severe pain needs urgent assessment.

Some patients begin LED light therapy on the day of the procedure to help reduce inflammation and support early wound healing.

1 day later

If there is a crepe bandage around the wound, you may remove it the morning after your procedure.

3 days later

Remove the plastic dressing and any padding underneath. You may need to gently wet the padding to ease it off. You may shower normally and get water on the wound, but don’t immerse the area in water (e.g. swimming, baths) until the stitches have been removed.

Leave any tape on the wound until you have your stitches removed.

You can shower as usual and gently pat the area dry. If the tape comes off, replace it with Steri-strips or Micropore tape.

Some patients return for a second session of LED light therapy at this stage to further support wound healing.

If you have a medicated silicone gel, e.g. Epicyn or Stratamed, apply it gently three times daily. You can apply it over the top of your Steri-Strips.

5–7 days later

Pathology results are usually available within several days and are provided securely via email or the MoleScope/Dermengine portal. Your doctor will contact you directly if urgent follow-up is required. Contact the clinic if your result has not arrived within the advised timeframe; no news does not mean a normal result.

A third session of LED light therapy may be recommended around this time to continue supporting healing and reduce the risk of scarring.

Until your stitches are removed

Don’t stretch the area. Avoid heavy lifting or sudden movements. Shower as usual but don’t immerse the wound underwater. Keep tape over the wound. Unless instructed otherwise, no dressing other than the tapes is necessary.

Continue applying silicone gel two to three times daily.

How to reduce scarring

After the stitches are removed, careful aftercare can make a significant difference to the final appearance of the scar. Scars continue to remodel for up to 12–18 months, so results improve over time with consistent care.

After your stitches are removed

• Avoid stretching the area for several weeks after stitch removal
• Apply silicone gel two to three times daily for 2–3 months
• Massage the wound twice daily once the skin surface has fully healed
• Protect the area from sun exposure — healing skin is more prone to pigmentation changes. Apply SPF 50+ once the skin has closed.
• Do not use vitamin E cream — there is no evidence it promotes wound healing and it commonly causes irritation.

For patients wanting a more proactive approach, we offer a structured scar minimisation protocol. This can be discussed at review if needed.

If you develop a raised, thickened or discoloured scar, contact the clinic to arrange a review. Early treatment produces better results.

If you notice a new or changing spot in the future, it is important to have it assessed with a skin cancer check.