Mr. Onur Gilleard
Qualifications & Experience
Mr Onur Gilleard is a distinguished consultant plastic surgeon on the GMC specialist register. He previously held an NHS consultant post at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, specialising in skin cancer and microsurgical reconstruction. In 2021, Mr Gilleard transitioned from the NHS to dedicate himself fully to private practice, allowing him to focus exclusively on providing personalised, high-quality care to his patients. He is recognised as an expert in laser treatments, having conducted research and developed advanced treatment protocols using cutting-edge laser technology to optimise both clinical outcomes and cosmetic results.
Get started today
Book a Consultation
Good mole-removal aftercare comes down to four things: keep the wound clean and covered for the first 48 hours, do not let it dry out or get knocked, protect it from the sun while the scar matures, and watch for the few signs of infection. Excision wounds are usually closed with sutures removed at one to two weeks; shave wounds heal open over two to three weeks. This guide takes you through exactly what to do, day by day, and when to call the clinic.
The First 48 Hours
Leave the original dressing in place and dry for the first 24 hours unless told otherwise. Some oozing or a little bruising is normal. Keep the area still — avoid stretching the skin around the wound, which is the single biggest cause of a wider scar. Take simple pain relief such as paracetamol if needed; avoid alcohol and strenuous exercise that raises your blood pressure and can restart bleeding.
Days 2 to 7
From day two you can usually clean the area gently with cooled boiled water or saline, pat it dry, and re-cover it. Keep it clean and slightly moist (a thin smear of white soft paraffin helps) rather than letting a hard scab form — moist wounds scar less. Short showers are fine; avoid soaking the wound in baths, swimming pools or hot tubs until it has healed. Most people return to desk work within a day or two — see timing and seasonal considerations if you are planning around a holiday or event.
Sutures and Dressings
Non-dissolvable sutures are removed at the clinic, typically 7 days for the face and 10–14 days for the body. Dissolvable sutures break down on their own over a few weeks. Replace dressings if they become wet or dirty, handling the area with clean hands. Your surgeon will tell you which sutures you have and exactly when to return.
Weeks 2 to 6: Minimising the Scar
Once the wound has closed, the scar continues to mature for months. Two things make the biggest difference: sun protection (cover the scar or use SPF 50 — UV darkens new scars permanently) and, after the wound is fully closed, gentle silicone gel or massage to keep the scar soft and flat. What you eat supports healing too; our guides on foods that speed up healing cover the useful nutrients. If your mole was sent for analysis, you may receive a pathology report — here is how to read it.
Signs to Call Us About
Infection is uncommon but contact the clinic promptly if you notice:
- Spreading redness, warmth or swelling around the wound after day three;
- Increasing pain rather than steadily improving discomfort;
- Pus or a bad smell, or the wound edges opening;
- Fever or feeling generally unwell.
Call 0203 916 6200 or contact us online. For the full procedure, see the mole removal guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When can I get the wound wet?
- You can usually shower and gently clean the area from day two, then pat it dry and re-cover it. Avoid soaking it in baths, swimming pools or hot tubs until it has fully healed, which is around two to three weeks.
- When can I exercise or return to work?
- Most people return to desk-based work within a day or two. Avoid strenuous exercise that stretches the area or raises blood pressure for one to two weeks, as it can restart bleeding and widen the scar.
- Should I let a scab form?
- A moist, lightly covered wound generally scars less than one that dries into a hard scab. A thin smear of white soft paraffin keeps it supple. Never pick a scab, as this increases scarring and infection risk.
- How long should I protect the scar from the sun?
- For at least 12 months. New scars darken permanently with UV exposure, so cover the area or use SPF 50 whenever it is exposed while it matures.
Share this Post
