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Original poster

To be shitting myself about mole removal tomorrow?

31 replies

SinkGirl · 04/07/2018 22:01

I have had one of those bulbous moles on my breast for years and years but recently it’s gotten bigger, it gets squashed by my bra and splits open and bleeds.

I’m due to have it removed tomorrow morning and I’m absolutely crapping myself. I’m terrified of needles, even more so since a very traumatic spinal block a couple of years ago. The gp said she would inject local and then basically slice it off, and that because the base of it is very large it will leave a big scar.

Surely they’d need to stitch it up too? If not, there’ll just be a big open wound on my chest?

I’m absolutely panicking and considering cancelling as soon as the surgery opens so they can give the appointments to emergencies that call in - I know it needs doing as it’s quite painful but I really don’t want needles in such a sensitive place! (I’ve had a lot of injections, surgeries etc but I’m so much more scared these days).

Can someone talk me down?!

OP posts:
Bonjourmonami73 · 04/07/2018 22:06

I had 2 removed from under one of my boobs- it’s not pleasant but one turned out to be dodgy so glad I got rid. I also had a big one taken off my back. You won’t feel anything, it’s over quickly, hurts a bit when you thaw out but best to get rid. Don’t postpone- just do it! Flowers Sending you brave hugs xx

MrsMyreton · 04/07/2018 22:07

Hi @SinkGirl

Didn't want to read and run as have no direct experience but you have my sympathies. DH had a large mole removed from his back in this way years and ears ago and he has a flat scar which you hardly notice. He said it didn't hurt at all and that he felt nothing. I trust that's true as he hates the thought of anything medical at all!!). Thanks

TheGlitterFairy · 04/07/2018 22:08

Ooooh no, please don’t cancel - much better to get it gone than be worried about it, despite fears of the procedure.
I had a couple removed from my chest area a couple of years ago, and another from my arm even further back. It’s local anaesthetic which stings a bit as it’s administered but not horrendous - honestly. Then I think depending on the size, that will determine if - where it’s been removed, they put something over it to sort of close the area, or stitches if a larger surface area. The 2 on my chest didn’t require stitches but the arm one did - was just a couple....

I’m with you on being more scared as I get older but it’s a good to get things sorted out! Good luck!!

MimpiDreams · 04/07/2018 22:09

I had one removed off my back by my GP. I didn't feel a thing and it was over very quickly. He didn't stitch it, he cauterised it so it was a bit sore afterwards but not as sore as this weeks sunburn.

Original poster
SinkGirl · 04/07/2018 22:10

Thanks all. I used to have to have a local and a big injectable implant in my stomach once a month so I am familiar with how they feel - I think my brain is just blowing it out of proportion! I couldn’t even let my DH do the blood clotting injections after my section as I went to pieces every time he tried and those needles are tiny. It’s totally pathetic I know!

OP posts:
321zerobaby · 04/07/2018 22:14

I had a big fleshy mole removed from my chest/sternum area about 10 days ago, I had it done at hospital (they don't do that at my gp surgery).

The doctor gave me a local anaesthetic next to the mole it stung a bit but wasn't painful. They let it work for 5 minutes while they put on some music (asked me my preference) and chatted away to me to take my mind off its I was very nervous and it showed! I didn't feel a thing, it took about 5 minutes. The doctor told me at this point she was a plastic surgeon, she did a great job of stitching me up with an invisible stitch under the skin (so no train track stitches) and left a bit of thread sticking out top and bottom (which will dissolve).

She then taped over it, and gave me a role of tape to do it myself daily. I am squeamish and didn't any that at all, but actually its been fine. A bit stingy, and I had to not do very much for 3-4 days, no lifting etc, as it pulls the area, but you might be ok with yours as its in a slightly different place. There was no blood on the incision area at all. Like you say, its bigger than the mole, I would say an inch and a half long or fractionally over. But it looks great already, and I have started to rub vitamin E on it today (she said I could after 2 weeks, but its healed and Im keen to minimise the scar).

Honestly, it had bothered me so much less than I thought.

goose1964 · 04/07/2018 22:15

I had one removed from my back last week, the worst bit was the local anaesthetic on my spine, which hurt more than the first because it was on the bone.

The local works really quickly and if you have to have more than one you really only feel the first.

The actual mole removal is totally painless .I had stitches which will be removed next week. The dressing is like a sticky label and feels weird, not painful. I'm now at the itchy stage of healing.

It's done now and a short period of discomfort ( rather than pain ) is a lot better than what goes before.

AnotherDayAnotherName745 · 04/07/2018 22:15

Maybe write down all the questions and concerns you have, so that you can set them aside until you get there, then ask? I'm sure they'll be able to reassure you.

I had a mole removed from my face, the doc scheduled it for lunchtime, so I could go straight back to work and wouldn't need any time off! I did decide to take the afternoon off, but it really was quite quick, and very little pain afterwards :-).

Stickystickystick · 04/07/2018 22:19

I had exactly the same sort of mole removed from my breast. Barely felt it being removed (and it was big!) Minimal scarring and I'm so much happier now it's gone. It's worth it. You will be fine Flowers

LilQueenie · 04/07/2018 22:20

It depends they can do it several ways. they can shave it off and it may grow back. They can cut it out and do stiches or they can cut it out and leave a hole. Yes that last one surprised me but it happened. I had one on my back removed and one on my side where my bra was rubbing over it a lot. I was terrified of needles but it was all over quite quickly. they left the holes covered with a gauze type patch which I had to take off and clean a few times a day. It closed up on its own and I'm left with a scar. In my opinion a scar is better than a dodgy mole or worse.

WibblyWobblyWho · 04/07/2018 22:25

I've had 11 removed over the years I think. (I'm such a moley person!) Please don't worry. I'm the biggest wimp on the planet and every one was absolutely fine. Theyl prob cauterize the wound with a little pen thing after it's been removed (Unless you have stitches) It burns it slightly to stop the bleeding and help form a scab. You won't feel anything at all after the initial anaesthetic sting. You'll be so happy once it's gone. Good luck!

MaMaMaMySharona · 04/07/2018 22:25

Definitely go and please don’t worry, you’ll feel so relieved once it’s done!

I have a mole in my cleavage which I’ve had since I was a wee kid but it used to be flat and now it’s a bump, I’ve been thinking about getting it looped off for a while now. When researching I was under the impression this was “cosmetic” although that’s not why I want it off - did you guys pay or have it done on NHS?

Eemamc · 04/07/2018 22:26

I had one removed near my armpit. It used to catch on clothes all the time, and became cracked as you describe. I’d classify it as sore rather than painful. The benefit is, that while it hurt me everyday, once it’s healed... no more pain. I would totally get it done.. i’d probably say less bad than a smear tbh!

Eemamc · 04/07/2018 22:27

I’d say the procedure is painless...and then it felt sore rather than painful afterwards

DorotheaHomeAlone · 04/07/2018 22:36

Had two removed in March. One on my boob and one on my head. It really was painless just sort of awkward. Smile One they cauterised the other needed a stitch. It took no time at all and was just a bit sore after. I’d been putting it off for ages too but I’m really glad it’s done. Don’t cancel! Just try to put it out of your mind until it’s time to head down there v

WiltedDaffs · 04/07/2018 22:49

I had a big mole removed two weeks ago and just got the stitches out today.

The doctor signed me off work because mine was big, deep and on the back of my neck so they didn't want me twisting or turning and pulling on the stitches. If it was somewhere else it would have been fine.

Anyway, all gone now. A bit of a scratchy feeling doing the local anaesthetic and then I didn't feel a thing. Took all of five minutes to remove and stitch up. And best thing is that, whilst it looked really dodgy, I got results today and it was benign.

Don't cancel. It'll be fine and you'll be so relieved once it's gone.

Kokapetl · 04/07/2018 22:52

I had one removed over a decade ago. It was right in the middle of my back so the scar pulled a bit when I moved at first but was mostly fine. They did put in stitches and unfortunately I had a minor reaction to them so the scar now looks like an eye with eyelashes which I think is kind of cool!

The actual operation was fine, had a local and could just feel a tiny bit of tugging.

bookbuddy · 04/07/2018 22:53

I had 7 removed from my face a neck in one sitting it didn’t hurt at all but the smell wasn’t pleasant! I didn’t even feel the local anaesthetic being injected! I thought it would be painful on my forehead and temples but honestly it was quick and painless. Try not to worry it will be over before you know it Flowers

PomBearWithoutHerOFRS · 04/07/2018 22:56

My Mam had a dubious mole removed from her forehead, and, honestly, she didn't feel a thing. She had a skin graft and now it's barely visible, and we all have peace of mind, knowing it's gone.
Just try and think of that, with it gone, it can't hurt you later on, or turn cancerous or anything. It will be over quickly and done with.

RoboticSealpup · 04/07/2018 23:03

I'm following this thread as I have one in my eyebrow that keeps growing, especially when I'm pregnant. My GP says it's benign and has offered to remove it. Not sure if he means privately or on the NHS. I think I want to have it done but am a bit concerned about having a scar/hairless patch in my eyebrow.

GarfEatsYellowFood · 04/07/2018 23:18

I had a similar experience to Stickystickystick, was done and over with quite quickly and no pain. I was chattering nonsense to the staff the whole time (mostly pointing out grammatical errors in a notice they had on the wall Blush well, it was a distraction of sorts)

The mole that was cut out had grown quite quickly from nowhere so my procedure was expedited just in case. It was done on the NHS.

So glad I had it done, you will feel the same OP when you're on the other side. It's a bit short term "pain" for long term gain (but not actually painful!)

oldsockeater · 04/07/2018 23:29

I am a total wimp with needles and hate doctors, and had 2 removed, it was absolutely fine. Apart from I fainted when they removed the stitches because that was agony (not a sensitive place just very tight stitches!)

Snappymcsnappy · 04/07/2018 23:40

I had one removed from my 'private area'.

The injection is quite painful for a second or so then nothing, you don't feel them removing it.

It does scar, I have a visible scar but it will never be as unsightly or irritating as the mole was.
Get rid!
You'll be pleased you did

CSIblonde · 05/07/2018 00:12

Bless you. It's really quick, 2O seconds if that & the needle so fine it didn't hurt me. But breast skin scars more as its thinner than skin in other areas is what I was told:I went Private as mine was cosmetic not dodgy. Loads of Waitrose baby butter later (£2) and scar is barely visible. Scar of other on throat disappeared totally.

fieryginger · 05/07/2018 00:34

Ive had several of the wart tags removed, didn't feel a thing. They cut them off with like a heat rod, it smelled very much like bacon, but it meant they didn't bleed. I had 9 done in one sitting. Little scratch of the local needle, which didn't hurt, then I didn't feel a thing.

You will be fine. My mum had a larger mole removed in a day patient ward at a hospital, she said that didn't hurt too.

Let us know how you got on.

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