Hi lottie2025,

I had a mole removed from the sole of my foot - the instep. You will be told to keep the foot elevated for at least 2 days to ensure it doesn't bleed & it starts to heal. Ideally, raised above the heart is best (I laid on the couch and had my foot on cushions on the armrest of the couch). Once you start to move around you need to keep your weight off that foot for 7 to 10 days (so you don't pull the stitches out) and then you can slowly start to put your weight on it. Sometimes the hospital will give you crutches to use depending on the area of the foot involved. Being the ball of the foot, you may need crutches. I would aim for being off sick at least 2 weeks, especially if your employer's insurance doesn't cover you if you injure the wound (my Police employer refused to let me back until the stitches were out or, if dissolvable stitches, until after the hospital said I was fit to walk as normal). I was off 3 weeks altogether.

Yes, you need someone to drive you there & back. You won't be able to drive until you are able to walk normally as your car insurance will be invalid (especially if you were to be in an accident which people forget about when they have had surgery).

I hope this helps. Good luck & please let us know how you get on,

Angie (Stage 3 melanoma patient since 2009)