Excisions
What is a surgical excision?
Surgical excision is a common procedure used to remove skin lesions, including both benign and cancerous growths. During this procedure, a dermatologist carefully cuts out the lesion along with a margin of healthy skin to ensure complete removal and minimize the chance of recurrence. It’s an effective treatment option for conditions like skin cancers (e.g., basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma), as well as benign issues like cysts and moles.
Conditions Treated with Excision
- Skin Cancers: Removes cancerous growths while reducing the risk of spread.
- Benign Lesions: Treats cysts, lipomas, and moles that may cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns.
- Precancerous Lesions: Early removal of lesions like actinic keratosis to prevent cancer development.
- Inflamed/Infected Lesions: Provides relief for painful cysts or abscesses.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Excision is typically performed in-office with local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring a comfortable experience. The dermatologist will carefully remove the lesion and send it to a lab for examination, especially when cancer is suspected. The wound is then closed with sutures, and healing generally takes a couple of weeks.
Post-Procedure Care
After the procedure, it’s important to follow wound care instructions to promote healing. Keep the area clean and dry for the first 48 hours, and avoid strenuous activities until the wound has fully healed. Stitches are usually removed within 7-14 days. Mild pain is common and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Risks and Healing
Surgical excision is a safe procedure, though scarring is expected. Dermatologists take care to minimize scarring by aligning the incision with natural skin creases. Infection is rare, but proper wound care is crucial to avoid complications.