Excisions
Excision is a common dermatological procedure in which a dermatologist surgically removes a lesion or area of abnormal skin tissue. Whether you’re dealing with a suspicious mole, skin cancer, cyst, or other skin growth, our experienced dermatologists are here to provide expert excision services to address your concerns and promote optimal skin health.
A dermatology excision involves the surgical removal of a skin lesion or abnormal tissue. This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia in the office setting and may involve different techniques depending on the size, location, and nature of the lesion. Excisions are commonly used to remove:
- Skin cancers: Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, and other types of skin cancer may require surgical excision for complete removal.
- Suspicious moles: Moles that exhibit irregular borders, color changes, or other concerning features may be excised for biopsy to rule out skin cancer.
- Cysts and lipomas: Benign growths such as cysts and lipomas may be surgically excised for cosmetic or symptomatic reasons.
- Skin tags: Small, benign growths that protrude from the skin’s surface can be easily removed through excision.
Before performing an excision, your dermatologist will evaluate the lesion and discuss the procedure with you, including any risks and benefits. Local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area, ensuring your comfort during the procedure.
Using a surgical scalpel, the dermatologist will carefully remove the lesion along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue to ensure complete excision. The wound may be closed with sutures or left to heal on its own, depending on the size and location of the excision.
After the procedure, you will receive detailed post-excision care instructions, including how to care for the wound, when to remove sutures (if applicable), and how to minimize scarring.
- Accurate diagnosis: Excisions allow dermatologists to obtain tissue samples for microscopic examination, facilitating accurate diagnosis of skin conditions, including skin cancer.
- Complete removal: Excisions offer a definitive treatment option for removing problematic skin lesions, reducing the risk of recurrence.
- Cosmetic improvement: Excisions can improve the appearance of the skin by removing unsightly or bothersome growths, such as cysts, lipomas, and skin tags.
- Peace of mind: For patients with suspicious lesions, excisions provide peace of mind by confirming whether the lesion is cancerous or benign.