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Overview

Lesion excision is a surgical procedure to remove abnormal growths or areas of tissue from the skin, which can include moles, cysts, lipomas, or other skin irregularities that may be benign (non-cancerous) or potentially malignant (cancerous).

Individuals typically undergo lesion excision for various reasons, including:

  • to diagnose and treat suspicious growths that could be cancerous
  • to alleviate discomfort or irritation caused by the lesion
  • to address cosmetic concerns

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, making it a relatively quick and minimally invasive outpatient treatment. After removal, the lesion is often sent to a laboratory for further examination to ensure proper diagnosis and confirm that all abnormal tissue has been successfully removed.

Summary

Procedure time
15-30 minutes
8062749
Overnight stay
In-Office
Anesthetic
Anesthetic
Local
Recovery time
Recovery time
1-2 weeks

Surgical Options

There are a few different surgical options that can be performed for lesion excision. A surgeon will choose the most appropriate lesion excision method based on several factors, including the size, location, and type of lesion, as well as an individual’s health and cosmetic concerns. The potential for malignancy also plays a crucial role in determining the approach. At The Plastic Surgery Center, our experienced surgeons will conduct a thorough assessment of your unique case, considering all relevant factors to determine the most effective and appropriate excision method for your specific needs. 

Common Surgical Methods

Simple Excision

Simple excision involves cutting out the lesion and a small margin of healthy tissue, then closing the wound with sutures.

Shave Excision

 This technique uses a razor-like tool to remove raised lesions flush with the skin surface, often not requiring stitches.

Punch Excision

This option utilizes a circular cutting tool to remove small, round lesions and is typically used for biopsies or removing small moles.

Mohs Surgery

Mohs surgery involves removing thin layers of skin and examining them microscopically until no cancer cells remain. This is primarily used for skin cancers in sensitive areas.

Electrosurgical Excision

This excision option uses an electric current to cut and remove the lesion while simultaneously cauterizing blood vessels.

Laser Excision

This technique employs focused light energy to precisely remove lesions with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.

Am I a Candidate?

Lesion excision is a good option for people who have concerning or potentially harmful skin conditions, including:

• Actinic keratoses
• Benign tumors
• Birthmarks
• Cysts
• Dermatofibromas
• Keloids
• Lipomas (fatty tumors)
• Moles (nevi)
• Pigmented lesions
• Scars

• Sebaceous hyperplasia
• Seborrheic keratoses
• Skin cancers (such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma)
• Skin tags
• Vascular lesions
• Warts

 

What to Expect

Upon arrival at The Plastic Surgery Center, you'll be comfortably positioned in the treatment room. The area surrounding the lesion will be cleaned and sterilized. Your surgeon will then administer local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon will carefully remove the lesion using the most appropriate technique for your specific case.

 

Depending on the size and location of the lesion, your surgeon may need to close the wound with sutures. In some cases, such as with shave excisions, stitches may not be necessary. The excised tissue is typically sent to a laboratory for further examination. The entire procedure usually takes between 15 to 30 minutes, though this can vary based on the complexity of the lesion. After the surgery, you'll receive instructions for wound care and follow-up appointments before being released to return home.

Recovery &
Results

Recovery

The recovery process following lesion excision is generally straightforward and relatively quick. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a day or two, though this may vary depending on the size and location of the excision. You may experience some mild discomfort, swelling, and redness around the surgical site, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. It's crucial to keep the area clean and dry and follow your surgeon's specific wound care instructions, which may include applying antibiotic ointment and changing dressings as directed. Sutures, if used, are usually removed within 1-2 weeks. During this time, it's important to protect the area from sun exposure and avoid strenuous activities that could stress the wound.

Results

Results from lesion excision are usually excellent, with most patients achieving complete removal of the targeted lesion. The success of the procedure in terms of appearance depends on factors such as the size and location of the lesion, as well as your skin's natural healing ability. While a surgeon will make every effort to minimize scarring, some degree of scarring is inevitable with any surgical procedure. However, scars typically fade and become less noticeable over time. In cases where the excised lesion was sent for biopsy, your surgeon will discuss the results with you during your follow-up appointment. This information will guide any necessary further treatment or monitoring. Overall, most patients find that lesion excision effectively addresses their medical and cosmetic concerns, leading to improved skin health and appearance.

Our

Surgeons

The expert surgical team at The Plastic Surgery Center has extensive experience performing lesion excisions. Our world-class surgeons, recognized for their exceptional skills and innovative techniques, combine artistry and precision to deliver natural-looking results in our state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care.

Hamid Abdollahi
PHYSICIAN

Hamid Abdollahi

MD, FACS
Russell Ashinoff
PHYSICIAN

Russell Ashinoff

MD, FACS
Kari L.  Colen
PHYSICIAN

Kari L. Colen

MD, FACS
Sean Herman
PHYSICIAN

Sean Herman

MD, FACS
Matthew  Kaufman
PHYSICIAN

Matthew Kaufman

MD, FACS
Ahmed Nasser
PHYSICIAN

Ahmed Nasser

MD
Tushar Patel
PHYSICIAN

Tushar Patel

MD, FACS
Michael Rose
PHYSICIAN

Michael Rose

MD, FACS
Adam Saad
PHYSICIAN

Adam Saad

MD, FACS
Tzvi Small
PHYSICIAN

Tzvi Small

MD, FACS
Hakan Usal
PHYSICIAN

Hakan Usal

MD

Financing & Insurance

If the lesion is irritated, inflamed, infected, or potentially malignant, excision surgery may be covered by insurance. If you want to learn more about estimated costs and coverage, don't hesitate to contact our dedicated support staff at 833-615-2621.

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Lesion Excision Near Me

Brick 74 Brick Boulevard, Building 4, Suite 205 Brick, NJ 08723
Florham Park 83 Hanover Road, Suite 260 Florham Park, NJ 07932
New York City 635 Madison Ave, 14th Floor New York City , NY 10022
Montgomery 700 W Germantown Pike, Suite 200 Montgomery, PA 19401
Marlton 11 Eves Drive, Suite 170 Marlton, NJ 08053
Abington 2701 Blair Mill Road, Suite 10 Willow Grove, PA 19090
Westwood 260 Old Hook Rd, Suite 304 Westwood, NJ 07675

Financing & Insurance

Plastic surgery is an investment. Our dedicated staff is happy to help patientsnavigate insurance coverage and understand the costs and financing of care.

Financing Insurance-min

Don't let concerning skin lesions go unchecked. Schedule a consultation at The Plastic Surgery Center today to have our expert surgeons evaluate your case and provide personalized care for safe, effective lesion excision.

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