Standard Excision
Standard Surgical Excision: Precise Removal of Skin Lesions
When a skin growth is suspicious, cancerous, or bothersome, a standard surgical excision is often the most effective treatment. This common dermatological procedure involves the complete removal of a skin lesion along with a surrounding margin of healthy tissue to ensure all abnormal cells are gone.
At Forefront Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists and skin care specialists perform excisions with surgical precision, prioritizing both your health and the best possible cosmetic outcome.
SCHEDULE NOWWhat is a standard surgical excision?
A standard excision is a surgical procedure used to remove skin growths from any part of the body. Unlike a shave biopsy, which only removes the top layer of skin, an excision goes deeper into the dermis and subcutaneous fat. The goal is to remove the entire lesion in one piece. Once removed, the tissue is sent to a pathology lab for microscopic examination to confirm that the margins are clear and the growth has been fully eradicated.
What conditions are treated with surgical excision?
Excision is a versatile treatment used for both medical and cosmetic reasons. Our specialists frequently perform excisions for:
- Malignant Lesions: Including Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Melanoma.
- Precancerous Growths: Such as atypical moles (dysplastic nevi) that could potentially turn into cancer.
- Benign Growths: Including symptomatic cysts, lipomas (fatty tumors), or irritated moles.
- Cosmetic Concerns: Removing skin tags or moles that a patient finds unsightly.
How is a skin excision procedure performed?
The procedure is performed in-office and typically follows these steps:
- Numbing: The area is injected with a local anesthetic (lidocaine) so you remain comfortable and pain-free.
- Marking: The dermatologist marks the lesion and the “safety margin” of healthy skin around it.
- Excision: Using a scalpel, the doctor removes the marked area, typically in an elliptical (football) shape to allow the skin to close more easily.
- Closure: The wound is closed with sutures (stitches). Depending on the depth, there may be internal, dissolvable stitches and external stitches that require removal later.
How does excision differ from Mohs surgery?
While both involve removing skin cancer, standard excision uses a predetermined margin of healthy tissue and the results from the lab are typically available a few days later. Mohs Surgery is a specialized technique where the surgeon acts as the pathologist, checking 100% of the margins in real-time while the patient waits. Mohs is typically reserved for skin cancers on the face or for aggressive types of cancer, while standard excision is often the preferred choice for the trunk, arms, and legs.