Excisional Surgery for Skin Lesions
Safe, effective removal of cancerous and benign skin growths by experienced dermatologic surgeons.
Excisional Surgery: A Trusted Method for Complete Skin Lesion Removal
Excisional surgery is a common, highly effective procedure used to remove a variety of skin lesions, including both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) growths. Whether for diagnostic purposes, cosmetic improvement, or cancer treatment, excisional surgery involves the complete removal of the lesion by cutting it out of the skin.
At Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, all excisional surgeries are performed by board-certified dermatologists or fellowship-trained Mohs and reconstructive surgeons who are skilled in providing precise removal with the goal of minimizing scarring and ensuring the highest standard of care.
What Is Excisional Surgery?
Excisional surgery refers to the surgical removal of a skin lesion by cutting around and underneath the lesion to ensure full removal. The tissue is then sent to a pathology laboratory for microscopic analysis to confirm the diagnosis and ensure clear margins if the lesion is cancerous.
This technique is often the preferred method for removing skin cancers like
basal cell carcinoma (BCC),
squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and
melanoma, but it is also used to remove benign lesions such as cysts, lipomas, and moles when necessary.
Why Might a Skin Lesion Need to Be Excised?
There are several reasons why a skin lesion may need to be surgically excised, including both medical and cosmetic concerns.
Common Reasons for Skin Lesion Excision:
- To
cure skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma)
- To obtain a
diagnostic biopsy to confirm or rule out skin cancer
- To improve the
cosmetic appearance of unsightly moles, cysts, or growths
- To relieve
pain or discomfort, such as with an inflamed lipoma or cyst
- To remove lesions that are
frequently infected or irritated
At Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, we carefully assess the need for excision based on your specific case, providing personalized recommendations and treatment plans.
Does Excisional Surgery Leave a Scar?
Any time the skin is surgically cut, there will be some degree of scarring. However, at Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, we use advanced surgical techniques to ensure that scarring is as minimal and cosmetically acceptable as possible.
Scar Management and Considerations:
- Incisions are often designed in an elliptical shape to allow for a flat, linear scar that heals smoothly.
- Sutures are placed carefully in
2–3 layers, depending on the location, to optimize healing and strength.
- Scar appearance will improve over time, with most scars fading and flattening within
12 months.
- Some initial swelling or raised scarring (like a "speed bump") is intentional to prevent long-term depressed or widened scars due to natural scar contracture.
How Is Excisional Surgery Performed?
The Excision Process Includes:
Preoperative Evaluation:

- Your dermatologist will review your health history, medications, and any medical devices like pacemakers.
- The lesion will be marked with a surgical pen, and margins will be planned.
Local Anesthesia:
- The treatment area is numbed using an injection of local anesthetic to ensure comfort throughout the procedure.
Surgical Removal:
- The lesion is surgically removed along with an appropriate margin of surrounding tissue to ensure complete excision.
- The specimen is sent to a
pathologist for examination.
Bleeding Control:
- Any bleeding vessels are sealed using
electrocautery, which may cause a slight hissing sound or smell, but will not cause pain.
Closure of the Wound:
- The wound edges are stitched together with either
dissolvable or removable sutures.
- A sterile dressing is applied.
Post-Operative Instructions:
- You will receive detailed wound care instructions and schedule a
follow-up appointment for suture removal if non-dissolvable stitches were used.
What to Expect After Skin Excision Surgery
Post-Procedure Care:
- Expect some tenderness or discomfort once the local anesthetic wears off.
- Most patients manage discomfort well with
over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) or
ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
- Ice packs can also reduce swelling and discomfort.
- A bulky dressing is applied to help reduce bleeding and should remain in place for
48 hours or as instructed.
- Avoid strenuous activity and stretching the area until the sutures are removed.
Scar Healing Timeline:
- Stitches are typically removed in
7–14 days, depending on the location.
- The scar will initially appear pink and raised but will flatten and fade over several months to a year.
Frequently Asked Questions About Excisional Surgery
Is excisional surgery painful?
The procedure itself is not painful due to the use of local anesthesia. Some discomfort may occur afterward, but it is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
How long does the excision procedure take?
Most excisions are completed in 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the lesion.
Will I need stitches after an excision?
Yes, most excisions require sutures to close the wound and promote proper healing. Your dermatologist will explain whether dissolvable or removable stitches will be used.
Can I return to work after the procedure?
In many cases, yes. However, you may be advised to avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting until the wound has sufficiently healed.
How can I minimize scarring after surgery?
Follow your dermatologist’s post-operative care instructions carefully, avoid sun exposure on the healing wound, and consider using scar-reducing ointments or silicone gel once the area has healed.
Schedule Your Skin Lesion Excision Consultation Today
If you have a suspicious, bothersome, or cosmetically concerning skin lesion, don’t wait. Contact Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group today to schedule your consultation. Our board-certified dermatologists are dedicated to providing the highest level of care using safe, effective, and minimally scarring techniques.
Early evaluation and expert treatment can make all the difference for your skin health and appearance.
