What is an excision?
Excision is a surgical procedure that removes abnormal skin tissue along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. This ensures complete removal and reduces the risk of recurrence. While excision is widely known as a treatment for skin cancer — including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma — it is also commonly performed for benign or precancerous lesions such as:
- Moles (nevi)
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Cysts and lipomas
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Seborrheic keratoses
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Actinic keratoses or other precancerous growths
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Small growths causing irritation or cosmetic concern
During the procedure, the excised tissue is often sent to a laboratory for pathology analysis, confirming complete removal and providing diagnostic clarity.
Excision is typically performed under local anesthesia, and the wound is closed with sutures or other closure techniques depending on the lesion’s size and location.
Excision is especially suitable when lesions are larger, deeper, or in a high-risk location; recurrent or previously treated unsuccessfully; or there are cosmetic concerns requiring precise removal.
What to expect with an excision procedure?
At your appointment, our dermatologists will:
- Administer local anesthesia to numb the treatment area
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Surgically remove the lesion along with a margin of healthy tissue
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Close the wound with sutures or other techniques for optimal healing
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Send the tissue to a lab, when appropriate, for pathology to confirm complete removal
RECOVERY & AFTERCARE
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Mild discomfort, swelling, or bruising is common after excision
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Sutures are usually removed within 1–2 weeks, depending on the site
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Healing times vary based on lesion size and location, but most patients resume normal activities quickly
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Comprehensive aftercare instructions are provided to minimize scarring and support proper wound healing
Excision is highly effective for completely removing skin cancer and other lesions. For basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, the success rate often exceeds 95%. Early treatment of melanoma also provides excellent outcomes. For benign or precancerous lesions, excision ensures complete removal and prevents recurrence.
EXCISIONS CAN HELP WITH THESE CONDITIONS:
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