Quick Facts

Treatment type: Minor surgical excision with sutures

Areas treated: Face and body, including delicate cosmetic areas

Anesthesia: Local anesthesia for comfort

Recovery time: 1–2 weeks for healing; sutures typically removed in 5–14 days

Results: Permanent removal of lesion; scar minimized with layered closure

Excisional lesion removal is a minor surgical procedure designed to remove unwanted or suspicious skin lesions with care and precision. At FACET Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists perform excisions for both medical and cosmetic reasons, tailoring each procedure to ensure safety, accuracy, and the best possible cosmetic outcome. Whether it’s a bothersome mole, a growing cyst, or a lesion that requires full removal for diagnostic testing, our team combines medical expertise with an eye for aesthetics.

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What Is Excisional Lesion Removal?

Excision is a simple outpatient surgical procedure in which a lesion is cut out along with a small margin of surrounding tissue. This approach ensures complete removal, particularly for suspicious or cancerous lesions, while supporting optimal healing. Excisional procedures are also chosen for benign growths such as cysts or moles when they are bothersome or unwanted for cosmetic reasons. At FACET Dermatology, excisions are always performed with meticulous attention to closure techniques, helping reduce scarring and promote smooth healing.

How it works

The procedure begins with local anesthesia to numb the area. Using precise surgical techniques, the dermatologist removes the lesion along with a small margin of healthy tissue. The site is then carefully closed with sutures, often in two layers, to reduce skin tension and minimize scarring. If needed, the lesion is sent for pathology testing to confirm its diagnosis.

What Does Excisional Lesion Removal Treat?

Excisional lesion removal is suitable for both benign and suspicious growths. It is often recommended when lesions are changing, bothersome, or cosmetically undesirable.

Conditions treated include:

  • Benign moles
  • Cysts
  • Suspicious or cancerous lesions
  • Growths that are raised, irritated, or enlarging
  • Cosmetic lesions affecting appearance or confidence
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REAL PATIENT RESULTS

Clearer Skin and Greater Confidence

Excisional lesion removal provides peace of mind by addressing suspicious lesions and improves appearance by removing unwanted growths. With scar-minimizing techniques and expert care, patients enjoy long-term results and greater confidence in their skin.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is excisional lesion removal safe?

Yes. When performed by a board-certified dermatologist, excision is a safe, common procedure with minimal risk. Local anesthesia ensures comfort, and most patients heal well with proper aftercare.

Will I have a scar after excision?

Any excision can leave a scar, but at FACET Dermatology, we use layered closures and site-specific sutures to minimize visibility. Over time, scars usually fade significantly.

How long does the procedure take?

Most excisions take 20–45 minutes, depending on the size and location of the lesion.

What is recovery like?

Mild redness, swelling, or tenderness is normal in the first few days. Sutures are typically removed within 5–14 days. You’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions to support smooth healing.

Will the lesion come back?

If completely excised, most lesions do not return. However, new growths may develop elsewhere on the skin, which is why regular skin checks are important.

When is excision medically necessary?

Excision is recommended for lesions that are suspicious for skin cancer, changing in appearance, or confirmed to be cancerous. These are always sent to pathology for evaluation.

Can excision be done for cosmetic reasons only?

Yes. Many patients choose to have benign but bothersome lesions removed for cosmetic improvement or comfort.