Standard Excision

A standard excision is a surgical procedure used to remove a skin lesion or growth, such as a mole or skin cancer. The area is numbed with a local anesthetic, and the surgeon cuts out the lesion along with a small margin of healthy skin. The wound is then closed with stitches. After the procedure, the excised tissue is usually sent to a lab for examination to ensure that all of the abnormal cells have been removed. Our surgeons offer this as a skin cancer treatment option at Cumberland Skin.

Standard Excision Explained

A standard excisional procedure in dermatology involves the surgical removal of a skin lesion or abnormality for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. This procedure is commonly performed by dermatologists to address various skin conditions, including suspicious moles, skin cancers, cysts, or other growths.

Before the excision, patients typically undergo a consultation with the dermatologist, during which the need for the procedure is discussed, and any potential risks or benefits are explained. The dermatologist may recommend excision if a skin lesion raises concerns about malignancy, or if it causes discomfort or cosmetic issues.
 

Benefits of Standard Excision

The benefits of standard excision include diagnostic accuracy, effective treatment of skin cancers, and the removal of lesions for cosmetic improvement. 

How Cumberland Skin Can Help

At Cumberland Skin, patients can expect a comprehensive approach to their dermatological concerns, ensuring complete removal and minimizing the risk of recurrence. If you have a suspicious mole, growth, or skin cancer, schedule a consultation with one of our trusted surgeons today and see if standard excision is the best treatment option for you.

Standard Excision FAQs

Your dermatologist may recommend it to address skin cancers, remove bothersome moles, or address cosmetic concerns for a more comprehensive solution.

Dermatologists use local anesthesia for a standard excision, so the procedure is pain-free. Patients may feel some pressure but should not experience pain.

The procedure is usually quick, lasting only as long as it takes to remove the targeted lesion and perform any necessary closure.

In some cases, the removed tissue is sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine if there are any cancerous cells present.

The extent of scarring depends on factors like the size and location of the excision. Your dermatologist will discuss potential scarring during the consultation.

Your dermatologist will discuss possible alternatives during the consultation, taking into account the nature of your skin condition and individual factors.

What to Expect at Your Standard Excision Appointment

On the day of the excision, the dermatologist uses local anesthesia to numb the area for patient comfort. The procedure involves removing the targeted skin lesion along with a margin of normal tissue, the size and shape determined by the nature of the lesion and cosmetic considerations. While patients may feel some pressure, the use of local anesthesia ensures a pain-free experience. In certain cases, the removed tissue undergoes laboratory analysis for potential cancerous cells.

Post-excision, the dermatologist closes the wound using sutures or other methods based on size and location, providing patients with post-operative care instructions, including wound cleanliness and activity restrictions during healing.

How to Prepare for Standard Excision

Before the excision, patients typically undergo a consultation with the dermatologist, during which the need for the procedure is discussed, and any potential risks or benefits are explained. The dermatologist may recommend excision if a skin lesion raises concerns about malignancy, or if it causes discomfort or cosmetic issues.

Planning for Standard Excision Recovery

Post-procedure, patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, or bruising in the treated area, but these symptoms are temporary. It's important for patients to follow the dermatologist's post-operative care guidelines and schedule any follow-up appointments as required.

We will work with you to ensure proper recovery and are happy to answer any questions you have.