Excision

 What is an Excision?

An excision is the surgical removal of a lesion along with a margin of surrounding healthy skin tissue. Both skin cancers and non-cancerous lesions (cysts, growths) are removed using this method. The margin’s size depends on the type of lesion and if it is cancerous. Generally, more aggressive skin cancers require a wider margin of excision.

​Before an excision, the area is surgically prepped and numbed with a local anesthetic. The surgeon then removes the lesion and sends it to the lab for analysis and confirmation that the entire lesion was removed. The incision is closed with stitches. If the incision is large, a skin graft or flap may be required. Recovery time varies based on location and the size of excision. You will be given clear wound care instructions. It is very important to follow these instructions for proper wound healing.

One week after the procedure, you will receive a call to inform you of the pathology results and, in the case of skin cancer, if the margins were clear. Suture removal is performed after 1-2 weeks.