Excision of Lesions by Plastic Surgeons
Excision of lesions is a common surgical procedure performed to remove abnormal or unwanted tissue from the skin or underlying structures. When performed by a plastic surgeon, lesion excision prioritizes not only medical safety but also optimal cosmetic outcomes. Whether the lesion is benign, precancerous, or cancerous, plastic surgeons use advanced techniques to ensure precise removal while minimizing scarring and preserving healthy tissue.
This procedure is often recommended for moles, cysts, lipomas, skin tags, and suspicious growths that require biopsy or complete removal. Plastic surgeons are uniquely trained to balance functional results with aesthetic considerations, making them an ideal choice for lesion excision, especially on visible areas such as the face, neck, hands, or chest.
What Is Lesion Excision?
Lesion excision is a surgical technique that involves removing a skin lesion along with a margin of surrounding tissue. The removed tissue is often sent to a pathology lab for analysis to confirm a diagnosis or rule out malignancy.
Plastic surgeons carefully plan the excision to align with natural skin lines and contours. This approach helps reduce tension on the incision and supports smoother healing with less noticeable scarring.
Types of Lesions Commonly Excised
Plastic surgeons routinely excise a wide range of lesions, including:
- Benign moles and nevi
- Dysplastic or atypical moles
- Skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma
- Cysts and epidermoid cysts
- Lipomas (fatty growths beneath the skin)
- Skin tags and benign growths
- Lesions causing irritation, bleeding, or cosmetic concerns
Each lesion type requires a tailored approach based on size, depth, location, and pathology.
Why Choose a Plastic Surgeon for Lesion Excision?
Plastic surgeons receive specialized training in skin anatomy, wound closure, and scar management. This expertise is especially important when lesions are located in cosmetically sensitive or high-movement areas.
Key benefits of lesion excision by a plastic surgeon include:
- Careful incision placement to reduce visible scarring
- Advanced closure techniques for smoother healing
- Preservation of surrounding tissue and function
- Expertise in managing complex or recurrent lesions
- Enhanced cosmetic outcomes, particularly on the face and neck
What to Expect During the Procedure
Most lesion excisions are performed in an outpatient setting using local anesthesia.
The typical process includes:
- Evaluation and planning
The surgeon examines the lesion, reviews medical history, and determines the best surgical approach.
- Local anesthesia
The area is numbed to ensure comfort during the procedure.
- Surgical excision
The lesion and appropriate margins are carefully removed.
- Closure
The incision is closed using fine sutures designed to minimize scarring.
- Pathology review
If needed, the excised tissue is sent for laboratory analysis.
The procedure itself is usually brief, often completed in under an hour depending on complexity.
Recovery and Healing
Recovery after lesion excision is generally straightforward. Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two, although strenuous activity may be limited temporarily.
Healing considerations include:
- Mild swelling, redness, or tenderness at the site
- Suture removal typically within one to two weeks, if non-dissolvable sutures are used
- Gradual fading of the scar over several months
- Scar care instructions to optimize cosmetic results
Plastic surgeons often provide guidance on scar management, including topical treatments or silicone-based products.
Are Lesion Excisions Medically Necessary?
Some lesion excisions are performed for medical reasons, such as suspected skin cancer or symptomatic growths. Others are elective and based on cosmetic concerns or patient comfort. In certain cases, insurance may cover medically necessary excisions, while cosmetic removals are typically self-pay.
A consultation helps determine the medical necessity and appropriate next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lesion excision painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so patients typically feel minimal discomfort. Mild soreness afterward is common and easily managed.
Will there be a scar?
Any surgical excision results in a scar, but plastic surgeons use techniques to make scars as subtle as possible. Over time, most scars fade significantly.
How long does healing take?
Initial healing occurs within one to two weeks, but scar maturation can take several months.
Is the removed lesion always tested?
Lesions that are suspicious or medically indicated are usually sent for pathology. Benign lesions removed for cosmetic reasons may not require testing.
Can lesions come back after excision?
Complete excision significantly reduces the chance of recurrence, though some lesions may return depending on their nature.