At A Glance

Price:

From £1050

Expected Results:

Removal of skin lesion

Length of Surgery:

Between 30 and 60 minutes

Anaesthesia:

Local anaesthetic

Recovery:

Usual activities by 1 week

Helpful Downloads

What is surgical excision?

Surgical excision is a frequently used medical procedure to remove abnormal or diseased tissue from the body.

This procedure involves completely removing the targeted tissue along with any surrounding unhealthy tissue. Dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and other specialized surgeons commonly perform surgical excisions to treat skin conditions like moles, cysts, skin tags, and lipomas.

While surgical excision is generally considered a safe and effective treatment option, it does carry some risks such as infection, bleeding, scarring, or changes in sensation. If surgical excision is recommended for you, our experts at The Day Clinic will thoroughly discuss the procedure, potential risks, and side effects with you.

The Consultation

Ahid Abood Plastic Surgery - Your Consultation

During the consultation, a consultant dermatologist and/or plastic surgeon will examine the skin lesion to determine its nature. Your consultant will gather your medical history, listen to your concerns and establish the desired outcome. Once this information is clear, the consultant will discuss the available options to achieve your desired outcome. If surgical excision is recommended, they will explain the procedure, including its benefits, risks, and potential outcomes.

Depending on the type of skin lesion, such as a suspicious mole, the consultant may opt to send a sample for testing or histology before proceeding with excision. In cases where the situation is straightforward, the consultation and surgery may be combined into a single visit known as a ‘see and treat’ appointment. This approach can offer a more convenient and cost-effective way to manage treatment.

The Procedure

Ahid Abood Plastic Surgery - Procedure

Surgical excision takes place in one of our state-of-the-art operating theatres. The procedure begins with the injection of a local anaesthetic to numb the area and reduce discomfort.

Next, the surgeon carefully makes an incision around the targeted area and removes the tissue. The incision is strategically placed to allow for easy closure after the tissue removal, aiming to optimize the cosmetic result and minimize scarring.

Following the excision, the wound is typically closed with sutures or stitches. In some instances, additional reconstructive techniques may be necessary to restore the appearance and function of the area. The removed tissue may be sent to a laboratory for further analysis to determine the nature of any abnormalities or to ensure the complete removal of any abnormal or cancerous cells.

Aftercare & Results

Ahid Abood Plastic Surgery - Aftercare

Following your procedure, your consultant will provide personalised aftercare instructions tailored to the specific treatment you received. It is crucial to adhere to these guidelines to achieve the best possible results.

If a dressing was applied post-procedure, you will receive guidance on how to care for the area and change the dressing as needed.

In the case of having stitches from a surgical procedure to remove a skin lesion, your consultant will inform you if they are absorbable or not. Non-absorbable stitches typically require removal approximately one week after treatment. It is essential to keep the wound clean and dry and to follow any specific wound care instructions provided.

If you experience any pain or discomfort, you may manage it with painkillers like paracetamol. If the pain is severe or if you have any concerns, we can offer guidance on the next steps.

Your consultant may schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor the healing process, assess your recovery, or discuss treatment results.

Skin surgery will result in a scar, but there are methods to reduce its visibility. Regularly massaging the area for a few minutes can help soften the scar tissue, leading to a more faded appearance. Your consultant will advise you on when to start massaging and provide instructions. We recommend using a high SPF sunscreen on the area for approximately 12 months following the procedure.

What our patients think

Potential Risks

Although surgical excision is generally considered a safe procedure, it is important to be aware of potential risks and complications that may arise, including:

Infection

There is a risk of infection with any surgical procedure. Symptoms of infection may include increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge from the wound. Infections typically occur around 9 days after the procedure and can be treated with a course of oral antibiotics. If you have any concerns about infection, we are available to assess and provide appropriate advice.

Bleeding

Bleeding may occur during or after the removal procedure. In rare cases, excessive bleeding may require medical attention.

Scarring

Scarring is inevitable following any surgery, with the extent varying based on individual cases and healing processes. Efforts will be made to minimize the appearance of any unavoidable scarring.

Nerve Damage

In rare instances, surgical removal procedures for large or deep lesions may result in damage to nearby nerves, leading to temporary or permanent numbness or altered sensation in the area.

Recurrence

Certain types of skin lesions carry a small risk of recurrence. If the surgery involved removing a skin cancer, annual skin checks with a skin expert are recommended to monitor for signs of recurrence or other skin cancers.

Related FAQs

How long does surgical excision take?

Surgical excision typically takes around 30 minutes, but the duration may vary depending on factors such as the size, type, number, and location of the lesion(s).

Does surgical excision hurt?

Surgical excision procedures are performed under local anaesthesia in our specialised operating theatres at The Day Clinic. Discomfort at the treatment site may be experienced once the anaesthesia wears off. Patients can expect some pain and soreness around the excision site for about a week after the procedure, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication like Paracetamol.

Could the lesion recur after surgical excision?

While we cannot provide a 100% guarantee that a lesion won’t recur after surgical excision, this treatment is often effective in preventing future recurrence depending on the type of lesion removed. Your consultant can discuss the treatment’s reliability and the risk of recurrence during your consultation.

How long does it take to recover after surgical excision?

Most excision wounds typically heal within one to three weeks following the procedure. In cases where a skin graft or flap was used to close the wound, the treated area may take up to two months to fully heal.

Will surgical excision leave a scar?

Surgical excision may result in scarring once the wound has healed. The visibility of scars can vary based on factors such as age, location of the lesion on the body, and individual skin responses. Scars usually fade over time and can be minimized through proper wound aftercare and scar massage. Your consultant can provide guidance on this during your treatment.

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