Minor Surgery
Full removal of a suitable skin lesion with closure of the wound.
Surgical excision removes a lesion together with an appropriate margin and closes the wound with stitches. Assessment covers the reason for removal, likely scar, histology and whether the procedure is suitable for a clinic setting.
Surgical excision removes a skin lesion through a planned incision, usually with a margin selected for the clinical reason and the lesion’s location. It can be used to remove certain lesions completely or to obtain tissue for diagnosis. Assessment comes first: the clinician must decide whether excision is appropriate and explain the likely scar.
The skin is cleaned and numbed using local anaesthetic. The lesion is removed and the wound is usually closed with stitches. Tissue may be sent to a pathology laboratory for microscopic examination. The length and direction of the wound depend on the lesion, its position and the need to bring the skin edges together safely.
Every surgical excision leaves a permanent scar. Early redness and firmness can be normal, with maturation continuing for months. Other recognised risks include bleeding, infection, wound separation, altered sensation, delayed healing and recurrence. Before consenting, patients should understand the reason for removal, alternatives, aftercare, result arrangements and whether further treatment could be needed.
Some lesions, locations or medical risks require referral to a hospital or specialist surgical service.
Next step
Tell the team you are enquiring about Surgical Excision so they can direct you to the correct appointment.