Surgical excision
Removal of growths and skin cancers, with a repair planned for how it will look in a year
Excision removes a lesion completely in one careful surgery and closes it with layered stitches for the finest scar. It is used for skin cancers that do not need Mohs, and for benign growths a patient wants gone. A scar on the face is a cosmetic outcome whatever the reason for the surgery, and it is planned that way.
What it treats
Is this for you?
- Skin cancers on the trunk and limbs
- Atypical moles
- Cysts and lipomas
- Moles and growths removed for cosmetic reasons
- Skin tags and seborrheic keratoses
- Torn or stretched earlobes
How it works
What is actually happening.
The lesion is outlined with a margin, and an ellipse is drawn along the natural tension lines of the skin so the scar sits where it hides best. Under local anesthetic the ellipse is removed to full depth and sent for pathology where appropriate. The wound is closed in layers: deep dissolving stitches take the tension, and fine surface stitches bring the edges together.
For small raised growths, electrodesiccation, a fine electrical current, removes the lesion without stitches. Dr. Nawas chooses the technique that leaves the smallest possible mark.
Your visit
What the appointment is like.
Plan
The lesion is examined, the margin decided and the scar line drawn.
Numb
Local anesthetic; you are awake and comfortable.
Remove and close
Usually 30 to 45 minutes. Tissue goes to pathology where appropriate.
Follow up
Stitches out at 5 to 14 days; Dr. Nawas calls you with the results herself.
Before and after your appointment
Simple preparation, simple recovery.
Before
- Continue prescribed medications unless told otherwise; tell Dr. Nawas about blood thinners, a pacemaker, and allergies to lidocaine or tape.
- Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning supplements for a few days if your doctors agree.
- Wear comfortable clothing that does not rub the site.
Afterward
- Keep the dressing dry for 24 to 48 hours, then clean daily and apply petroleum jelly.
- No lifting or exercise that stretches the site until sutures are out.
- Sunscreen on the scar for a year; silicone gel from week two helps it flatten.
Pricing
Published in advance, like everything else here.
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Mole removalPer lesion | $500 |
| ElectrodesiccationSkin tags and small growths | $500 to $1,000 |
| Benign excision, cosmeticCysts, lipomas and growths | $2,500 |
| Malignant excision and repairSkin cancer | $2,500 |
| Torn earlobe repairPer ear | $1,000 |
Original Medicare is accepted for medical and surgical dermatology, and many Medicare Advantage PPO plans can be billed out of network. We do not bill commercial insurance: you receive an itemized superbill with the diagnosis and procedure codes to submit for out-of-network reimbursement. Cosmetic removals are self-pay. How insurance, superbills and financing work here.
Good to know
Questions patients ask.
Will there be a scar?
Yes, a fine line placed along natural creases. It is pink and firm at first and fades over a year. Vbeam and Fraxel can refine it.
Do I need Mohs instead?
For cancers on the face, ears and hands, usually yes. For the trunk and limbs, excision is often equally effective and simpler.
Is it covered by insurance?
Original Medicare is accepted for medical excisions. With commercial insurance you receive an itemized superbill to submit. Cosmetic removals are self-pay.
Related procedures
Often planned together.
Next step
Ready when you are.
Growths and skin cancers removed with a repair planned for how it will look in a year.
New to ZN Dermatology? Choose a consultation appointment: the growth is examined and the repair planned first, and many excisions can be done at the same visit.