Excisions

If you have a skin condition which requires an excision, the procedure can seem like a cause for anxiety. However, excisions in dermatology are relatively routine, and seeking care from a qualified and experienced dermatologist means the procedure will be as simple and pain-free as possible. Dr. Rashel Goodkin is a board-certified dermatologist who has trained with top institutions, making her an expert in performing excisions and other procedures.

What is an Excision?

An excision is simply a procedure in which Dr. Goodkin removes a skin lesion using a scalpel, razor, or circular punch tool.

When are Excisions Necessary?

In some cases, excisions are necessary to perform a biopsy. This means that Dr. Goodkin will remove a small amount of tissue to be sent to a laboratory for analysis and diagnosis.

Other excisions are performed to remove damaged or cancerous tissue, growths, or lesions. Such examples include:

• Melanoma
• Basal Cell Carcinoma
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Moles

How is an Excision Performed?

Before the excision process begins, Dr. Goodkin will first numb the area using a local anesthesia injection. In most cases, the area will also be marked to show which tissue must be removed.

For many excision procedures, a scalpel is then used to carefully cut away the unhealthy tissue. Often, a small margin of healthy tissue around the growth or lesion is also removed to ensure that the entirety of the unhealthy or unwanted tissue is gone.

A razor or curette may also be used to scrape away unhealthy tissue layer-by-layer. This technique is sometimes used to removed certain types of skin cancer, such as superficial basal cell carcinomas.

Finally, a round punch tool may be used to remove a small, circular piece of tissue. This is most commonly chosen for excisional biopsies.

After the excision is complete, sutures are used to close the wound and allow the skin to heal. Finally, bandages are placed over the wound.

After an Excision

After an excision, you will likely experience some soreness or tenderness. Dr. Goodkin will give you specific recommendations regarding caring for bandages or dressings after your appointment. It’s important to keep the wound dry for the first 24 hours after the excision, then carefully wash the wound with a gentle soap. Healing can take several weeks to complete, after which you will likely have a small scar. If you notice any expanding redness or pain, call Dr. Goodkin, as this can be a sign of infection.

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Goodkin, call our office at 781.227.7977 or request your appointment through our online form.