Skin Excisions
Skin Excisions in Fort Collins & Loveland, CO
When you discover an unusual spot, growth, or lesion on your skin, we may recommend a skin excision procedure. Divine Dermatology provides skin excisions in Fort Collins and Loveland, CO. This surgical treatment effectively removes suspicious or problematic skin tissue while maintaining your health and appearance. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
What Is a Skin Excision?
A skin excision is a surgical procedure that involves the complete removal of abnormal skin tissue, including a margin of healthy tissue around the affected area. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and represents one of the most effective methods for treating various skin conditions.
During a skin excision procedure, we carefully remove the targeted tissue along with a surrounding border of normal-appearing skin. This margin ensures the complete removal of abnormal cells that might not be visible. The excised tissue is sent to a pathology laboratory for microscopic examination to confirm the diagnosis and verify complete removal.
The procedure differs from other treatments like biopsies or superficial removals because it removes the entire lesion in one comprehensive treatment, making it particularly effective for skin cancer excision and other concerning growths.
When Is a Skin Excision Needed?
We will inspect your skin to determine if you need a skin excision. The most common times we recommend a skin excision include:
- Skin Cancer Treatment: Skin cancer excision is often standard treatment for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, or suspicious lesions that may be cancerous.
- Benign Growth Removal: Many patients seek skin tag excision and removal of other benign growths, including large or irritated skin tags, sebaceous cysts, lipomas, and suspicious moles or growths.
- Diagnostic Purposes: An excision biopsy of skin lesion may be recommended when a skin excision biopsy is needed for definitive diagnosis, previous biopsy results were inconclusive, or the lesion needs examination for accurate staging.
- Cosmetic or Functional Concerns: Some excisions address lesions that cause pain, interfere with daily activities, or present cosmetic concerns.
What to Expect After a Skin Excision
Following your skin excision, proper wound care is essential for optimal healing. For the first 24-48 hours, it’s essential to keep the surgical dressing dry and intact, avoid strenuous activities, and take pain medications as directed. Gently clean the wound as instructed by your dermatologist and change dressings regularly for ongoing care. The healing timeline includes:
- Days 1-3: Mild discomfort, swelling, and redness around the surgical site
- Days 4-7: Gradual improvement in pain and swelling
- Weeks 1-2: Suture removal
- Weeks 2-6: Continued improvement in scar appearance
- Months 3-12: Final scar maturation and fading
What Are the Risks of Surgical Excision of Skin Cancer?
While skin excisions are generally safe procedures, understanding potential risks helps you make informed decisions. The risks of skin excision include:
- Infection: Occurs in less than 5% of cases with proper wound care
- Bleeding: Minor bleeding is normal, and significant bleeding is rare
- Scarring: All surgical procedures result in some scarring
- Pain or discomfort: Usually mild and manageable with over-the-counter medications
Less common complications may include:
- Hematoma: Blood collection under the skin requiring drainage
- Nerve damage: Temporary or permanent numbness in rare cases
- Incomplete removal: May require additional surgery
- Allergic reaction: To anesthesia or wound care products
Why Choose Divine Dermatology for Skin Excisions?
At Divine Dermatology, we combine advanced surgical techniques with patient care to ensure the best possible outcomes for your skin excision procedure. Our board-certified dermatologists bring extensive experience to ensure you get the highest quality results and care. Our Fort Collins, Loveland, and Longmont locations feature advanced diagnostic equipment for accurate assessment and comfortable recovery areas for post-procedure monitoring. You can count on us to put your needs first.
FAQs About Skin Excisions
How long does a skin excision take?
Most skin excision procedures take 15-45 minutes, depending on the size and location of the lesion. More complex excisions may require additional time.
Will I have a visible scar?
All surgical procedures result in some scarring. However, our skilled dermatologists use advanced closure techniques and strategic incision placement to minimize scar visibility. Scars typically fade significantly over 6-12 months.
When will I get my pathology results?
Pathology results are typically available within 5-10 business days. We’ll contact you as soon as results are received to discuss findings and any necessary follow-up care.
Can I drive home after the procedure?
Yes, since local anesthesia is used, you can drive yourself home after a skin excision. However, if you feel anxious or uncomfortable, arranging transportation is recommended.
How much does a skin excision cost?
Costs vary based on the size, location, and complexity of the excision. Many insurance plans cover medically necessary skin excisions. We will verify your coverage and discuss costs during your consultation.
Will the lesion grow back after excision?
Excisions have high cure rates when performed with appropriate margins. For skin cancers, cure rates typically exceed 95% when margins are clear. Regular follow-up care helps monitor for any new concerns.
Take the Next Step for Your Skin Health
Don’t wait to address concerning skin lesions or growths. Early diagnosis and treatment provide the best outcomes for both your health and appearance. At Divine Dermatology, our experienced team is ready to provide expert care with the compassion and attention you deserve. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.