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How is a Surgical Excision Performed?

Excision Memphis

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Do you have a skin growth that you want to remove because it feels uncomfortable, or you’re worried it might be a symptom of skin cancer

 

If that’s the case, you may be a good candidate for surgical excision. Keep reading to discover when a surgical excision might be necessary and how a surgical excision is performed.

Excision Memphis

What is a Surgical Excision?

Surgical excision is a surgical technique used to remove skin cancer. The surgical excision procedure involves cutting out the lesion and surrounding skin, then stitching together the wound to close it up. 

 

Surgical excision is done for different skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma (the most common type), squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma. 

What are the Benefits of a Surgical Excision for Skin Cancer?

Surgical excision of a skin cancer lesion has higher cure rates in comparison to other skin cancer treatments. 


It is also faster than other skin cancer treatments.

How is a Surgical Excision Performed?

Surgical excision is mainly performed under local anesthesia by our team of leading experts. The procedure typically lasts for 30-45 minutes.

 

The cancerous skin is removed using surgical tools like scissors, scalpels, forceps, or surgical lasers, depending on the size of the affected area.

 

Afterward, our team of leading experts will carefully close your wound using surgical staples, stitches, surgical glue, bandages, and dressings. Our experts will carefully bandage the surgical site and insert surgical drains into the wound to remove the fluid. Most patients often have a scar the size of the incision after surgery. 

Recovery After A Surgical Excision

After the surgery is complete, there may be a risk of infection because of the removed skin. Therefore, you have to be extremely careful, and you may need to use antibiotics for a few weeks after your surgical excision.

 

You also need to stay away from swimming and ensure that the surgical site is dry and well-protected from injury. You should wear sunscreen whenever you go out to prevent sunburn and skin cancer recurrence.

 

It generally takes less than two months for your surgical sites to heal entirely after surgical excision. Some patients even heal in as little as three or four days. 

Am I a Candidate for a Surgical Excision?

You may need a surgical excision if: 

 

  1. You have a low-risk basal cell carcinoma
  2. You have higher risk basal or squamous cell carcinoma
  3. You’ve been diagnosed with melanoma
  4. Your skin lesion requires an invasive treatment

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Take the Next Step

Need to get a surgical excision?

 

Please schedule your consultation by either filling out the form on this page or calling Levy Dermatology, serving Memphis & Collierville, at (901) 624-3333

 

We look forward to working with you!

* Individuals Results May Vary

Consultations Are Available Now

Learn more today about medical and cosmetic dermatology services today. Simply fill out the form on this page, and one of our highly trained medical staff at Levy Dermatology will reach out to you promptly to schedule your consultation.