Skin Lesion Removal
A skin lesion is an abnormal growth on the skin. Skin lesions can include warts, moles, cancers, and skin tags.
You doctor may recommend that your skin lesion be removed. he/she may recommend this because the lesion is precancerous or cancerous. The lesion may have created a chronic skin irritation. Or you may want the skin lesion removed for cosmetic reasons.
No matter the reason for the removal of the skin lesion ask your doctor to schedule it to be done at Outpatient Services East. You will be pleased with the service and care you recieve there.
Some factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
Most of the time there are no special preparations required for this procedure. Usually a local anesthesia is used. It will make the area numb so you should feel no pain at all.
The area will be cleaned. The skin surrounding the lesion will be numbed by anesthesia. Keep in mind that techniques for skin lesion removal vary depending on the reason for removal and lesion location. Common techniques include:
After the lesion is removed, stitches will be used to close the hole left in the skin. Clean stickers may also be used to help keep the skin closed. A bandage will be placed over the area.
The amount of time needed for the removal of the skin lesion depends on which procedure is used. Most are completed within 5-20 minutes.
While the anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. You may have some pain at the surgery site after the procedure. Your doctor will most likely give you something to take or put on the site to help relieve any pain you may experience.
Your doctor will discuss with you how long you should wait before getting any water on the surgery site. he/she will probably tell you to pat the wound dry. Be sure not to submerge the wound in water until it is well-healed.
If you have stitches the doctor will tell you how long they will have to stay in place. It is important that you listen to your doctor and follow any instructions your doctor gives you for care of the site after you get home.
Keep in mind this is just an overview of what to expect if you have a skin lesion removed. The medical staff at Outpatient Services East will discuss in detail what you can expect and how to care for yourself after you are home.
Phone: 205-838-3888