A skin lesion is an area of skin that differs in appearance or texture from the surrounding skin. These lesions may be on the skin surface or lying just under the skin.
Patients may choose to have them removed due to discomfort, cosmetic concerns or concerns that the lesion may be dangerous. Lesions come in all shapes and sizes and can be flat on the skin or raised. They can be red, brown, tan, white, black, or skin-coloured and can be a cause of discomfort or aesthetic dissatisfaction. After diagnosis, benign lesions can be removed either by excision, shave excision, or radiofrequency removal.
Examples of Lesions you may like to have removed include:
- Cysts
- Moles
- Lipomas
- Seborrhoeic keratoses
- Skin tags
Consultation
During your consultation, your medical history and information about your skin and the areas of concern will be discussed. A physical examination will be performed to identify any suspicious features which suggest the lesion may be cancerous, in which case an appropriate biopsy and management plan will be recommended. If the lesion is determined to be benign, it may be removed. Any unknown skin abnormalities will usually require a biopsy so that they can be identified.
Procedure
Simple surgical excision of a benign skin lesion can be performed in the rooms under local anaesthetic. This will take approximately 30 minutes, however, the length of time can vary depending on the size and location of the lesion. Dr Taylor treats appropriate benign lumps and bumps such as some moles, seborrheic keratoses and skin tags, with radiofrequency technology, which avoids damage to surrounding skin, minimising scarring.
Once the lesion is removed a wound dressing is applied and instructions given as to how to effectively care for your wound post-surgery. You may experience mild pain or discomfort whilst the effects of the anaesthetic wear off, and pain medication can be prescribed to manage this. If you have sutures these will be removed at your follow up appointment usually within 1 week after surgery and you will be provided with scar management strategies.
Risks and complications
You may experience some redness, tenderness, or swelling following your procedure. This is usually temporary and will subside with healing. It is best to avoid strenuous activity and strain on the affected area during the healing process. This will lessen any discomfort, prevent complications and encourage an optimal result. Like any surgical procedure, there are some risks to be aware of before pursuing skin lesion removal. These can include:
- Recurrence
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Poor or slow wound healing
- Unfavourable scarring
If bleeding occurs, hold a clean towel against the wound and press on it firmly for 15-20 minutes, or until the bleeding stops. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, seek medical attention. It should be noted that these complications are rare. Dr Taylor is experienced in using surgical techniques to effectively and carefully remove skin lesions for a great result.