Skin lesion removal is a common dermatological procedure. Dermatologists use various techniques to safely and effectively remove lesions, targeting growths such as moles, warts, cysts, or skin tags. The type, size, and location of the lesion helps to determine the most effective removal procedure.
Common Skin Lesion Removal Techniques
- Excision. This technique involves cutting out the lesion with a scalpel. After numbing the area, the skin specialist removes the lesion along with a small margin of surrounding healthy skin. The wound may require stitches to close. Skin specialists remove moles, skin cancers, and other large lesions through excision.
- Cryotherapy. Cryotherapy uses extreme cold, typically liquid nitrogen, to freeze and destroy abnormal skin cells. This quick and relatively painless procedure works well for warts, actinic keratosis, and small benign lesions. It may take a few days for the lesion to fall off after treatment.
- Electrosurgery. In electrosurgery, the skin specialist uses high-frequency electrical currents to burn away the lesion. This method is often effective for removing warts, skin tags, and small tumors. It cauterizes the area, minimizing bleeding during removal.
- Shave Removal. For smaller, raised lesions like skin tags or moles, shave removal is a simple option. The skin specialist numbs the area and uses a sharp blade to shave off the lesion at the surface level, leaving minimal scarring.
- Laser Therapy. Laser removal uses focused light to target and break down skin lesions. It’s commonly used for warts, age spots, and other superficial growths. Furthermore, this method is precise and minimizes damage to surrounding tissues.
Why Remove Skin Lesions?
Removing skin lesions can prevent discomfort, improve appearance, and, in cases of potential malignancy, ensure early treatment of skin cancer.
A skin specialist is the best healthcare provider to remove skin lesions for several reasons. They are experts in skin conditions, are highly skilled in detecting skin cancer, and have access to advanced treatments. Skin specialists use specialized techniques to ensure safe and effective removal of lesions, minimizing the risk of scarring, infection, or damage to surrounding tissues.
Overall, a skin specialist ensures the lesion is removed with the highest level of care and expertise, protecting the patient’s health and appearance.