Surgical excision is a straightforward, highly effective procedure for removing skin cancers, atypical moles, cysts, and other concerning growths. It takes less than an hour in most cases, is performed under local anesthesia, and most patients return to normal activities within a day or two. Removed tissue is always sent to our board-certified dermatopathology partners for analysis, not a general lab. We maintain an open line of communication with them, so your results are thoroughly reviewed and your follow-up care is based on a complete picture.

What to Expect During Your Treatment

At Element Dermatology, excisions are performed by our clinical team, all of whom are trained and overseen by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Barry LaBine, with 30 years of experience. Here's what you can expect from start to finish:

  • What We Remove: Surgical excision is used to remove skin cancers, atypical or dysplastic moles, cysts, lipomas, and other concerning growths. It’s generally recommended when a biopsy has confirmed something that needs to come off, or when precise removal with clean margins is important
  • The Procedure: The treatment area is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. One of our providers removes the lesion along with an appropriate margin of surrounding tissue, then closes the wound using the technique best suited to the size and location, whether that’s a simple closure, a flap, or a skin graft. Every removed specimen is sent to our board-certified dermatopathology partners for analysis.
  • Scarring and Aftercare: Some degree of scarring is unavoidable with any surgical procedure, but our provider’s closure techniques are chosen to minimize the cosmetic impact. Before you leave, we’ll walk you through how to care for the site while it heals, and we're always available if questions come up along the way.

Most excisions are completed in under an hour. You’ll leave with clear aftercare instructions and a scheduled follow-up so nothing gets missed.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Excision and Mole

What is the difference between surgical excision and Mohs surgery?

Both procedures remove skin cancer surgically, but they work differently. Surgical excision removes the lesion and a predetermined margin of surrounding tissue in a single pass, with the tissue then sent to a lab for analysis. Mohs surgery removes tissue in layers, examining each layer under a microscope on the same day until the margins are completely clear. Mohs is typically used for cancers in sensitive locations or those with a higher risk of recurrence. Our team will recommend the most appropriate approach based on your diagnosis and the specifics of your case.

What kinds of lesions can be removed with surgical excision?

Surgical excision can be used to remove a wide range of skin growths, including basal cell carcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, melanomas, atypical or dysplastic moles, cysts, lipomas, dermatofibromas, and other benign or potentially concerning lesions. The right approach for your specific growth will be discussed during your consultation.

Will surgical excision leave a scar?

Some degree of scarring is unavoidable with any surgical procedure. However, our providers use advanced closure techniques, including flaps and skin grafts when appropriate, to minimize the cosmetic impact and achieve the cleanest possible outcome for your specific location and skin type. For scars that remain red, raised, or textured after healing, we offer on-site laser treatments that can help significantly.

How long does the procedure take, and what is the recovery like?

Most excisions are completed in under an hour. Recovery is generally straightforward. The site will be bandaged, and you will receive clear aftercare instructions before you leave. Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two, though you should avoid strenuous exercise and keep the area dry and protected while it heals.

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