Skin Lesion Removal

If you have an abnormal skin growth, Richmond Plastic Surgeons offers diagnostic services and skin lesion removal treatments. Contact us today to schedule a personal consultation.

If you have an abnormal growth on your skin, the board-certified plastic surgeons of Richmond Plastic Surgeons will diagnose the growth and recommend the appropriate skin lesion removal procedure. Richmond Plastic Surgeons offers skin lesion removal for the residents of Richmond, Midlothian and surrounding areas of Virginia.

What are Skin Lesions?

Any type of abnormal growth on the skin is known as a “skin lesion.” This may include skin cancer, warts, moles and skin tags. Your plastic surgeon may recommend removing the skin lesion because the lesion:

Is irritating your skin
Is precancerous or cancerous

Some skin lesions do not pose a medical concern, yet can still be removed for cosmetic reasons.

Who is the Ideal Candidate for Skin Lesion Removal?

The ideal candidate for skin lesion removal is someone who has an abnormal skin growth that represents a medical or cosmetic concern. If the skin lesion is diagnosed as cancerous or precancerous, our plastic surgeon may recommend additional screenings and treatment based on the type and severity of the condition.

What Do I Need to Do Before Having a Skin Lesion Removed?

Because skin lesions can be signs of more serious conditions, your first step should be to meet with one of our plastic surgeons for a consultation. The surgeon will evaluate the growth and take measures to accurately diagnose the type of skin lesion.

What Should I Expect on The Day of the Skin Lesion Removal?

Your plastic surgeon uses a local anesthesia to numb the growth and surrounding tissues. After sterilizing the skin, several techniques can be used to remove the skin growth. After the skin lesion is removed, sutures may be used to close the wound. The area is then covered with a bandage.

What Are Possible Complications of Skin Lesion Removal?

Although rare, some complications are possible after your skin lesion removal procedure, such as:

Abnormal healing or scarring
Bleeding
Infection
Recurrence of the skin growth
Damage to the nerves, muscles and blood vessels

Risk factors that increase your chances of developing complications related to a skin lesion removal are:

Circulatory problems
Smoking
Improper aftercare or not taking precautions to protect the wound
Suppressed immune system
Disorders that cause excessive bleeding
Certain medications, especially those that change your body’s ability to heal or clot the blood

What to Expect After Skin Lesion Removal

Your plastic surgeon will provide instructions for aftercare, such as:

Keeping the wound area clean and dry.
Using pain medication to alleviate any discomfort.
Non-prescription pain relievers are sufficient in most cases.
Using medications to prevent infection.

The sutures are removed after three to 14 days.

FAQ

How Long Does It Take to Perform Skin Lesion Removal?

For most cases, skin lesion removal takes about 20 minutes. Larger skin growths or more complex cases may take longer.

Will I Have Scars After Getting Skin Lesion Removal?

As with any type of wound, you will have a scar after your skin lesion removal. The scar will initially develop with a pink or red color. This will gradually change to tan or brown. The scar fades over the next year, but will not completely disappear.

When Will I See the Results?

You will see results immediately after your skin lesion removal.

How Long Will the Results of Skin Lesion Removal Last?

Certain types of skin lesions can return after being removed. Your plastic surgeon will explain the likelihood of this happening based on the type of skin lesion.

How Much Does Skin Lesion Removal Cost in Richmond?

Insurance may cover a portion of the cost for your skin lesion removal. We will explain your out-of-pocket costs after the consultation. For your convenience, Richmond Plastic Surgeons accepts several forms of payment, including financing through CareCredit®.