Surgical removal of benign skin lesions

Depending on the size of the lesion, there are many methods to remove the lesion permanently. Small lesions can be removed either by the use of a surgical instrument called a curette to scrape off and remove the wart or lesion. Otherwise, they can be burnt off with electrocautery. Bigger lesions can be removed by surgical excision. After cutting it out, small stitch mat be required.

Prior to these treatments a local anaesthetic will be administered, to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment.

Shave biopsy

Lesions that are entirely above the skin surface can be easily shaved off using a surgical blade. Light cautery is used to shop bleeding and the wound left to heal by without any stitches needed.

Curettage and cautery

This method refers to the use of a sharp spoon-like instrument to scrape off a predominantly top or superficial layer of the skin lesion, followed by light electrosurgery which is applied to the skin thoroughly remove all the soft tumour cells. Cauterization then may be used to shop bleeding.

Complete excision (excision biopsy)

This is the standard way to remove a lesion where there is any possibility that it might be cancerous. It is a type of skin biopsy – this means the whole skin lesion is cut out and removed.

It is usually done under local anaesthesia to block any pain. The doctor uses a surgical blade to remove the whole lesion, as well as some normal skin around the edge if needed. The wound will then closed using stitches and cover it with a dressing.

You can return to your daily activities immediately after your treatment and a protective dressing will be applied, so that you do not rub or catch the skin.

Stitches or sutures will normally be removed after five to 14 days depends on the location of the wound