Quick Facts About Cosmetic Skin Lesion Removal Procedures
- Anesthetic: Local anesthesia
- Common Benefits: Removal of unwanted benign lesions (e.g. skin tags, moles, cysts) for aesthetic and/or comfort purposes
- Potential Side Effects/Complications: Bleeding, unsatisfactory scarring, infection, recurrence, wound healing problem
- Procedure Length: Typically less than 30 minutes
- Recovery Time: Patients can typically return to light daily activities immediately; however, the operative site will need to be protected and cared for during the first two to three weeks
What Is a Benign Skin Lesion?
The word “lesion” can refer to a broad range of skin conditions, such as moles, skin tags, cysts, and benign tumors. While many of these are harmless, they may be aesthetically displeasing or cause discomfort, prompting patients to seek their removal through surgery.
Dr. Miller, our Kelowna plastic surgeon, is proficient in a plethora of cosmetic treatments – from intensive body contouring surgeries to benign lesion removal, which is generally considered a more minor procedure. When addressing cosmetic lesions, Dr. Miller prioritizes not only the aesthetic outcome but also the comfort and safety of his patients.
- Cosmetic Skin Lesion Removal Procedure
- Cosmetic Skin Lesion Removal Recovery
- Cosmetic Skin Lesion Removal Cost
What Does the Cosmetic Skin Lesion Removal Procedure Involve?
Your experience will begin with a thorough consultation with Dr. Miller. During this initial meeting, he will examine your overall health and history, assess the nature of the lesion, and help you decide on an ideal removal technique.
On the day of the procedure, Dr. Miller will numb the treatment area with a local anesthetic. The remainder of the surgery will depend on the type of lesion being addressed. For instance, a lesion in the upper layer of skin may be best suited for the shave excision technique, in which a small blade is utilized. Alternatively, cryotherapy – which involves the freezing of tissue to destroy lesions – can often effectively remove seborrheic keratoses or warts.*
What Can I Expect from Cosmetic Skin Lesion Removal Recovery?
Because cosmetic lesion removal is highly customizable, healing times and other specifics of your recovery can vary. Patients are usually able to return to their daily activities immediately, but it may take up to three weeks for wounds to heal and final aesthetic effects to become fully noticeable.
Certain side effects, such as scarring and bleeding, are normal and typically not cause for alarm; more significant side effects, while rare, may include infection or long-term discoloration. If you have any questions about your recovery, never hesitate to contact our friendly staff.
How Much Does Cosmetic Skin Lesion Removal Cost?
The cost of benign lesion removal is contingent upon a number of factors, such as the type of lesion in question, the surgical technique employed, and the number of lesions being treated. During your consultation, Dr. Miller and the rest of our team will provide you with a quote for your care. Meanwhile, we welcome you to come to us with any financial questions that may arise.
To learn more about cosmetic skin lesion removal surgery, get in touch with our office today.