11443 Excision, other benign lesion including margins, except skin tag (unless listed elsewhere), face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, mucous membrane; excised diameter 2.1 to 3.0 cm

Name of the Procedure:

Excision of other benign lesion including margins, except skin tag (unless listed elsewhere), on face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membrane; with an excised diameter of 2.1 to 3.0 cm.

Summary

This procedure involves the surgical removal of a benign (non-cancerous) lesion from the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membranes. The lesion, along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue, is excised to ensure complete removal.

Purpose

This procedure addresses benign lesions that may be causing symptoms like discomfort or cosmetic concerns. The goal is to completely remove the lesion and prevent its recurrence, ensuring the surrounding tissues are not affected.

Indications

• Presence of a benign lesion that is symptomatic or causing discomfort
• Cosmetic reasons for the removal of the lesion
• Lesions that show changes in size, color, or shape warranting removal for diagnostic purposes

Preparation

• Patients may be instructed to fast for a few hours before the procedure if sedation or anesthesia is planned.
• Avoid certain medications such as blood thinners, as advised by the healthcare provider.
• Pre-procedure assessments may include blood tests and imaging studies.

Procedure Description

1. The area around the lesion is cleaned and sterilized.
2. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area.
3. The surgeon makes an incision around the lesion, including a margin of normal tissue.
4. The lesion is carefully excised.
5. The incision is closed with stitches. The length of the incision will depend on the size of the lesion excised.
6. A sterile dressing is applied to the site.

Tools and equipment: Scalpel, surgical scissors, forceps, stitches, and sterile dressings.

Duration

The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size and location of the lesion.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in an outpatient clinic or a surgical center.

Personnel

• Surgeon or dermatologic surgeon
• Surgical nurse
• Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist (if sedation is used)

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the surgical site
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Scarring
• Recurrence of the lesion
• Damage to nearby structures such as nerves

Benefits

• Removal of the bothersome or cosmetically concerning lesion
• Relief from symptoms like pain or discomfort
• Reduced risk of recurrence if the entire lesion is excised

Recovery

• Keep the surgical site clean and dry.
• Follow specific care instructions provided by your healthcare provider, including changing dressings and applying topical medications if needed.
• Avoid strenuous activities until cleared by your doctor.

Expected recovery time: 1 to 2 weeks, with follow-up appointments to check healing and remove stitches if necessary.

Alternatives

• Observation or monitoring the lesion if it is not causing symptoms.

• Non-surgical treatments like cryotherapy (freezing) or laser therapy.

  Pros and cons of alternatives: Observation carries no immediate risks but may allow the lesion to grow or change. Non-surgical treatments may be less invasive but may not always ensure complete removal.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient should experience minimal discomfort due to local anesthesia. Post-procedure, there may be slight pain or swelling at the excision site, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and following care instructions.