Name of the Procedure:

Shaving of Epidermal or Dermal Lesion, Single Lesion

• Common name(s): Lesion Shaving, Mole Shave Removal
• Technical/medical terms: Epidermal/Dermal Lesion Shaving

Summary

Lesion shaving is a minor surgical procedure that involves removing a small lesion (0.5 cm or less) from the face, ears, eyelids, nose, lips, or mucous membrane. This is typically done for cosmetic reasons or to remove potentially problematic skin growths.

Purpose

• Medical condition or problem: Removal of benign or suspicious skin lesions.
• Goals/expected outcomes: To eliminate the lesion and provide a small tissue sample for further examination if necessary.

Indications

• Symptoms or conditions: Presence of a noticeable skin lesion, such as a mole, wart, or benign skin growth.
• Patient criteria: Appropriate for individuals with single, small lesions (0.5 cm or less) located on delicate areas such as the face or mucous membranes.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure instructions: No specific fasting required. However, you may be advised to avoid certain medications such as blood thinners.
• Diagnostic tests or assessments: Potentially a biopsy or imaging to confirm the nature of the lesion.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area.
2. Sterilization: The surrounding skin is sterilized to prevent infection.
3. Shaving: Using a sterilized blade, the healthcare provider carefully shaves off the lesion.
4. Wound care: An antibiotic ointment is applied, and the area is bandaged.

Duration

The procedure typically lasts about 15-30 minutes.

Setting

This procedure is commonly performed in an outpatient clinic or dermatology office.

Personnel

• Healthcare professionals involved: Dermatologist or trained physician, nurse or medical assistant.

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: Minor bleeding, infection, scarring.
• Rare risks: Allergic reaction to anesthesia, incomplete removal requiring further treatment.

Benefits

• Expected benefits: Removal of the lesion with minimal downtime. Results are usually immediate.
• How soon they might be realized: Benefits are visible right after the procedure, with final healing within a few weeks.

Recovery

• Post-procedure care: Keep the area clean and dry; apply antibiotic ointment as advised.
• Expected recovery time: Typically 1-2 weeks for full healing with possible minor scarring.
• Restrictions/follow-up: Avoid strenuous activities and follow-up if there are any signs of infection.

Alternatives

• Other treatment options: Cryotherapy (freezing), laser removal, excisional surgery.
• Pros and cons of alternatives: Cryotherapy and laser removal may have less scarring but may not be as precise, excisional surgery is more invasive but allows for a more thorough removal.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure: You might feel some pressure but no pain due to local anesthesia.
• After the procedure: Mild discomfort, redness, and swelling which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and cooling measures.