Name of the Procedure:

Excision of Benign Lesion Greater Than 1.25 cm
Common names: Benign lesion removal, Cosmetic/medical mole removal
Medical terms: Excision of benign skin lesion, D7411

Summary

This procedure involves the surgical removal of a benign (non-cancerous) skin lesion that is larger than 1.25 centimeters.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions: Removal of non-cancerous skin growths that could become problematic or are cosmetically undesirable.
• Goals: To eliminate the lesion, prevent potential complications such as infection or irritation, and ensure that it is not mistakenly identified as malignant.

Indications

• Enlarged moles or birthmarks.
• Skin tags or warts larger than 1.25 cm.
• Cosmetic concerns affecting a patient’s self-esteem.
• Lesions causing discomfort, irritation, or recurrent infections.

Preparation

• Instructions: Patients may need to fast for a few hours before the procedure if sedation is planned. Avoid certain medications such as blood thinners to reduce bleeding risk.
• Diagnostic Tests: Sometimes, a biopsy or imaging may be needed to determine the nature of the lesion.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area.
2. Incision: A surgical blade is used to make an incision around the lesion.
3. Excision: The lesion is carefully cut out, ensuring clear margins to avoid recurrence.
4. Closure: The wound is closed with stitches or sutures, and a dressing is applied.
   • Tools: Scalpel, sutures, anesthesia.

Duration

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

Setting

Performed in an outpatient clinic, hospital, or surgical center.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals: Surgeon or Dermatologist, surgical nurses, potentially an anesthesiologist if sedation is used.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Bleeding, infection, scarring.
• Rare Complications: Nerve damage, allergic reaction to anesthesia.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Complete removal of the lesion, improved appearance, and prevention of further complications.
• Realization Time: Benefits can often be observed immediately, with full healing taking a few weeks.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: Keep the wound clean and dry, follow dressing instructions, possibly take prescribed antibiotics or painkillers.
• Recovery Time: Typically 1-2 weeks; patients should avoid strenuous activities until fully healed.
• Follow-up: Usually involves checking the wound and removing stitches if non-dissolvable sutures were used.

Alternatives

• Non-Surgical Options: Cryotherapy (freezing), laser removal, topical treatments.
• Pros and Cons: Non-surgical options are less invasive but may be less effective for larger lesions.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Numbness in the area, minimal discomfort with local anesthesia.
• After Procedure: Mild pain or discomfort managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Follow care instructions to minimize discomfort and expedite healing.