Cosmetic Lesion Excision

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Boston, MA

A cosmetic lesion excision is a minor surgical procedure that removes unwanted or abnormal skin growths, such as moles, cysts, or skin tags. The main goal is to improve the skin’s appearance, though it can also relieve physical discomfort in certain cases.

Dr. Jeffrey Lee is a double board-certified, Harvard-trained plastic surgeon who leads JL Plastic Surgery. With his thoughtful and artistic eye and meticulous techniques, he is proud to deliver transformative results. If you are seeking to safely, effectively address an unwanted lesion, contact us online or call our office directly at (617) 340-2822.

About Cosmetic Lesion Excision

A cosmetic lesion excision is a surgical procedure that removes non-cancerous skin growths or irregularities to improve the appearance of your skin. This is ideal if you are struggling with moles, skin tags, or cysts that impair your comfort and self-confidence.

Excision of skin lesions is a regular practice, and the correction of an excision relies on proper knowledge of skin anatomy and basic surgical principles. (1)

There are a number of nonsurgical treatments available for skin lesions, including topical treatments, cryotherapy, and photodynamic therapy. However, surgical excisions carry the highest success and satisfaction rates.

Benefits

Removing a cosmetic skin lesion offers immediate aesthetic improvements with other transformative benefits, such as:

  • Smooth skin texture
  • Restored facial symmetry and natural contours
  • More seamless makeup application
  • Reduced friction irritation
  • Lowered chance of recurrence
  • Boosted self-confidence

Candidates

If you are currently struggling with benign and bothersome growths and desire smoother skin or relief from irritation, you may be a good candidate for this procedure. The ideal candidate should be in relatively good health, be free of any active infection or inflammation at the specific site, and have realistic expectations for their results. However, if you are seeking a “scar-free” removal or are prone to impaired healing due to bleeding disorders, you may be better served by an alternative procedure. (2) During your consultation, Dr. Lee will establish your candidacy and determine which methods are best for your circumstances.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, Dr. Lee will evaluate your medical history and examine your lesion. He will discuss your overall goals for your procedure, and then customize a treatment plan for your lesion, its location, size, type, and more. This meeting is also an opportunity to ask any questions or express any concerns you may have about your procedure.

Dr. Lee’s goal is for you to feel comfortable, confident, and excited for treatment. To schedule your consultation today, contact us online or call our office at (617) 340-2822.

Procedure

Before Dr. Lee begins your procedure, he will review the treatment plan with you and make sure you are comfortable. He will clean the treatment area and mark the area where he will be performing the removal. He will inject local anesthesia to numb the area and enhance your comfort.

Dr. Lee will make an incision around your lesion, usually in the shape of a football, which allows for a smoother closure. He will use a scalpel and specialized surgical instruments to remove the lesion and surrounding tissue. Once he removes the entire lesion, he will use a layered technique with deep, dissolvable stitches, which he places underneath the skin to provide support. He will also use superficial stitches on the outer layer to ensure precise edge alignment and healing that looks as discreet as possible. After Dr. Lee dresses your incision, you will be free to go home.

Recovery

Immediately after your procedure, you should go home and rest, avoiding any undue strain on your incision. You must keep the surgical dressing clean and dry for 24 to 48 hours and avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. You may notice swelling and tenderness. Dr. Lee may recommend applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to help with the healing process. You may also take over-the-counter medications to help with mild discomfort. When you shower, you should avoid soaking the wound.

You will meet with Dr. Lee during a follow-up appointment after about a week. Here, he will remove your superficial stitches and monitor your healing progress.

Once your scar has formed, you should protect your skin with high-SPF sunscreen to prevent the scar from darkening. If you would like to reduce the appearance of your scar even further, there are scar protocols that exist that can help you achieve this.

Cosmetic Lesion Excision Results

After your skin fully heals, you will notice a smoother skin surface and a lesion-free final result. Even though there will be a thin, linear scar after your procedure, this scar will likely continue fading over time to be more closely aligned with your natural skin tone.

Corresponding Procedures

A cosmetic lesion excision alone targets the root of your lesion and effectively removes it, offering a smooth-looking skin surface. However, certain procedures after your lesion excision can assist in the fading of your scar and allow you to appreciate your results even more.

RF Microneedling for Scar Reduction

Radiofrequency microneedling rejuvenates the skin by combining the benefits of traditional microneedling with advanced aesthetic technology. It stimulates the body’s natural regenerative process to remodel your skin, stimulate collagen production, and improve the texture of the healing skin after your procedure.

Laser Skin Resurfacing for Scar Reduction

Laser skin resurfacing enhances skin texture, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves hyperpigmentation, minimizes acne scarring, and remodels scar tissue. It safely vaporizes the damaged outer layers of skin from your lesion excision and heats the underlying tissue to blend uneven textures. It also stimulates fibroblasts to produce new collagen, improve skin elasticity, and fill in indented or raised surgical scars.

Cost of Cosmetic Lesion Excision in Newton and Boston, MA

The cost of cosmetic lesion excision depends on the size of the lesion, its type, location, and more, as well as your overall goals and whether you simultaneously undergo any other treatments. After assessing your lesion and forming a treatment plan during your consultation, Dr. Lee will provide a detailed cost outline. Dr. Lee also offers financing options that can help make your goals more accessible.

If you are ready to transform your skin and remove your unwanted lesion once and for all, contact us online or call our office directly at (617) 340-2822 to schedule your appointment.

FAQ

Is the scarring of a cosmetic lesion excision permanent?

Yes, the scarring that results from a cosmetic lesion excision procedure is permanent, although it is often small, thin, and fades over time. Even though the actual scar will not necessarily disappear, the precise closure technique that Dr. Lee uses will allow your scar to become barely noticeable. Scar protocols and additional treatments can help patients reduce the appearance of their scar. Wearing SPF may also prevent the scar from becoming darker.

Will my lesion come back after a cosmetic lesion excision procedure?

After a cosmetic surgical excision, the complete removal of a lesion results in a low to no chance of it returning. The exact risk of recurrence depends on the specific type of growth and the exact removal technique. Patient experiences may vary.

Can Dr. Lee combine a cosmetic lesion excision with any other procedures?

Dr. Lee often recommends pairing RF microneedling or laser skin resurfacing with cosmetic lesion excision to help improve overall skin texture and optimize scar reduction. These procedures are typically performed after the incision has fully healed to prevent irritation.

How much does a cosmetic lesion excision procedure cost?

Dr. Lee will provide a detailed cost outline during your personal consultation, but the price depends on your overall goals, lesion type, location, size, whether you combine other procedures, and more.

How long does a cosmetic lesion excision procedure last?

Your cosmetic lesion excision procedure can last anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour depending on the size, depth, and location of your lesion. Dr. Lee is careful and takes his time in every procedure to deliver the best results.

How do lesions form?

Lesions form when there is abnormal tissue damage or through other mechanisms such as inflammation, autoimmune responses, skin infections, or physical trauma.

Are all lesions cancerous?

No, not all lesions are cancerous. Common cosmetic lesions such as moles, skin tags, and others are typically benign. However, if you are concerned that a lesion may be cancerous, a dermatologist can send a tissue sample to a pathology lab for analysis. Once you find out your results, you can proceed with a treatment plan for removal. Dr. Lee can help you determine a path forward after examining your lesion during a personal consultation.

References

  1. Berg-Knudsen TB, Ingvaldsen CA, Mørk G, Tønseth KA. Eksisjon av hudlesjoner. Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening. Published online 2020. doi:https://doi.org/10.4045/tidsskr.20.0060
  2. Skuhala T, Trkulja V, Rimac M, Dragobratović A, Desnica B. Analysis of Types of Skin Lesions and Diseases in Everyday Infectious Disease Practice—How Experienced Are We? Life. 2022;12(7):978. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/life12070978