Excision of Skin Lesions Overview

After the skin lesion is identified, a local anesthetic is injected under and around the area, and the skin is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. The lesion is then cut out with a small margin of normal looking skin. This is sent to the pathology laboratory for testing.

Patient Instructions

Please read and familiarize yourself with these instructions both BEFORE and AFTER your surgery. By following them carefully, you will assist in obtaining the best possible results from your surgery. If questions arise, please contact our physicians or nurses.

• Do not take any aspirin or aspirin-containing drugs, ibuprofen or ibuprofen-containing drugs for one week prior to surgery. Examples of these include Aspergum, Darvon, Fiorinal, Norgesic, Advil, Motrin and many over-the-counter cough and cold preparations. Additionally, you should not take any nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Naprosyn which have a similar effect. If you are on this type of medication, please discuss this matter directly with us before stopping it.
• Take only the medication(s) prescribed by your doctor(s).
• Incisional areas do not generally require dressings unless they are irritated by clothing or exposed to dirt. If a dressing is required, keep it dry and change it as necessary. If it becomes wet, it should be changed.
• Do not get the incisional areas wet or wash over them for 24 hours, or as directed by us. Keep these areas clean and dry. Apply Bacitracin Ointment three (3) times daily over the incision line(s) with a clean cotton swab. Use separate Q-tips for each incision if there are more than one.
• Excisions close to the eye require the use of an ophthalmic antibiotic ointment instead of Bacitracin. A prescription for this will be given to you by our nurse.
• Please notify us of any unusual swelling, redness, bleeding, drainage or discomfort in the incisional area(s).

If you have any questions concerning your comfort or care, please contact our office at (610) 200-6413.