What is an excision?
An excision is performed to remove the whole lesion. Local anaesthetic is injected which stings for a few seconds but then the procedure is painless. The lesion is excised (cut out) so that it can be examined under the microscope. The wound is closed with stitches to leave a linear scar once healed. A dressing is then placed on the skin. Sometimes non-dissolvable stitches are used which need to be removed 5-14 days depending on the site of surgery.
An excision is performed in the minor procedure room in the out-patient department. It takes about 30-60 minutes.
Dr Thomson performing an excision:
