618-622-7546

Surgical Removal of Growths and Lesions

Although many skin growths may be perfectly benign, they can also be unsightly, or even cause pain, or other functional impairments. And with some growths, such as malignant melanoma, rapid removal is of primary importance, due to the risk of metastasis and invasion of vital organs. Whether you are concerned about removing a cancerous lesion, or simply have a benign growth that is aesthetically unappealing or causes you discomfort, surgical removal is often an effective and definitive treatment.

Our highly-trained Board certified dermatologists have years of experience removing skin lesions.  Dr. Jamie L. McGinness and Dr. Diana Vork will discuss all the risks and benefits about surgical removal of a lesion with you, and we will tailor our surgical approach specifically to you to give you the best possible outcome.  Some skin lesions are particularly difficult to remove due to their location on the body such as the face or other sensitive areas.  In these cases, Dr. Jamie L. McGinness can help. Dr. McGinness is a Board certified dermatologist specializing in the treatment of skin cancer, specifically with Mohs surgery, an advanced, highly effective technique that has up to a 99% cure rate!

Is Surgical Removal Right for Me?

Depending on the nature of the growth or lesion in question, as well as its location, you may consider having it surgically removed, or “excised”. Most abnormal skin lesions can be excised using only local anesthetics, during an out-patient appointment. There are three basic types of excisional surgery:

  • Shave removal—this surgical technique is typically used for raised growths, such as raised moles. After injecting local anesthetic under the growth to mitigate any discomfort, the growth is removed very sharp razor along the surface of the skin. Stitches are not needed, and some slight scarring or redness may be expected at the surgical site.
  • Scissor excision or snip excision—this technique is also used for raised lesions, such as skin tags. In this process, following injection of local anesthetic, the growth is firmly secured by a pair of forceps, and gently pulled away from the body. A small set of curved scissors lightly snips away the growth, cutting both under and around the region. Stitches are not needed following this surgery, and scarring is generally minimal.
  • Full excision—complete removal of the tumor is typically used for growths that have penetrated the deeper levels of the dermis or tumors that are malignant, such as in the case of melanoma. The procedure may be done under local anesthetic, depending on the location and depth of the tumor. Full excisional surgery involves cutting an elliptical incision around the lesion, penetrating the fatty tissue beneath the growth in order to fully excise it. A margin of healthy tissue will typically be taken from around the edges of the growth, and later analyzed by pathology to determine if all of the abnormal cells have been removed. The elliptical wound is then sewn together with sutures. Healing time will vary greatly depending on the size and location of the lesion being excised. For melanoma that is surgically removed in its pre-metastatic stages, full surgical removal is often an effective means of eradicating the cancerous cells.

Contact Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center

The team at Metro East Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center is dedicated to excellence in patient care.  With years of specialized training, and the same compassion, caring, and personalized attention you expect from you family doctor, we will work closely with you, your dermatologist (if you were referred by one), and your primary care physician to develop a personalized course of dermatologic treatment designed to successfully address your specific health concerns.   

If you are seeking surgical removal of a skin growth or lesion, we encourage you to contact us and schedule your consultation today.

Featured Services

GENERAL DERMATOLOGY

SURGICAL DERMATOLOGY

MOHS SURGERY
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
____________________________________

Contact Us

CALL 618-622-7546 OR BOOK ONLINE BELOW TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT!
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
  1. Click book an appointment online below to choose your provider and a time that works with your schedule!
  2. You can always call to schedule an appointment!
  3. All other inquiries please feel out the form.
CALL OUR OFFICE
_____________________
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE
________________________________________
HOW MAY WE HELP?
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Name
OFFICE HOURS
Monday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed
OUR LOCATIONS

331 Regency Park Drive
O'Fallon, IL 62269

1000 Eleven South, Suite 3B
Columbia, IL 62236

12860 Troxler Avenue, Pod 2
Highland, IL 62249

9515 Holy Cross Lane, Suite 2
Breese, IL 62230

Copyright Metro East Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center @2023. All Rights Reserved