Non-Cancer Lesion Removal
Skin lesions come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and concern. Most freckles and moles are not worrisome in terms of causing medical problems, but they often can be cosmetically undesirable. Removal of skin lesions on the face and body is usually quite an easy process that is completed with local anesthesia.
Why choose Wake Plastic Surgery?
Our board-certified plastic surgeon will provide just as much attention to a bothersome non-cancerous defect on the face as he will to his largest cosmetic surgeries. Dr. Stoeckel understands very well how even a small change can make a huge difference for patients. You will find him to be extremely attentive and meticulous about helping you achieve the optimal results in a compassionate and understanding manner.
What are some common skin lesions that our surgeons can help remove?
Nasal tip intradermal nevus removed with almost no scarring.
Intradermal nevi
These are extremely common slightly raised “moles” that many patients would like to have removed. Some are pigmented and others are not. Many patients have these lesions shaved off by other providers and are disappointed when they recur. This can be avoided by having a full thickness excision. The scarring on the face is usually quite difficult to distinguish.
Epidermoid cysts
These are also very common cystic masses that develop just underneath the skin surface. They are often associated with a pore that can allow some of the “cheesy” contents of the cyst to ooze out when pressured. Complete removal of the cyst with its lining is required to prevent recurrence. Epidermoid cysts are also referred to as follicular cysts or as sebaceous cysts. This was a large epidermoid cyst requiring complete excision to prevent recurrence.
Congenital nevus of the cheek at 1 month and 1 year after removal
Congenital nevi
Congenital nevi, often referred to as “birth marks” are just nevi that are present at birth. They are benign skin lesions, but if they are large, have a small potential for developing into a melanoma skin cancer if given enough time to proliferate. Removal of the “moles” is suggested by most surgeons and dermatologists. If the lesions are on the face, the resultant scars are not that bothersome.
Keloids
Keloids are frustrating scars that are very difficult to treat permanently. Proper treatment includes excision along with either steroid injections or radiation therapy. They are very common on the earlobes and are most often seen in African American patients. These keloids were excised and later treated with steroid injections to lower the risk of recurrence.
Lipomas
Lipomas are non-cancerous fatty tumors that grow just underneath the skin. They can remain stable in size or can grow larger with time. Removal of the growths is typically quite simple and requires only a small incision just over the palpable mass. They can, however, grow to be quite large as in this example of a giant lipoma removed from the back and shoulders of a young patient.
How difficult is the surgery?
Most lesions are easily removed with just local anesthesia in as little as 15-30 minutes. Dr. Stoeckel will remove the skin lesion while you are listening to music or relaxing and taking a bit of a nap.
Where are the procedures performed?
Wake Plastic Surgery has a private surgical suite specifically for small procedures in addition to our fully accredited operating room facility. Having this luxury allows us to avoid the hassle of going to a hospital or outpatient OR facility to have the procedure performed. It also allows our patients to be treated in a comfortable and casual environment while minimizing traffic through our larger operating room.
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