Surgical Excision in Austin, TX - ProDerm Skin & Surgery

At ProDerm Skin & Surgery, surgical excision is one of the most reliable methods for diagnosing and treating both benign and malignant skin lesions. This in-office procedure involves carefully removing the targeted growth with precision, ensuring both safety and diagnostic accuracy. Our providers tailor each excision to the individual, focusing on optimal healing, clear results, and long-term skin health.

Treatment Overview

Discomfort: Moderate — local anesthesia is applied to minimize sensation during the procedure.
Recovery Time: Generally 2 weeks or longer, depending on the size and depth of the excision.
Insurance Coverage: Often covered when medically necessary; pathology fees may be billed separately.

Benefits

Excision is a mainstay of dermatologic care because it offers:

Reliable removal of cancerous lesions, reducing the risk of progression or recurrence
Pathology confirmation to guide further treatment if needed
Customizable approaches depending on the type and location of the lesion
A safe and effective in-office procedure performed under local anesthesia

Types of Surgical Excision

Several excision techniques may be used based on your diagnosis and treatment needs:

Shave Excision – Removes superficial growths close to the skin surface.
Punch Excision – Uses a circular tool to remove a deeper sample or small lesion.
Elliptical Excision – Removes a lesion with an oval-shaped incision for easier closure and minimal skin tension.
Wide Local Excision – Removes the lesion along with surrounding tissue, typically for confirmed skin cancers.

What to Expect

Preparation

Your provider will mark and photograph the lesion before the procedure. Dedicated surgical time will be scheduled, and you’ll arrive early for numbing.

Treatment

The treatment site is cleansed and numbed with local anesthesia. The provider then removes the lesion using the most appropriate excision technique. Shave procedures typically do not require stitches, while punch, elliptical, and wide local excisions often do. Most procedures take about 30 minutes.

Aftercare & Recovery

You’ll receive detailed instructions for wound care, including keeping the site clean, applying ointment such as Vaseline or Aquaphor, and monitoring for infection. Physical activity restrictions may also be advised. If sutures are placed, they are usually removed within 1–2 weeks.

Results & Next Steps

Pathology results are generally available within 1–2 weeks and will be shared with you promptly. Based on the findings, additional treatment or follow-up may be recommended. Surgical excision often provides both peace of mind and long-term control of skin concerns.

Conditions Commonly Treated

Surgical excision may be recommended for:

Basal cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma
Melanoma
Moles (benign or atypical)
Cysts or other growths

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