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Treatment of Skin Lesions

The diagnosis and treatment of skin lesions are important in the prevention of skin cancer. There are also a variety of benign (non-cancerous) skin lesions that can be treated by a facial plastic surgeon. Moles are common skin lesions which are black or brown spots located on any part of the body. It is important to ensure that the moles/lesions are simply benign and non-cancerous. They can be present from birth or develop over time. Skin lesions can become unsightly or uncomfortable which are major reasons to seek the expertise of a qualified facial plastic surgeon to skillfully remove the lesion/mole and improve the appearance of the skin.

Below are a few of the non-cancerous skin lesions that we can treat or remove:

• Precancerous skin lesions
• Seborrheic Keratosis
• Moles
• Epidermoid cysts
• Sebaceous cysts
• Mucoceles
• Skin tags around the eyelids
• Syringoma

Head and neck lipomas are benign tumors made up of fat. They can be found in the scalp, forehead, face or neck and grow over time to become unsightly and uncomfortable. We have extensive expertise in head and neck anatomy and utilize meticulous facial plastic surgery techniques to remove these masses while minimizing scarring.

Technique

How is this surgery performed?

We are able to perform the removal and treatment of skin lesions and the removal of head and neck lipomas in the office under local anesthesia. If the patient prefers, or if the lesions are in sensitive areas, they can be removed under sedation.

The simplest surgical procedure for skin lesions that protrude off the surface of the skin is a shave biopsy. The skin lesion is sliced off flush with the rest of the normal skin in an effort to provide the best possible cosmetic result. This biopsy is then sent to a pathologist who specializes only in the skin for analysis under a microscope.

Larger lesions such as cysts, lipomas or suspicious skin lesions are excised via a surgical excision. This approach involves an incision oriented and designed to create a scar that is barely perceptible once healed. The procedure can take anywhere from fifteen minutes to one hour.

Post-Operative Recovery Process

What should I expect after my surgery?

If the patient has received sedation for the removal of the skin lesion or lipoma, it will be important to have a friend or family member available to drive the patient home after surgery. The sutures on the face or neck are usually removed 5-7 days after the procedure. There will be some swelling and redness that persists in the area for a few weeks. It is important that patients are followed for six to twelve months to ensure adequate scar outcomes.

Our core objective is to provide a safe, comfortable surgical experience that aspires to restore your appearance and aims to produce natural results. Always feel free to call the clinic at (650) 407-2922 or make an appointment online to see us at our Palo Alto or Los Gatos offices. We focus exclusively on cosmetic and reconstructive enhancement of the face and neck and are uniquely qualified to handle your case.

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