Patient Resources

Excision: An excision is when a dermatologist surgically removes harmful or unwanted tissue such as skin cancers or cysts.  It’s highly effective and can usually be completed in one appointment.  The surgery can be done under local anesthesia and does not require sedation.   

Knowing what to expect and how to prepare for surgery can help your procedure go as smoothly as possible. Our dermatologists will be able to answer all your questions and help put you at ease. In the meantime, please see the following list of Do’s and Don’ts to help prepare for your procedure        

DO:  

• Shower or bathe before your appointment to cleanse the area.  We generally recommend leaving the wound covered for the first 48 hours, so thoroughly cleaning before is a preferred  
• Make sure to dress comfortably so your doctor can easily access the cancer cells (or other lesion) during the procedure.   C
• Continue your normal daily procedure the morning of your appointment.  (e.g. Take your morning medications, eat breakfast, etc.)     

DON'T:  

• Please do not schedule your procedure in a time frame where you will be traveling directly after the procedure.  Complications after your procedure, though rare, are best taken care of with in-person visits rather than with phone calls.  Also, suture removal is usually required in the follow up period.  (The time frame varies depending on the surgery site).     
• Please avoid heavy lifting, swinging, twisting motions for the first week to two weeks after your surgery.  This can cause the stitches to fall apart.  Keep these restrictions in mind when scheduling your procedure. 

1. Leave the bandage on for 48 hours after surgery.  
2. If desired, an ice pack may be applied over the bandage on the evening of surgery for 10-20 minutes every hour to reduce swelling.   
3. With clean hands, gently cleanse with soap and water before the new dressing is applied.   
4. Keep the wound moist with Vaseline or Aquaphor daily.  Cover with a new bandage daily until suture removal. 

If Bleeding Occurs:  

Apply direct firm pressure for 15 minutes.  NO PEEKING or releasing the pressure for the entire duration. If this does not stop the bleeding, apply an ice bag (over a cloth, never in direct contact with the skin) for 15 minutes, then repeat the direct firm pressure over the wound for 15 minutes.  If bleeding continues, call the clinic.  If it is after hours, proceed to the ER.  

What to expect:  

 A small rim of redness around the wound is normal.  Minor itching may occur. Some pink or clear yellow drainage is normal.  

Mild discomfort is normal. Most patients do not require medication for pain.  Tylenol is a good first medication for pain, if needed.  Follow the dosing recommendations on the bottle. Please do not take Tylenol if you have liver disease or other reasons decided by your doctor.  Ibuprofen and aspirin can help with pain, but they increase the risk of bleeding.      

When to call the clinic:  

• Anytime you have concerns or questions
• If you experience signs of infection such as extending redness, increasing pain, drainage that turns milky yellow, or fever.